Okay, I am going to purchase a wetsuit this fall, and am looking at the Nineteen brand. I know Fleck posts on here frequently, and this is in fact, how I came to know of them. My question is, I did a forum search, and couldn’t find many posts of people OWNING them…but perhaps I simply used the wrong search criteria. SO, if those who own or have tried Nineteen wetsuits could come forward and lemme know your thoughts on this particular brand, that would be very helpful…I am also considering a Desoto T1…My problem is I have VERY broad shoulders and upper body mass…I look like, as more than one patient has suggested to me, I played linebacker in college. So fit has me a little concerned…anyone with any thoughts?
I have a earlier version of a HWY 19 suit. It is a sleeveless and fits great. I have a 46 inch chest and over 215, so probably the same build as you. I wear it for my warm water swims and no issues with chafing or binding. You probably cant /wont go wrong with a newer model.
I also had a T1 but was way to snug for my taste and wish they made one size larger for use broad shoulder folks
I have a similar build as you and OWN 2 of them. I think they are fantastic wetsuits that fit very well. I’ll probably buy a new one soon and it will more than likely be a nineteen.
I’m very happy with my Nineteen wetsuit. It’s a really smart design - fits ‘real’ people, not just the skinny, caved-in chest types. Before I bought it I also tried on Orca, Ironman, QR, and Xterra. Each has it’s own fit characteristic, but to me the QR and Nineteen fit my larger shoulders better. I love the idea of the 5mm legs, which only QR and 19 had.
That’s what I was hoping to hear…Thanks.
Thank you for your interest in the Nineteen line. We have had good success in fitting people like you, particularly with our Frequency model - due to it’s design, it’s very accomodating for those with wide shoulders.
You may have not seen the Nineteen brand around much, we are still fairly new to the U.S. market and are currently available in about 26 retail locations across the States. We have grown our sales significantly this year and we are hoping to do the same next year as we continue to expand the dealer base. We are the #1 Brand in Canada and out-number most other suits at a number of the big Canadian races ( IMC excluded) 2 to 1.
While I don’t own one yet, like you said, I like the fact that the Frequency is designed to fit people with real chest and shoulder sizes, not just pencil neck runner types (sorry Fleck, but it is Ironic that the man with the perpetual 3:0x IM run splits is now selling wetsuits…). I tried a demo model over IMLP weekend and liked it so much that I almost caved into using new equipment on race day, however, I stuck by, “Don’t try anything new on race week that you have not used”. While I felt that I would have had no issues with this brand new Nineteen Frequency suit, I felt it was better to stick with proven equipment.
However, I am looking forward to getting into one later this year and next season based on my test swims.
Actually, as I am new to tri’s still, I was looking at the entry level one to start with.
I use the “entry level” suit, the pipeline, full sleeve. Accommodates real shoulders well, and the thicker rubber is sure nice to have for flotation. Yes, it’s not quite as flexible as the thinner, but I’ve never ever felt constricted in any way or wished it was thinner. It works with no complaints from me, and feels great even after IM swims.
If there is one place to spend money in triathlon equipment it is to immediately go to nearly the top of the line model in wetsuits. Even if you are new in triathlon, I find the difference between the entry level and top of the line is dramatic, in most product lines and worth the difference in comfort.
Considering the amount people spend on bike gadgets the incremental upgrade to top of the line is nearly negligible compared to all the $$$ you will have spent on race entries, travel, hotels, bike, bike toys and nutrition during the life span of that wetsuit…much better spent dollars than even upgrading from Shimano 105 to Ultegra and nearly everyone is worring about Dura-ace and swimming in relatively poorly fitting and low end wetsuit models…
Dev
I’m probably built a little like you – ex-rugby player (13 years…and not one of the skinny fast positions, I’m a front-row), still carrying some of that up top. While I’ve dropped a lot of that rugby weight, I still look the meathead I am.
I wore a borrowed full sleeve Nineteen Tsunami (their mid-range suit) for IMLP this year, and test-swam in it a few times before. Before I did, I was also concerned with shoulder flexibility, given that I’m still fairly broad in the chest and shoulders and still wear a size 17.5" neck.
There were ZERO flexibility issues, my swimming was a lot more effortless than with my other cheapo wetsuit, and the suit felt like it was bespoke quality. It was actually a joy to swim in. Keep in mind, the Tsunami is their mid-range suit, I can only imagine what happens when one goes up a level to the Frequency.
Highly recommended. If you can test-swim in one, you should really try one.
Matt,
Thanks for the plug.
“Bespoke quality” I like that. I will have to try and encorporate that into the sales pitch. Alas, in the age of all-time casual clothing, I am sure that many would not know the meaning of the word bespoke and even fewer who would be able to have appreciated the quality and fit of a bespoke suit!
“Bespoke quality” I like that. I will have to try and encorporate that into the sales pitch. Alas, in the age of all-time casual clothing, I am sure that many would not know the meaning of the word bespoke and even fewer who would be able to have appreciated the quality and fit of a bespoke suit!
Can I get that at Banana Republic?
Steve
You might be surprised. Given the income of many triathletes, I suspect more than you might expect would be familiar with the term, if not the actual item.
Hmmm, wonder if your distribution could extend to Harry Rosen…
At IM LP my bride bought a top end suit from Steve - she is delighted with the fit and speed she now swims- Great service from Steve and she is very happy.