Last year I bought my first wet suit, a size 10 Orca sonar thinking that my weight has been stable for 10 years, so why not “splurge” a bit and go mid-level… The suit fit well in my opinion, but at the time there was definitely some pooling of water in the lower back. Well, over the winter, I decided to ditch the clydes category and drop 25lbs with another 10 to go, and a new wet suit isn’t exactly in the budget. I would have to sell the old one and would most likely end up with an entry level suit based off of whatever I make in the sale.
So, throwing it out to ST opinion…at what point should I consider the suit to be more of a hindrance on my race and consider selling it? I tried it on again today and noticed a bit of gap in the neck when my arms were extended, as well as a bit of bunching of material in the shoulder. I also realize that this is after the suit has sat for a winter, and hasn’t been stretched out by the first few swims of the season.
FWIW I am focusing on half and Olympic distance racing this year. I generally swim an endurance race pace of around 1:25/100. I’m 5’9, and when I bought the suit weighed 205, and now am at 180 (goal is 170).
If the general opinion is to go for a new suit, I’m open to offers on this one, great condition, no nicks.
With 25 lbs off, you have gone down a full size likely.
The suit will be a hinderance when it lets water in, chafes you, and generally does not perform as it should (which by the way you have described it, you are there).
A form fitting wetsuit will help provide you with warmth, buoyancy, and a hydrodynamic surface on the exterior. With an ill fitting wetsuit, you will not be receiving the benefits of the suit.
As everybody will tell you, fit is the most important part of a wetsuit purchase. This is true through and through. Wetsuits are designed to perform when they fit properly (see: tight).
From the sounds of it, you had a little bit of a fit issue previously with the “gap” in your lower back. This usually shows the suit is a little bit on the large side. A proper fitting suit will follow the contours of your body, including the curvature of your lower back.
You can find a lot of wetsuits out there in the entry level category with a great price point that will perform very well for you.
If you decide to take a look at a suit to replace your current rubber, I’d recommend taking a look at the Aqua Sphere Pursuit. This is an awesome suit in the entry level price point.
Recently Tom Demerly and the guys at TriSports reviewed the suit HERE.