What is the difference between a wetsuit company’s entry level suits vs. their top of the line suits? Is the rubber different? Are the top models more flexible? Thanks.
lots of debate here on this. yes, the suits are different. No, the $500 suit is not necessarily faster thatn the $200 suit.
do you here the ST theme song about to start playing - Fit is the most important thing.
Besides, what’s a couple of seconds on the swim portion count for anyway. I hear that the swim doesn’t really even count at all.
I just bought one yesterday. Several stores were having pretty good sales (20-25% off). I would suspect they might have some clearance sales of prior year’s inventory in a few weeks. For me it made a $400 suit, $300 (Quintana Roo Hydro Full).
The biggest difference I notice is the degree of flexibility I feel with a higher end suit. I think the Yamomota #39 is the high zoot stuff and has much greater pliability (is that a word?).
i can’t tell the difference but I like the shiny expensive stuff. it makes me superior to other people.
Generally the more expensive, the better. The rubber feel lighter, more flexibility, fits better and makes your legs float better.
I never had two wetsuits from the same company, but prefer my new Desota First Wave over my cheaper QR. The First Wave fits great. I have the bibs, the tops and the T1 vest. Only briefly swam in the wet suit due to warm lake temperature, but my feet float and I felt like I was gliding through the water. My arms felt free.
I was fit by wet suit “specialist” for my QR which has never fit. I tried several brands and was told the QR was for me. I think the Tri Shop wanted to get rid of the last years model and just told me the QR was the one. It was the least expensive so I took the “specialist” word. I am sure QR makes great wet suits, but their fit is not for me.
I gave Desota my measurements over the phone and the fit is great. I am almost 60 inches and can get by wearing Size 2 without really needing to cut the length.