So as I’ve mentioned before, I’m new to tri and am beginning to train and gear up for this endevour. Finally after purchasing a good pair of running shoes (Saucony Progrid Omni 9), a new bike (Specialized Allez Triple) and other needed apparel (jerseys, shorts, etc), it’s time to get a wetsuit for OW swimming.
I’m trying to get a used/old model suit (looking at the Orca Sonar and the Synergy Endorphin mid-level suits for around $150-200), but am having issues determining my sizing. Most of the tri shops around me are a bit of a drive and from the ones I’ve talked to, they don’t let you try on wetsuits, so going there almost seems pointless since they don’t have suits in my price range. I was told that you should add 10-15 lbs to your weight and then go with the size that places your weight into the lower half of a sizing chart’s weight range, which I’m not sure is a good idea given my height vs. size. With all that in mind I think I’d fall into a size 8 (LT) or 9 (L) in terms or weight and chest/shoulders size and have been recommended a size 9, however my height is better suited to a 7 (ML) or 8 (LT) so I worry a size 9 might have too wide/long legs. I was curious if there are any others out there with similar builds (see below) that can tell me their sizing, and also if anyone has any other recommendations for mid-level suits to look into? Also what kind of fit shoud I be looking for in a wetsuit?
Thanks
Sizing:
General - I’m an average height guy with a slightly stockier/swimmer build - Long torso, long arms, broad chest, large shoulders, not a skinny/slim waist/stomach, but no gut either, legs are a little short for my height (almost 1/2 my height is in my torso).
Approx. Measurements:
Height: 70-71" (5’10" - 5’11")
Weight: 180-185
Chest: 42" (full wrap)
Overarm: 48" (full wrap)
Waist at widest: 37.5" (33/34 size at pantline)
Hips 40-41"
Torso: 30" (Neck to lower back)
Arm Length: 33"
Thigh width: 23"
Inseam: 32-33"