Hmmm, but it’s ok for every newbie to throw out a review of a bike on here with no real comparison?
Ok, roka is getting a lot of attention right now, but that’s only because they came out with a product that has a “wow” factor.
Wetsuits have been stale for a long time now. It’s been Blueseventy helix versus everyone else. No one has been close.
Roka wetsuits are that much different. There is a “Wow” to it.
That being said, the maverick pro doesn’t work fo me…yet. I’m waiting for the next generation with the neck update.
Not sponsored by roka nor anyone else for that matter. I just like wetsuits and speed suits, and roka and Huub show the most interest in exploring new designs.
Not sure I can agree with you here. I know… Shocker.
The Tyr Hurricane Cat 5 and Freak of Nature are more than close to the Helix and the the FON by far exceeds.
Haven’t tried the Roka, but definitely would love to give it a whirl. I have used the Huub Archimedes 3:5 and love it as well, just still trying to figure out the proper sizing since I am right in between.
Wetsuits tend to be a “fit preference”. When I looked at suits a few years ago, I really checked out the Orca Alpha, the Orca 3.8, The Tyr Hurricane Cat 3 and 5, and the Blue Seventy Helix. Loved the Alpha for flexibility, but the Orca 3.8 and the Blue Seventy fit me like crap. Before that, the Zoot Superfull was the most comfortable suit I had worn.
The Tyr still remains the best fitting suit for me, and the fastest as well, but I don’t like their long term quality issues, and I think a suit really should last more than a couple of seasons. I don’t think the Freak would ever be on my list, though the Yamamoto 40 all around has got to be one of the least restrictive suits out there. Really not in my price range, and given how the Cat 5 wears, the durability would be a big concern.
The Huub Archimedes and Roka Maverick both appear to offer more buoyant legs to provide even more alignment compensation, which definitely sets them apart. The Blue Seventy and Orca Alpha, at least in my opinion, really target strong swimmers with good body position, the Tyr and others offer a best of both worlds, and what I like about the Huub, is they take the same basic suit and provide the option of even distribution or one giving more lift to the legs…
Have not seen or tried the Orca RS1 Predator, but the Yamamoto 44 is sick in terms of flexibility. Hell. In terms of weight and flexibility, the RS1 probably makes the Helix feel like swimming in a 90s surfing wetsuit from Oneill.
But to say it has been the Helix versus everyone else and no one has been close? Maybe when the Helix first came out, but others have caught up or passed