Just got my wetsuit today. First time ive owned one. (previously rented)
Got a great deal on a memorial day sale, so figured why not. Im about ~8-10lbs over my ideal race weight, but ill have that gone within the next 2-3 weeks easily (been playing a lot of hockey)
put the suit on and it feels really tight in the chest, also is kind of a PITA to zipper up (need to have my wife help me)
Its not uncomfortable or restricting really (a little tight in the chest) but not to the point where i would say i couldnt sit around in it if it wasnt 75 degrees in my house…
but not being able to zip it up on my own is a little concerning…
Did i size it right? I ordered a size 6 figuring i would go with my now weight instead of my i hope i can get there weight
My Stats:
5’5" tall
154 lbs
36 in chest measured at the nipple
Little bit of a mid section/big butt
Ah… Brings me back to a few years ago… Another reason why I have been wearing Tyr.
I found the Orca 3.8 to fit tight in the shoulders especially. For Orca I generally have gone by the rule of thumb and take their chart and add 10 lbs, or if you have muscular build, at all 15 lbs.
At 154 pounds I would have put you at 164 on their chart which is either the MT or right at the bottom end of the 7, which is probably the sizer I would go with for you in their suits.
On the shoulders, especially with the Orcas, I found I had to work them a bit. A lot of times you thing you have the shoulders set, but there is about another inch to inch and a half which can be gently pulled to set them better. Same for the upper back especially. If you have someone helping you, it can sometimes work where they run their hand in between the suit and back starting in the center and working to the side and as they move their hand to the side to help pull the suit towards the center.
I had to really work my shoulders, a lot, in both the 3.8 and the Alpha and if I was doing it by myself almost became a sweatfest. Even when I got the suit properly fitted (i.e. zipped up easily by myself) I still found the shoulders tight.
Your mileage may vary, but if you still have tightness in the shoulders, even after it zipped, then alternatives I found more roomy in the shoulders are the Tyr Hurricane and the Quintana Roo Superfull.
I have an orca sonar new this year - I am 5’9" 174 lbs and wear the 7. The very first time I tried it on it was a little tight around my spare tire but after doing 1-2 swims it is better. I am right in the middle of the height and weight range for orca. If it feels tight in the shoulders you need to position it higher on your thighs to start and then make sure you are pulling it up as high as it will go as you put your arms in. I really like the fit of mine but it does seem to loosen up.
That is a great point. Is it tight in the shoulders (pulling down) or tight in the shoulders (pulling across or compressed all around)
Some suits you have to work on clearing the quads and hips a little more, especially helpful when pulling the suit when it is just pulled up to the waist and you can pull it from the inside with it folded and get a hand inside as well to help smooth it up
I’ve raced in the Orca Sonar for 3 seasons and love it. I recently changed sizes after losing some weight. I’m 6’-0", and last season I weighed 172. I wore a size 7, but found that it was a little big in the chest. This season, I’m down to 164, so I switched to an MT. Definitely a struggle to get on, but well worth the effort. Once I’m in the water (and the suit can relax a little), it’s a perfect fit. With the size 7, I could feel water filling up in the chest and with the MT I don’t get that sensation. Definitely not restrictive in the shoulders.
Unfortunately, the best advice I would give is to try it in the water before deciding if it’s too small or not. The problem is that you can’t return it after it’s been wet.
My gut feel is that MT or size 7 would be too big.
i tried it on/ off 2 more times last night… i got more comfortable in it… its MUCH more flexible in teh armpits than the T1 Water Rover i rented for my last sprint tri…
I think im going to keep it… it will give me more motivation to drop these extra lbs… .and it should fit perfect.
I wouldn’t stay it uncomfortable really… just kind of tight… but i guess it should be…
