I need to buy a new wetsuit this winter. I currently have a 2014 (I think) Orca Sonar. I need something with a lot of leg buoyancy as I’m rubbish. Flexibility around the neck and shoulders as I suffer pain in general in that area and tight suit there brings on pain.
You should look into Xterra’s wetsuits. They’re plenty buoyant where you need it. Lots of my Tri Club friends, male and female, love them and they’re having a great sale now. Good luck.
Used a Orca Sonar for about 3 yrs / 250 km and liked it, started getting a little rough on the surface in the shoulder area but that was that.
Got a Roka Maverick Elite after that, got replaced after 60 km cause the seals of the chest pattern didn’t hold.
Roka Maverick Elite II after that, got 170km on it, got parts around the arm pits were there is no rubber anymore, some small cuts were the parts are sealed together, mostly from arm to chest area.
For buoyancy and speed nothing beat Roka Maverick Pro so far, but it’s crazy fragile that’s why I keep it for racing, love that suit.
The little mileage for the Roka in mind I would get one when they are on sale.
Hmm Roka fragility puts me off a little. Half tempted to go with Orca again, but I find it a little tight in the shoulders (that said I think I should have got an S not XS - but the guy in the shop was insistent on getting me into the smallest size possible).
Well I can attest to the Roka fragility - Im really careful with my gear and Im now on my third Roka Maverick. That being said, their customer service is second to none and they will replace a suit if its defective very quickly. Ive had a chance to try a Huub Agilis recently and thought it provided a lot of what you are looking for - good hip buoyancy (better than the maverick in my opinion) and the shoulder and neck flexibility is really excellent and…erm… it just so happens I have one for sale in the Classified section Seriously though - if you are close to some dealers (Huub or otherwise) and can get a chance to try on a suit or two it would definately be worth while.
3 years of racing on my Roka Maverick sleeveless (think is a Comp- it wasn’t expensive). Its holding up like a champ, and I am not that precious with it.
I just got a new blue seventy Helix and am blown away at how much more flexible it is then my 4 year old Helix. At least try it on if you can, its amazing. I keep staring at it trying to figure out what they updated. Wow.
I always wore 2XU because they offered a medium solid and I needed the upper body room. Even with that I preferred a sleeveless for less tightness in the shoulders. Just purchased a Desoto T1 top and it is by far the most flexible and comfortable upper I’ve ever worn. Pairing it with Lava shorts but next season may get the T1 Bibjohn.
I have the kiwami wetsuit. Prefer it to a roka maverick x but I thought the blueseventy helix was a tad better. Way cheaper than either of those if I remember right
I actually have a Huub and a Roka suit and both are great. I personally found the HUUB to fit me better and be more comfortable in general. However, the Roka has been slightly more durable for me due to how the seems around the hips are stitched. Personally I feel like the Huub is more of a swimmers wetsuit where the Roka is more of a tri wetsuit due to the buoyancy factor and design. I am a decent swimmer so prefer Huub as it feels more natural to me. Really cant go wrong with either brand though as they are both excellent.
De Soto. Yes, they’re weird. I was a hardcore skeptic as of 1 month ago. I have been converted. If you’re especially concerned about neck/shoulder mobility, De Soto is the way to go. Hands down.
Well I can attest to the Roka fragility - Im really careful with my gear and Im now on my third Roka Maverick. That being said, their customer service is second to none
I thought that too (re: Roka CS), until Emilio De Soto one-upped Roka’s CS team. De Soto shipped out multiple suits to try, at no cost. Said “ship one back” haha. Roka does have awesome CS, too, no doubt.
I ended up getting the new entry level Roka Maverick in an S (previously had Orca Sonar XS).
I ordered the Huub Alta in an S, and it fitted great around the chest, but was way too big in the shoulders and arm girth. I didn’t order the XS to try as I figured to make it small enough in the arms, it would shrink way too much in the chest to be comfortable.
I wish triathlon brands would realise that some women have boobs to accommodate!!!
I tried the two piece Desoto full sleeve wetsuit and returned it. I found the shoulder area too restrictive, despite the two piece design. I now use a Roka Maverick Pro full sleeve, and it’s pretty awesome in terms of shoulder mobility.
I have had multiple DeSoto T1’s over the years. Nothing beats the fit and tech. I wear a size 3 top and a 4 bottom. This way I get the ultimate fit and flexibility. Durability is also great. Fastest suit out there, and terrific service, should there be a need.
I have had multiple DeSoto T1’s over the years. Nothing beats the fit and tech. I wear a size 3 top and a 4 bottom. This way I get the ultimate fit and flexibility. Durability is also great. Fastest suit out there, and terrific service, should there be a need.
I have had multiple DeSoto T1’s over the years. Nothing beats the fit and tech. I wear a size 3 top and a 4 bottom. This way I get the ultimate fit and flexibility. Durability is also great. Fastest suit out there, and terrific service, should there be a need.
Agreed 100%. I sent @emilio a picture and he recommended the sizing for top and bottom. It is perfect and the best wetsuit I have worn. I will never go back to a 1 piece after having this 2 piece.
My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
John
Seriously though - if you are close to some dealers (Huub or otherwise) and can get a chance to try on a suit or two it would definately be worth while.