I am totally lost and overwhelmed looking for an entry wetsuit. I would love to drop 600 on a top of the line Aquaman but I just don’t want to spend that kind of money. I’m 6’2 and 175 lb, a pretty good swimmer right now and trying to go faster and faster. I don’t have to go dirt cheap (sub $100), and I’m probably willing to pay 200-300 or maybe a little more. I’ve read the post on the “wetsuit test” in this forum, which was really helpful but just made me want to pay 500-600 and realistically I can’t allow myself to do that. If somebody would point me in the right direction, be it an online deal or local store (portland oregon), I would be very appreciative. Thanks.
I would recommend trying a couple suits to find the one you want and then try to find a deal. Just like the bike, find the wetsuit that fits you best.
I recently switched from a 2XU Comp 2 to a Zoot Synergy (Retail $400…found it online for $250 at Brand’s Cycle with their closeout items) the fit is 100% better in the same size as well as the flexibility. You probably can’t go wrong with the majority of the mid-level suits.
Probikekit had the Nineteen Frequency suits priced extremely well for a while ($275), but don’t know what they are currently.
I think it is hard to beat Quintana Roo Ultrafull provided it fits properly. I’ve never worn a high end suit, but QR works fine for me.
You can try DeSoto, the Black Pearl will run you about $400. There are some cheaper combo’s(Smart1) check the web site. Great wetsuits and customer service.
I second DeSoto’s suits. I have the Black Pearl bibjohn and both the long sleeve and sleeveless tops. Basically two wetsuits for the price of 1 1/2. As Longboarder said, you can’t beat DeSoto’s customer service either!
I like Zoot. It’s easy to find a Zoot Zenith for under $300.
I think you should get a high end closeout suit. Get a suit with full sleeves. Quality wetsuits make a big difference.
Use the sizing charts because they are good. I don’t think you need to run around trying on wetsuits, although others on here (Fleck) will tell you that fit is the most important thing.
And if you are crazy about keeping your wetsuit up, get a hangair on ebay.
If you like the idea of the DeSoto Black Pearl, I have an 07 pullover that I used for 1 race before I found a great deal on a First Wave pullover. It is a size 5, probably in your range. Then you just have to find some bibjohns. PM me if interested, I’ll shoot you a great deal in return.
You have a great wetsuit company right in Oregon. ProMotion. For between $200 and $300 you can get a suit from them that’s just as good as the more expensive ones from other brands. Plus they have a lifetime warranty on seams, and they do a lot of smart things like put colored trim on the suits so people can actually see you before they run you over with their boat.
Their website is www.wetsuit.com
where can I look for high end closeout suits?
Here are links to two of my favorite discount shops, maybe start there. Keep an eye on their offerings for a few weeks and you’ll definitely find a decent deal:
http://www.swimoutlet.com/Triathlon_Wetsuits_s/470.htm
http://www.tribuys.com/tri-gear-category/Swim/Wetsuits/Mens/5844
not sure if this will be useful to you or not, but you might consider it a good method for gaining more information on what works for you.
i used a 2xu SC:2 (farmer) from wetsuitrentals.com last weekend for the White Lake Half. cost me 40 bucks plus return shipping. they offered to sell it to me for $120 in addition to my rental fee and i strongly considered it, as, to my happy surprise, it fit like a glove, took minutes off my swim time, and was a cinch to get off in T1.
Retail is $250, as far as i can tell, and the suit was in near new condition.
was my first time using a swimming wetsuit but for $50 i now now have a solid idea of a brand and a size that work for me, plus i gained the option of a buying a suit at a great price.
thanks a lot everyone. i’ll keep watching for some good deals. i am now, less lost while looking for a wetsuit. although speaking of Lost, how about that finale last night? Awesome.