I am looking at buying my first wetsuit. I have rented some one piece suits and always felt restricted as I have a long torso but short legs. Therefore I am leaning towards a T1.
The cost difference between the First Wave and Black Pearl is signficant. Is the FIrst Wave worth it? Or should I get the First Wave top and the Black Pearl bottom?
Don’t know of any suppliers around here that I can try it out and don’t want to order all 4 pieces and return what I don’t like. THanks
I also recently bought my first wetsuit, and I’ve trained/raced a few times in it.
I got the Black Pearl with vest top, and I am extremely happy with it. I feel absolutely no restriction of movement. The back zipper makes it really easy to get off quickly.
Can’t speak to the comparison with First Wave however…
You won’t really find any difference in speed, just a bit on the comfort side. If it’s about the money, then save the difference and go with the Black Pearl…By the way, good choice on the two piece, it is definately the right suit…
I have the older versions, if it’s the same rubber, which I believe it is, spend the money on the top. This is the advice I received from the owner himself. There is, in my opinion, a slight noticeable difference in the rubber, but not so much that it would hinder your performance. Or, look for a closeout deal and get the original T1 if you can find it in your size.
I was fortunate enough to do tests in both - your though of “Or should I get the First Wave top and the Black Pearl bottom?” is the right way to go - i noticed no difference in the bib’s but significant improvement in the flexibility of the tops
.
I got the nice upper and the cheaper lower. works great. Who cares about the lower?
They told me when I called that some people opt for the FW lower because it is more buoyant than the BP. On the other hand, as noted, the FW top is arguably more flexible than the BP top.
I’ve got a FW top, but am thinking of trying the BW vest – I don’t think they make a FW vest – because I still feel a little restricted on the shoulders. As is typical for me with all manner of clothing and footwear, I am on the cusp between two sizes, and the next size up in the top (in the tighter, less flexible BP) had a little too much room in some spots.
I know what you mean about sizing. I think all their sizing models are these young-guy, thin as a rail looking tri-prototypes. Guys with middle age proportions have trouble fitting a lot of stuff.
I’m not trying to bash Desoto at all as I love thier stuff and currently race in thier powershorts, but…
I have a longish torso and shorter legs and hated my experience with the older Tres suit. Couldn’t stand the damn thing. I’m in a QR superfull now and it’s awesome. It must have just been a bad match between me and the Desoto but give other suits some consideration as well. Try as many as you can till you find one your really really like. Good luck!
I also got the wave top and pearl bottom. I really like swimming in it. If you are worried by ordering it online read this. Just email that info to customer service and I bet they size you right the first try…
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=446538;search_string=emilio%20desoto;#446538
The graphics on the Black Perl are better. I love my T1, but I’m no fan of the HUGE “T1” on the chest…
Actually, the First Wave just has “first wave” in small white print on the front and a small T1 logo above the zipper. They don’t do the huge T1 logo on the front anymore. They said on their website that too many people didn’t like it. I agree that the even subtler Black Pearl is still better, but the First Wave logo is OK.
Yeah, I’ve seen it - and MUCH prefer the First Wave graphics to my T1. But the Black Perl is still way cooler. 