New wetsuit - Yamato Neoprene Y38, 39 & 40?

Triathlon Forum
1

Hi

I’m looking for a new wetsuit and have found some wetsuits made in Yamato Y38, 39 and 40.
What’s the difference in theese materials ? Durability ? Flexibility ? Price ?

Thanks !

2

Flexibility & price increase as the number increases. Durability decreases as the number increases.

3

I have experienced that the more soft and flexible the neoprene is, the more fragile it is…if it’s a very soft, light & flexible wetsuit it is also very fragile - and therefore the durability is limited.
So Yamamto Y38 has a longer durability than Yamato 40, but has not the flexibility of Yamato 40 ??

But how big is the difference ? Can you feel the difference between Yamato 38 and Yamato 39 ? Between Yamato 38 and Yamato 40 ?

4

IMO, the best combo is 39 with 40 in high flex areas. All over 40 suits tend to be quite fragile, while I find 39 is suitably durable.

I have an older full 38 suit (my backup suit) and it is notably less flexible in the shoulders, less buoyant and harder to remove than newer suits.

5

i agree with what i’ve read so far.

i tried the Orca Alpha (i think that’s the name; its the high-end). its mostly 40 and its tissue paper. but soooooooper stretchy.
i tried the Synergie Hybrid. it uses really thin 39. it was great and pretty darn stretchy.
then i got a tip from Mr. Fleck and found a 2010 Nineteen online. its 39 from the chest down, and 40 around the carriage. it really seemed like a perfect blend.

and, no surprise, it was the mid-priced suit in these three suits.
i got a year end deal for $400ish.
Bonktown had some Alpha for $450ish.
they Synergies are available on their website as leftovers for ~$300.