Other than the hype are there any real big differences in prices of wetsuits. My wife’s existing suit is way too big and she is in the market for a new one. I have a three (or four?) year old bottom of the line Exterra (Ventilator) that I have done 2 IM’s in that I like just fine. My question are we paying extra when upgrading for the hype? Or is there some legitimacy in some of the higher end suits. By the way her existing suit is available: Exterra Vortex size men’s med. Thanks much.
Usually the higher dollar suits have Yamamoto #39 rubber that is slightly more flexible, bouyant, and lighter. That vs #38 isn’t going to take minutes off your time by any means…
Taylor had a good mention on two different types of rubber…here is a review by Mr. Montgomery of the T1 by Desoto:
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/prodreview/wetsuits/T1.html
You can’t beat their Customer Service and that means a lot to me when I am shelling out big bucks for a wetsuit and trying to decide which company is going to get my dollar.
Hope that helps a bit and good luck.
I just bought a new T1 First Wave suit to replace an older T1 Dos suit. The First Wave is the higher grade of rubber and I definitely can tell the difference. I can’t say it is faster in in terms of hydrodynamics but it is more flexible. Thus I surmize increased flexibility means less fatigue and quicker transitions.
If you’re looking for a sleeveless, take a look at the NEOsports one at Chuck’s Bikes… Mid-calf design. $90. 5mm front, 3mm back.
I have one on order, so I don’t have any first-hand info to give you on quality or durability… But for the price, it can’t be THAT bad.