I have the opportunity to get a wicked deal through a local tri club on an Xterra vortex wetsuit. I’ve read a few reviews and one of the big question marks that seems to come up again and again is durability. Anyone have any positive/negative comments on theirs?
Also, according to their sizing chart I’m between Med-Lrg and Large. At 6’1" and 185 lbs when I enter in my numbers it says Med-Lrg, but I have a long torso and reasonably broad shoulders, so I followed the instructions and added 2 inches to my height which put me right on the brink of large, but THEN they say if you’re between sizes, size down for a more snug race fit or up a size if it is your first wetsuit. That last part seems a little ambiguous to me. I obviously don’t want a bunch of excess material but would also appreciate not being asphyxiated during the swim. Just wondering if anyone found themselves between sizes and which way did you end up going?
I have only had mine for a year…3 races last season and 2 this season so far, so I can’t speak long term durability, but it seams pretty tough if treated well. As far as size, I would go size down for tight fit. It is a very stretchy suit so even if it’s super tight you’ll be able to move in it just fine. Mine is very snug, but I’d honestly size down even tighter if I could do it again. I’m 6’2" and 190 lbs
Not much help as I have only had mine for 6 months but durability has been fine so far. Sizing was very true for me - I was right in the middle of a range, and it fits great. I absolutely love the suit.
I have had mine since 2004 and it has held up well. It’s a bit weather as any could expect to be, but it still works as good as it ever has. I’d definitely get another Xterra when the time comes.
I think they have a medium-long as well as a medium-large. I’m not well versed on how they all fit though.
I got my first Vector Pro in 2009 and it held up well over a year of racing. But the second year the seam at the left wrist came undone. No problemo, customer service at Xterra is top notch. They didn’t repair but rathe replaced the suit for free. I’ve now worn that suit two years and multiple races with no issue.
I have a sleeveless wetsuit from Xterra. I like it pretty well and used it in 3 races last year and many OWS practices. I didn’t have an issue with sizing. I was concerned because I am kind of tall for a chick (5’9"). I got a medium long and it is snug, but not to the point of uncomfortable.
I sounds close to you in size- 6’2 same weight, freakishly long torso. I went Med- large, and its fits great. I can’t really comment on durability, I have only raced in it once… it looks great, though!
Most people find the durability just fine on the Xterra wetsuits. I have 2 Xterra Vortex suites (short and long sleeve), and a friend of mine has a Vector Pro. All 3 of these suits have been delicate to say the least, and seem to nick and tear very easily. I baby mine, and it still gets holes in it. (Can’t vouch for my friend, but his is pretty ragged.) I’ve only every swam in these Xterra suits (besides a couple races in an Orca suit), so I’m by no means a wetsuit expert. I still think the Xterra is the best $100 wetsuit in the world.
I sized down for my purchase. I am a lot smaller than you though, but the extra tight fit was a much better option once in the water.
The rubber lasted well in my races last season and numerous ows. One zipper tooth broke though, but Xterra had me send it back and they sent a replacement. All is well again.
I went sleeveless due to fit concerns, but next time will buy sleeved for sure.
I’ve used mine in two races and am very delicate with it, but it seems to get cuts in the outer rubber by its own free will. Very annoying as I have to keep super glue handy. Otherwise it fits great and feels good. But I’ll probably get a TYR or Zoot or something when I finally get annoyed enough to replace the suit for its fragile-ness.
Buy both sizes. Swim in both, see which you like more, then return the one you don’t want. My original purchase was three wetsuits, comparing sizes and suits (The vector pro is absolutely worth the difference in cost, ~60, over the vortex, IMO).
I am very similar in body shape to you at 6’0 185lbs and broad shoulders, probably more average in torso/leg (32"inseam). I went with a Med-Lrg and it fits great, that being said the suit is plenty stretchy enough that it would accomodate for a longer torso. Only had mine since last spring, so I can’t comment on long term durability. I did manage to put a fingernail through the rubber (only a small puncture that sealed up with aquaseal), but that was more myself being careless than a problem with the suit.
but THEN they say if you’re between sizes, size down for a more snug race fit or up a size if it is your first wetsuit.
First - I have an Xterra and am happy with it. I’ve previously had an Orca, and was happy with that. I find the Xterra quality just as good. Second - don’t be fooled by the MSRP on Xterra’s wetsuits, pretty much any tri-site or tri-club has a coupon code for nearly 50% off at any given time. But still - at that reduced price, the prices are very good.
As far as the ambiguity of the statement, I am thinking, that since Xterra is exclusively mail-order, and that they pride themselves on customer satisfaction, they are looking to reduce the number of returned wetsuits. I believe that in order for a wetsuit to give the most advantage, it ought to feel rather snug - especially the first time it is put on - dry. All wetsuits loosen up a bit in water. But, I imagine, the shock of a properly fitting albeit extremely tight wetsuit scares a lot of people into returning it for a larger size.
Yet, if it is your first wetsuit, and you really have a problem with fear of asphyxiation, probably sizing up won’t bother you. You’ll still be warmer and faster in the wetsuit, and I’m pretty sure there won’t be that much excess material. (If you’re careful, you can trim excess material off the legs).
I did cut about 2 inches off the legs to get the thing off faster though because it was quite tight in the lower leg area (still within the seam patch area).
Can’t speak towards durability but in regard to sizing - I’m 6’ 170, a bit longer torso and broader shoulders than “average”. The medium vector pro fits very snug but in a good way, however any tighter and it would likely cause a little discomfort. I usually wear medium bottoms and in between medium and large tops, medium trisuits and bibs typically cause a little discomfort due to not being long enough in the torso, but not by any means unwearable. Also, the medium-long size has been discontinued by Xterra.
As an FYI, on their site they openly suggest that you buy multiple pairs and return the ones that don’t fit.
I’m 6’ and 178, with larger shoulders. I tried on a (now discontinued) Medium Long and a Medium Large. Didn’t notice much of a difference between either size, and the Vector Pro won out over the Vortex.
And yes, codes should normally give you between 50-60% off MSRP.
I’m 6’4" 185ish amd have a large Xterra. It fits snug on my shoulders, but comfortable. I’ve had mine for about 2 1/2 years. I wear it about 10 times a year in mostly ocean swims. I’ve made sure to rinse it with fresh water and store it in a dark climate controlled area. I think they make a great wetsuit for the money. I say go for it.
I had my Xterra for a year and was very careful with it but it got nicks and tears almost every time I put it on. I used gloves each time I put the WS on and still had issues.
Needless to say I replaced the Xterra with another manufacturer and have had ZERO issues! I would say find another suit and save yourself the stress.
I’ve had a Vortex 3 sleeveless for 3 years. I think it cost me ~$99, which you can’t beat. It has tore in a few spots, but I just applied wetsuit glue and have had no issues.