anyone have any advice on where to start as far as getting a wetsuit? i’m a smaller guy…5’5" and 129lbs…skinny build, but trying to turn it into a more fit build!
thanks!
still looking…seems like i’m just not supposed to be this skinny for my height… 
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Ha, you are a giant! I am 5’1, 130 lbs and muscular, a bit opposite build wise, but while I have yet to swim in my new synergy wetsuit for more than a few minutes, I think they are worth taking a look at. Blue 70 also has shorter men in mind in its sizing chart but I found their chart to be way off and had to return my suit as it was way too tight around the chest (may be good for you)
We sell surfing wetsuits that would fit you, but I’m assuming you’re looking for a tri suit.
http://www.ebodyboarding.com/Wetstuff/Fullsuits
We offer a Slowtwitch discount by entering the code “slowtwitch” at checkout.
I have fit a few guys like you with the DeSoto two piece, and it is a perfect fit. You would most likley be a size 2 in both top and bottom, but if you are larger on top, then maybe a 3 top with 2 bottom…Check it out, remember you have a money back guarntee on all his suits if they do not meet your needs…
Look at the Xterra Suits, specifically the women’s sizes. The Vendetta is very flexible, so you’d want to ‘size down’. The Vector 2 and Vortex are not quite as flexible, but are very good.
I am 5’9", 142ish and am in a Vendetta WMS. I bet a WS Vector 2 or Vortex would work well for you. But, call or email them to check. You can also usually find some good deals by going direct online.
Look at the Xterra Suits, specifically the women’s sizes. The Vendetta is very flexible, so you’d want to ‘size down’. The Vector 2 and Vortex are not quite as flexible, but are very good.
I am 5’9", 142ish and am in a Vendetta WMS. I bet a WS Vector 2 or Vortex would work well for you. But, call or email them to check. You can also usually find some good deals by going direct online.
Would a womens suit fit right? I would assume they’d be cut different in the chest, hips, crotch…maybe even slightly different leg/torso length proportions. No?
The Blue Seventy mens suits might actually fit me! Though…I might also be between sizes, looking at their chart. And the DeSoto two piece should fit as well. Are two pieces inferior to one-piece suits?
They are cut a little different, but you’d just have to try them on to see how they fit. I can fit pretty well in either a WMS or a MXS. I find that wetsuits should fit almost ‘uncomfortably tight’ when out of the water.
The main difference that I have seen in some women’s vs. men’s suits are the color schemes (not on Xterra) and the fact that like Aquaman/Profile used to be, some of the women’s suits have ‘boobs’ in them. The color scheme is the same for Xterra for men and women and the front panels are ‘flat’ on both of them.
You will note that Tex is sponsored by Xterra so, while Xterra may be the best suit for you, take his advice with a grain of salt. As for the 2 piece idea, I swam in DeSoto (comfortably) up until last year when after an off season of monster gym time I couldnt fit up top in the suit without being too constricted to breathe, but 2 pieces are by no means inferior. I borrowed a woman’s suit from a friend last year and found it to be comfortable though a wee bit off in the hips, (was a 2xu) and just bought a synergy for myself a few weeks ago. It is hard to find a place to try these on so I have bought from trisports.com based on their return policy and thankfully too as the helix I bought in october was just too tight on my chest. And finally, in full disclosure, I am a relatively new swimmer and not at all a good one at that.
First time I read this I though it said wetsuit for the little guy 
jaretj
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Yes sponsored, but having worn just about every brand of suit (except the old IM and now Blue Seventy) and having raced for 20 years…I would like to think that it’s worth a little more than a grain of salt.
The Zoot synergy runs a close 2nd to the Xterra suits that I have worn. Beyond that, for me, it’s a distant 3rd to the next suit.
My main point was that for small people, it can be tough to find suits. For guys who are close to the XS size, it can be beneficial to look to women’s sizing.
I’m 5’5", 130ish, and found that an Orca Sonar fits me well (can’t remember which size). Conveniently enough, the local shop rented Orcas, so I was able to get in a race and try out the sizing before I bought. FWIW, my wetsuit for scuba diving is a kids size 16 (Henderson).
DeSoto two piece should fit as well. Are two pieces inferior to one-piece suits?
NO!
I would go with what monty posted.
You can go custom, and the price is not too expensive. I ordered mine at Shiromoto for about $600, and I like it a lot.
http://www.shiromoto.info/jp/item1.html
He is a former triathlete and a well-respected person in the business community here in Japan. There are many parameters to set when you place an order that ensure proper fit. Furthermore, his suit comes with warranty for two years, which is the longest in the industry, I believe.
http://www.shiromoto.info/jp/item1-3.html
I think nothing beats a wetsuit that is measured to your particular needs and specifics. Sure, bigger companies claim that they have superior technology, but they all use Yamamoto skin, and a wetsuit that has best technology would be worthless if it does not fit you properly.
I was pleasantly surprised by receiving a phone call from him personally after I got his suit. He wants to make sure that his products satisfy his customers. This sort of personal care is rare.
Ask Fleck. He should be able to help you out.
well, i’m gonna try the xterra suits!!! their sizing chart looks very promising in fitting me…the suits seem to be reviewed very very well…and they have a great return policy to find the right size for me!
Turq and the guys at xterra seem absolutely first rate!!!