DeSoto T1 2006......opinions?

Triathlon Forum
1

I am looking to get a new fullsuit…I have never really been all that comfy in them…so after reading what Slowman had to say about them…I am going to look at them real hard…

2

I hate to be the first to chime in, but keep in mind one thing. You are welcome to form you own opinion about the T1.

T1 WETSUITS 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
De Soto Sport offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our wetsuits. If you are not satisfied with one of our wetsuits at the time you receive it, or if it does not perform to your satisfaction within the first 14 days of the purchase date, retur it for a refund.

In otherwords, try it. If you don’t think it is better than any other wetsuit, you can return it.

3

Any perceptable differences in the Black Pearl or First Wave?

4

Emilio,

Thanks for the reply…I have owned your products for years and have always been pleased…I will likely take you up on your offer…

thanks…

5

I love my T1. I got the pricier top and cheaper bottom to save a couple dollars - figuring the top flexibility and comfort was more important than the bottom. Works for me…

6

Why is one pricier than the other…is it the Yamamoto #38 vs. #39??

7

Yup - The quality of the rubber. It’s all on the website also http://www.t1wetsuits.com/

8

Was getting the pricier top worth the extra cash?..I agree on the bottom not as important…

9

Hard to say as I can’t compare. But, I’ve never had any neck irritations/hickies etc etc that people complain about, and the shoulder flexibility is excellent. Maybe it’s just as good with the other rubber, but I can’t say… If it won’t break you - spend the extra $ for the top of the line top.

10

I love my '04 or '03 T1. The new ones are even better. Because the top is so thin and it’s almost like a dry suit, I find that I’m comfy in a greater range of temperatures than those around me. I waas fine in the 58deg water at Santa Cruz, when most were complaining.

I had Tribodyboarder try one, he did NOT send it back. He loves it. I think he’s talked Longboarder into trying one.

11

Emillio,

Will the 2007 T1 FW suits have any new design features, or will it be the same as 2006 model?

12

Ahhh, but the bottom is as important. There is a reason the First Wave is pricier…both Pullover and Bibjohn. Yes, the First Wave Pullover is more flexible than the Black Pearl Pullover. But the First Wave Bibjohn is also more buoyant than the Black Pearl Bibjohhn, and the most important place to have buoyancy is in the hips and legs.

Let me pose it one other way for you though. The Black Pearl (Pullover and Bibjohn combo), which costs $330.00, is every bit as good or better, more flexible, more buoyant, more durable, and more comfortable than any other wetsuit brand priced over $400.00…and we guarantee it or your money back.

The Black Pearl is far from being an entry level wetsuit.

13

Excellent point…

14

My T1 is the most comfortable suit I’ve ever worn. Having the 2 seperate pieces eliminates that tightness you feel in all other suits, when you reach the suit goes with you. I recommend it, plus Emilio will take care of your service questions promptly and fairly. Mine ripped in the strap on the bibs this year, and Emilio is taking care of it right away and on his dime. (we’ll as soon as I get around to sending it back to you emilio, thanks!)

Only negative in my view is the top (longsleeve) seems to have too much material in the shoulders. Mine’s about a 2003 and 2004 model. Maybe my fit is just not quite right either. And maybe the new models have been updated, any thoughts on that Emilio?

It’s as quick as any other wetsuit to get off if not easier. Also the low neckline with no zipper on the neck rocks, no wetsuit hickies.

I will keep wearing mine and pick up a sleeveless this year.

I’ve worn, Ironman sleeveless (good suit) and Orca plex (didn’t like at all) so those are my comparisons.

Mark

15

The 2007 Models have some improvements over 2006. Subtle things like:

  1. the nylon/lycra lining material inside the suits is more flexible, less absorbant, and even less abrasive.

  2. new panel fusing method (basically it is a stronger vulcanizing glue)

  3. new blindstitch thread that has a high tensile strength.

The 2007 models are available now.

16

I love my T1. Wore it at IMFL last year and the only race I needed it for (live in TX) was Ironstar last weekend. Put it on and felt fantastic. I was not a long sleeve full fan, but the two piece just really works for me on comfort.

17

In 2006 we introduced the New BIO-STROKE design that puts your arms into a forward rotated shoulder position for a more efficient swim stroke. LIke a mummy walking.

With the addition of our special zippers we were able to taper the shoulders a bit too, but if your is really loose, you are probably in a size that is one-size too big for you.

Only negative in my view is the top (longsleeve) seems to have too much material in the shoulders. Mine’s about a 2003 and 2004 model. Maybe my fit is just not quite right either. And maybe the new models have been updated, any thoughts on that Emilio?

Mark

18

Love my '06 Firstwave T1. Love it. Take Emilio up on his “don’t like it return it” offer. He’ll sell you a suit that will never be returned to him and you’ll be very, very happy. And no, I don’t work for the guy - just really happy with all the DeSoto stuff I’ve ever bought.

19

I am convinced…I will give it a try…

20

Emilio, any thoughts on the leg length? I have an aquaman now, and I love the fact that the legs are cut up some so it is super easy to get out of in T1.

Dave