I need a wetsuit but I’m not sure what to look for and would really appreciate some advice. I’ll be doing a few triathlons this summer (one olympic, one sprint and a half), all in NE waters. I don’t like cold water much and the swim is not my strongest event (in case those factors matter). I just did an Olympic last weekend in a borrowed long-sleeved “4”, and it seemed pretty good.
I can only afford to buy one wetsuit, and will look for a used one. Here are my questions:
Should I buy a “3” or a “4”?
Are there particular brands that are much better than others?
Are there particular features I should look for (I’ve been advised to go long-sleeved)?
What is my size (I’m 6’, 180lbs)?
What else don’t I know that I should know?
This forum has been a huge help to me and I very much appreciate your thoughts.
Eric
If you want to buy used, check in with a shop close to you about buying one of their rentals.
Many shops will also let you use the price of a rental against the cost of purchasing a suit.
I bought a Nineteeen Pipeline (Medium-Large) from a local shop three years ago. I am 6’1.5" and at the time I was around 180lbs. Now I am done around the 170 range and it still fits well. Full suit, with arms.
I’m not sure what you mean by “3” and “4”. Are you talking about DeSoto wetsuit sizing?
He is my view (summarized). I tested a ridiculous number of suits. There are many great suits out there. Many advantages to each. None that I would criticize (for whatever that is worth). However, I ended up going with the DeSoto T1 First Wave. In my “testing” it was not the fatest, but it was very close. However, I did a series of 1500 meter swims and it was the only suit in which I experienced very little shoulder fatigue. Flexibility and body position were exceptional. Plus, for the same price as a one-piece suit, you get a two-piece, which allows you to wear the long-sleave top or go without and just use the bibjohns.
One comment on DeSoto Sizing. According to the DeSoto charts, I was in the size 5 range. However, size 5 was far too big. I went with a size 4 bibjohn and top, which fit me like a glove. I am 6’1" and 174 lbs. I have monkey arms, but, that was not an issue in the T1.
sounds like you may be referring to surf wetsuits which vary in thickness based on water temps.
swimming wetsuits are designed to make you buoyant and fast in the water, and will use a thicker (5mm) rubber on the front panel, but a more flexible (1.5mm) in the under arm for more range of motion.
going from a surf suit or no wetsuit to a Swimming one will make a huge difference. going from an entry level suit to high end does not make such a significant difference, so it depends on your budget and how serious you are about speed.
I would check out the 2XU comp2 suit which sells for $279. there are a few less expensive suits, but this has many of the same features as the high end suits in the way of buoyancy and flexibility, so is a lot of suit for the money. this will last a number of seasons without you “outgrowing” the technical aspects. plus its a fullsuit, which is the way to go in my opinion for both warmth and speed.
I would recommend the MS size for you to check out.
PM me if you have any questions I may be able to help with
enjoy
chris www.2XU.com
I second the advice to try to rent a suit to try it. My LBS just started a “rent before you buy” program with Nineteen. Seems like a great way to see if a suit really fits you.
I have a Nineteen Frequency and love it. Just did a 4500 meter swim in the pool (ugh) in the suit and had no shoulder fatigue. The new suits really have some great technology with varying thicknesses throughout the suit that really aid in flexibility.