Anyone close to my size please respond with the brand and size of wetsuit that you have. Comfort is my priority so I don’t care if it is a $200 suit or a $500 suit, I want whatever fits me best.
I am 6’3". 190 lbs. My arms/chest/shoulders are bigger than the average triathlete. (Trying to get them smaller but that is hard to do!) I recently ordered the 2XU Elite and it was a large/tall. While it seems like a very nice suit it did not fit me well at all. It was WAY too tight around the chest and shoulders and constricted my stroke badly.
If your over 6’0" and are at least 180 lbs. , what are you using? Particularly those who have bigger chest/arms/shoulders. Obviously I need something that isn’t making me feel like my stroke is being restricted.
Time is a bit of an issue so I am trying to save a little of it by trying recommendations of those who are close to my size and are happy with what they have.
BTW- I read the “wetsuit for bigger people” thread I was hoping to get a little more feedback from people close to my size.
Hey Clayton. I am 6’2", 185lbs. Have an Orca Sonar, Size 8. Seems to fit relatively well, but I have limited experience with wetsuits. I find it ‘confining’, but I find phone booths confining, so I wouldn’t really take that as a distraction.
Give it a try, curious to know what you think.
Also, I’m somewhat barrel chested, so I think we likely face the same situation.
I recently went through 2 different sizes of the new Orca 3.8 and I can confidently say that they run VERY small compared to the sizing chart. I was well within the middle of the size range on the first one and it wasn’t even close to fitting. I returned it for the next size up (which should have been too large) and it just barely fit…still a bit too tight around the neck. I’m an average build in the upper body. I gave up on the Orca and will be trying a 2Xu Elite at the local store this week. Obviously, buying a wetsuit online is a risky purchase unless you are willing to pay return shipping on potentially several models/sizes.
6’0, 200lbs, larger shoulders and arms (and gut) than the typical triathlete. I have the DeSoto FirstWave top size 6, and the 5mm Speedtube size 5, fits like a charm.
I second the DeSoto two piece. You can get a larger top while getting the bottom that fits. I think they go up to size 7 now, but a 6 top will probably be a good fit. Find a good dealer that has all the sizes, or if you are in the boondocks, buy it direct. THey will keep going until you get the right size, or give you your money back, nothing to lose…
I’m 5’11 205 and I wear a Large in the Blue Seventy Helix. I also tried the 2XU Elite and had the same reaction as you. Nothing against the suit at all, but I’m afflicted with the broad shoulders and chest syndrome and that impacts my suit choice.
Totally Agree with NamssoB, go with the Desoto Firstwave 2 piece, while I am 5-10, the option of a bulkier top for my upper body and skinny leg combo is what sold it for me. Around $460 - $500 but extremely comfortable and fast to take off.
CLAYTON,
on the 2XU suit did you make sure it was pulled ALL the way up in the inseam?
also, you have to pull the arms up a bit before you zip it up to give you room in the shoulders. the legs and arms are not designed to come all the way down to the ankle/wrist. based on your size, this suit should fit perfectly, its just a matter of getting the rubber in the right places.
anyhow, let me know if i can help with anything at all.
thanks
chris www.2XU.com
I pulled that sucker up until my balls were BLUE! I had that experience with my first wetsuit when I bought it. I did my first half ironman in it with it not pulled up correctly and my shoulders were on fire during the swim. The next race I pulled it up way more and the difference was night and day.
I made quite a scene at the lake because it was a busy day and my wife and a buddy of mine were helping me get every ounce of suit “up” on me correctly. I did not want to make the mistake of not getting pulled all the way up. Some people had some very funny looks on their faces.
I still really like the suit! I wear 2XU triathlon apparel and like it so I have nothing but good things to say about the company. The fit just isn’t there for me on the wetsuit. Just because of your post I am considering giving it one more try before I send it back just to be sure!
-Thanks for you offer on the help!
I think a DeSoto 2 piece will be my next try. I have gotten several recommendations on that suit but have been somewhat skeptical on a two piece suit. I ordered the 2Xu from TriSports and they did a good job of getting it to me quickly. I have CdA in a week so if I pay for some SPEEDY shipping hopefully I can get one more suit sent to me before I leave and give it a try!
blue balls are never good…
hey, i will be at CDA working the inside out booth, so stop by and say hello.
good to hear about the 2XU clothing, thanks.
enjoy your taper and again let me know if i can help with anything at all.
chris www.2xu.com
At 6’3", 230, 48" chest, 34"waist I went with a QR Superfull 3 months before the DeSoto 2 piece came out. Because of my upper body had to go XXl, which ended up loose below chest, especially as I stepped up my training. Its now going in for surgery which will add another $100 to the app $500 I put down already.
There is no doubt that I wish I had known about the De Soto and that you should go 2 piece and mix and match tops and bottoms for the perfect fit.