I looked for my other review of a suit and couldn’t find it. I’m not sure why it was zapped it wasn’t controversial. Just a review that was 100% accurate and I’m sure beneficial to anyone considering these suits. I’ve since tried the 2XU and hence the post.
Size info.: I’m 5’9", 155 lbs., broad shoulders (wear a size 44 tailored suit jacket). So take that for granted cuzz some suits may fit different body sizes differently.
My first suit was the Orca pro killa. Loved the material. Was super smooth and a super fit when putting it on in front of the mirror. I was really really impressed with the fabric. But wouldn’t wear it in anything over a oly because it more than likely wouldn’t breath well.
In the pool: The suit did not perform all that well for me. The suit tended to gap at the back of my neck and allow water to pool down the back. I could constantly fill watter running in and pouching. Also I tended to get a gap under my right arm where the suit failed to seal as well. I could adjust the suit and correct the seal under the arm but could never correct the seal on the neck. Also after completing one pool swim I noticed while showering and cleaning the suit in the shower that the seam on the lower back had seperated. It’s not sewn but rather glued and apparently heat treated to seal. There was about a 1 inch gap that had seperated so this may have or may not have had anything to do with the poor performance (MO) of the suit.
My second suit the 2XU super elite: Upon initial inspection I was not as impressed with the material as I was upon initially inspecting the Orca. The 2XU fit really nicely in front of the mirror. I would be more apt to wear the 2XU suit however in a 1/2 or shorter. The material appears as though it would breath a little more readily. The orca material is more of a non-breathing shed water type material.
In the pool: The 2XU blew the Orca out of the water. There was actually no comparison. Even though there’s very little material there I could feel the bouyancy of the 2XU suit. It’s there and noticeable. All seams around the neck and arms stayed sealed not allowing any inflow of water. My only complaint of the suit would be that it tends to bunch a little on top of the shoulders which might influence water flow. But the suit definitely does what it is billed to do. I was skeptical of the bouyant properties of the suit but it’s there. I loved the suit and would suggest it for anyone considering it. It’s worth the price of admission. Nice work 2XU.
Do you have any feeling as to which of the two suits is easier to remove over the ankles? I am in the market for a new wetsuit and the two areas that I want addressed are freedom of movement through the shoulders, and ease of removal over my knobby ankles.
Thanks for the review. I’ve been an orca wearer for a long time but I’ve been thinking of making the switch to 2xu (their size chart looks like their suit will fit me better) and it’s nice to hear how the 2 compare. If any one else has made the switch I’d love to read more reviews.
kelli
I purchased a 2XU male medium - 32-34. My waist is more like a 31-32. But the small ran 30-32 so i was skeptical of the small. The suit fit well. But not as well as the Orca fit. But given the performance I’ll live with the fit.
i love my orca killa… it’s very fast in the pool as well. it seals great. seems the other review, it was not fitting correctly and/or wrong size. im size small mens, 5’10, 155lbs.
I just tried the 2XU Super Elite in the pool yesterday and completely agree with you. It’s not the “holy shit this is fast” like the first time a non-swimmer like me uses a wet suit, but it makes a noticeable difference.
One question, how do you deal with the zipper? Putting it on I can pull the shoulders up high enough to reach back and grab the tab, but pulling it down was a real bitch. I should have waited until I got into the locker room before pulling the top down, but I’m sure I provided some amusement to the lifeguard’s day. I’d like to be able to pull the top down on the run in hot races, but I’d probably waste a minute getting the zipper down. I thought about putting a hole in the zipper tab and running a string, but the tab is rubber and I can see myself jerking the tab apart.
Hamner
Great to hear about how well the suit works for you.
On the zipper, it is a locking zipper, so if you just flip it up, the 2 sides will easily pull apart and you will be able to take the top down without looking like a monkey. once it is flipped, try rounding your shoulders forward to help initiate the unzipping.
hope this helps
chris www.2XU.com
I agree, great fabric, great fitting suit and feels great in the water. Ive only done a sprint in it but it was very comfortable to bike and run in. I wouldnt hesitate to use it in any race up to a HIM.
definitely agree on lovin the 2XU suit. I’m thinking this is by far the nicest tri suit I’ve ever worn as far as skin tight fit, freedom of movement and water speed. Can’t say I can tell any difference floatation wise but then I’ve only worn it in pretty inconsistant ocean settings and I have had some pretty good swim times in it…
zipper, like Chris said, just flip it up and pull apart… zipping it up takes a bit of acrobatic work but personally I can manage now with only a few minutes of looking like an idiot;)
yes, we are coming out with a completely fusion welded suit to use just for the swim portion. We are only getting 100 of them for hawaii.
We just received a sample here, and had MJ test it out. she was blown away to say the least.
they will go for around $325. if they arrive in time, we will have a few key dealers pre-order them, otherwise, they may have to go straight to kona.
pictures and more info to come soon
thanks
Chris www.2xu.com