I am planning to do my first Ironman in 2015 so I am in the market for a new wetsuit. I have been using my ± 10-year-old, almost indestructible, Ironman wetsuit that did the trick for the sporadic short distance tri’s I’ve been doing, but it’s not in good enough shape for another season / Ironman swim.
I am looking to score a great deal on a mid to high-end wetsuit, at a good discount. I went to a distributor warehouse sale the other day and tried on a great 2013 Zoot Force 5.0 that was on sale for 50% off but it was just to small me. Needless to say, I am quite the wetsuit Noob – all I want out of a wetsuit is flexible shoulders & a good fit, I am not brand sensitive but would love to get a great quality suit.
What is generally speaking the best time to buy a wetsuit? Are there any brands / stores known for great black Friday / winter sales?
I signed up for the Xterra newsletter and they have been quite aggressive with discounts over past weeks. Seems like you can buy their Vector Pro full wetsuit that is normally listed for $600 for ± $300 right now – I have no experience with the brand / this particular wetsuit – does anyone have it? Do you like it?
Are there any other brands / stores I should keep an eye on for the coming weeks? In your experience – what is the best time to buy a wetsuit? Are the deals the sweetest during black Friday / the holiday season? Or is it worth waiting for January / February to find better deals?
Thanks for your help / insights in advanced - they will be greatly appreciated!
I just ordered a Xterra Vector suit for $160, versus the ‘list’ price of $400. Living in FL I haven’t done too many wetsuit races in the past, but plan to do some more next year. Rented them in the past, but at $50-$70 for short-term rentals, buying one makes more sense, plus it will help extend my OW training season.
There always seems to be wetsuit sales going on. I seem to get bombarded with online offers all the time. Our tri club also gets discount offers for members on a regular basis.
Just guessing, but since it’s the end of the tri season for most folks, I would think it would be a good time to be in the market.
If brand is not important, try Promotion. http://site.wetsuit.com/New_Triathlon_Wetsuits.html I’ve had two of these and the quality of the suits and the customer service is outstanding. They are also a lot cheaper than the big brands.
I would consider buying local in addition to the internet. It is all about timing and geography. I bought my wetsuit about 2 years ago I purchased it in January at a LTS. I got a Blue Seventy Helix full suit for $400 (retail $700). Wetsuit sales here in Chicago are not at their peak in mid-January. Not many people crazy enough to be using them that time of year here
if you are paying over $200 for a wetsuit, lol. xterra’s 159$ suit is good enough. Currently they have a deal 199 for dry bag and suit. all other decent brands come in within same price - aquasphere, desoto, roka
I highly recommend the DeSoto, I have the speed tube as I rarely race when the water is cold enough for a full suit. The speed tube gives me enough added benefit of the buoyancy in my legs and when I want I can throw on the speed vest for those cooler races. It’s also fast in T1. There are a lot of great price points too with DeSoto so its worth checking it out.
**all I want out of a wetsuit is flexible shoulders & a good fit, I am not brand sensitive but would love to get a great quality suit. **
Don’t shop for “wetsuit deals” - shop for the suit that fits you the best!
When I go to a big triathlon and walk around at the swim start, it’s apparent that too many people have been shopping for “wetsuit deals” and not enough for the best fitting suit.
Where do you live, and what is your timeline on this project?
There are so many great suits w varying features and prices, pretty soon it all sounds the same.
I am happy to help you negotiate your way thru the maze if you want to email me at concierge@slowtwitch.com
Best,
KS
I’ll be looking to buy during Jan, will be looking for something with a lot of leg buoyancy to help counter my terrible technique (I know, I know - do more drills!)
.
Noted that you need leg buoyancy… you still have time to work on those stroke mechanics… though.
Questions:
Which IM are you doing (date?)
Noticed you are in USVI, do you plan a trip stateside any time soon? So much easier to buy a suit when you can try on a couple.
Ht, wt, and general build?
Size of tri clothing you wear?
What size and style, and model name is (was?) your old IM wetsuit?
Budget?
KS
if you are paying over $200 for a wetsuit, lol. xterra’s 159$ suit is good enough. Currently they have a deal 199 for dry bag and suit. all other decent brands come in within same price - aquasphere, desoto, roka
zoot and 2xu suits get destroyed easily.
If you have the funds $400 for a brand new Helix is a steal!
My apologies for the multiple posts, I am new here and still figuring out how it works lol.
I will definitely have a look at the DeSoto and Helix wetsuits.
Thank you very much for offering your help Karen! I am registered for Ironman Mont Tremblant, both the half and the full. I live in Toronto, but travel to NYC and Chicago fairly regularly - are there any shops you can recommend? I am 6’2, between 190 and 180 pounds, fairly broad shoulders and large quads. I normally wear a M or L in tri clothing depending on the brand. Based upon the sizing charts I looked at for the xterra wetsuit I am between a medium long and a L - but probably a L, haven’t looked at the sizing charts from other brands yet. The old Ironman suit is a size 5, not sure what model it is - it has blue arm pits and the chest says triathlon and has a WTC trademark from 1999.
I am looking to spend between $200 and $400 and am ultimately looking for a comfortable, durable wetsuit. I would consider something local, and would love to be able to try it on before I buy - or be able to return to an online shop to change size without issues.
As for leg buoyancy, i definitely need that! I hardly use my legs while swimming.
Did you try on the Zoot Z force 5 at DuTri and Run in Mississauga?
They are having their grand opening sale this weekend, and have a size ML of that suit on special.
I thought that would be a great suit for you given the buoyancy and your described proportions.
Best,
KS
Check out wetsuitrental.com as they usually have good deals on used stock and some good deals on some unused stuff too it looks like. I rented a few from them and then eventually purchased one from them. Top notch group and customer service.
Although I just looked again at their site and don’t see any DeSoto options on there any longer, which is my preferred suit.
