Looking for advice on a tri suit. My basic philosophy is that fit is more important than fancy features, my problem is that there are no tri shops where I live (Boise) so trying them on is not an option. Basically, it seems like manufacturers have to pick the body type they want to hit (except QR with their wetsuits they seem to have a size for everyone). In my case, I’m more of the short, stocky build than the tall lanky build (I’m 5’7", 160 lbs). I believe the technical term is mesomorph. Anyway, in looking at the size charts on various manufacturers and retailers websites (which of course provide conflicting data in some cases), I’ve arrived at the following preliminary conclusions: Cervelo - tall lanky sizing Zoot - mid-point, could maybe accomodate short and stocky Orca - short stocky sizing TYR - short stocky sizing Louis Garneau - tall lanky De Soto - really tall and lanky So, that leaves me with Orca, TYR and maybe Zoot, all of which can be had for roughly the same price. Do any the folks out here with more of a shorter stockier build have experience with any of these brands? Do you agree with my preliminary conclusions? What brand(s) would you recommend? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
I’m 5’11", 175-185 pounds. I also have a relatively larger neck than most people my size, a leftover from my wrestling days. When I was trying on wetsuits a few years ago, the only brand that I could try on and fit well around my neck was an Orca. It fit pretty well otherwise too. I kept falling in between in QRs, and Ironmans fit well in the body, but too tight in the neck. I can’t really comment on the others, but I’ve been happy with my Orca.
my husband is 5’10’ approx 190 – he had an Aquaman wetsuit and is happy with it – for under it he wears the De Soto Skinsuit (older version) never had any complaints on it – hope this helps
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I would recommend the zoot, orca seemed a little tight for the same relative size tri suit. Haven’t tried on tyr.
come on people, he’s looking for tri suits not wetsuits:) Hey big guy, I’m a pretty skinny guy at 5’10" but I see a lot of bigger guys doing very well in Desoto and Zoot. If you have big legs watch the TYR as thier silicone gripper is pretty tight. Another good one to watch is Speedo, damn expensive for thier fastskin stuff but fits you mesomorphs pretty well and looks MEAN as well. Oh, and the sizing charts, don’t even bother with them. I sell this stuff and the sizing is usually all over the place. Some brands are even different from one color to the next (not joking). Gotta try it on.
I disagree on the de Soto. I’m not really bulky, but I’m 5’11" and 178-180. I have a fairly deep chest and large lats, and have no problems with mine. I have a T1 top and TRES bottom. I had the legs shortened a little. I could probably stand to take and inch or so off of the sleeves. The beauty of the DSS suits is that you can mix and match the tops and bottoms.
71 inches, 185. Ok, 187 recently. But, the Desoto mix and match sure worked for me. I had to get a bigger top than they guessed at the Desoto shop, but, they swapped it with no questions.
5’10", 210lbs.
Sugoi XL
you’d fit well into their M or L size, check the website for details, but i’ve been SUPER happy with their products to date 
Ditto. I had to get the 5 top. It felt too tight, but it pops off. I weighed 188 when I got it (5’11".) It still fits great.
I haven’t tried too many, but I have the TYR tri-suit and I think it seems to fit alright. I am almost exactly your build, 5’7 and 160-165 (depending on if I’ve gone to the bathroom or not) I think I like my TYR. If tri-suit fitting is a problem though, I would probably recommend that you get a two piece set up. The reason being is that you can individually pick each piece and probably get an all around better fit. For IM, I like the two piece better anyway in case I have to use the restroom. For shorter stuff though, my TYR fits pretty well. I have a Sugoi top and I love it but not sure about their sizing for their one-pieces. Good luck.
Sorry, don’t know why I read wetsuit when you clearly said trisuit. I would second the two piece. I tried on a whole bunch of one piece trisuits and they just didn’t fit. Often, the size I need for my body’s thickness was too long for me, and didn’t provide enough ‘ahem’ support. The easy access for the bathroom with two pieces is also a big plus.
OffCamber,
I’ve had the same problem in the past. One thing to note… I’m likely built a lot like you (5’10" 168) and being a former hockey player, I carry around a set of “daddy quads”… I disagree with your assessment of the Louis Garneau. had success with the LG suit because of the short inseam. I haven’t had as much success with some of the brands that have more of a “compression” leg (8-9 inch). It just seems that in the size that’s more appropriate (like a Medium) has super tight legs.
There are a number of suits that have this short inseam. Like: LG, Zoot, Orca, Speedo etc.
Hi all,
Just wanted to say thanks for all the great responses - very helpful. This was my first post on this board, and I have to say I was pretty amazed at the thoughtful comments.
Thanks again -