What do you think is the best wetsuit?
I was thinking of buying the Ironman Instinct Wetsuit for $279 or buying the Ironman Stealth for $439. Is there that much of a difference?
I was also thinking of maybe buying the Xterra Vector Pro for $475 or Xterra Vengence for $395.
Right now I have a torn up Orca speedsuit. Is there that much of a difference between at $250 wetsuit and a $400 wetsuit?
Any help or suggestions?
QR Superfull. Can’t go wrong.
i second the QR superfull reccomendation. the Xterras do look nice as well. I have a Superfull and it is awesome. Definitely the best shoulder flexibility out there. Don’t forget about Aquamans, the Metal Cell would be my 2nd pick if you are into spending that type of cash. The aquaman fit me better than the QR but the QR has those oh so supple shoulders.
Stealth is a great wetsuit. I have one and have also had the orca. The orca tends to ‘grow’. I think the more flexible you are the more you will like the stealth. The instinct is still a great suit though…
I am having the same debate in my head but I add a dark horse the ----desoto black pearl.
I have never owned or used a two piece are there reasons against it?
kevin
I’ve also got to give a solid (2) thumbs up to the QR Superfull. For years I’ve been reluctant to go w/ a full suit feeling the arms would be too restrictive and have opted to race in a sleeveless, but this suit is absolutely AMAZING. The new breakaway zipper is a nice touch as well.
I can’t comment on the others, as the DeSoto T1 is the only wetsuit I have ever worn. That being said, I think it’s great and would definitely buy it again. It’s fast, and easy to get on and off. I love it. I lost some weight this season, so I’m pretty interested to see what it feels like to put it on for the first time. The first time last season took about 20 minutes! But that was my first time ever putting a wetsuit on, so it was probably okay.
-Colin
Stealth full suit is super fast!
I getting an Orca Predator.
I tried the P-flex, but the collar was way to tight. I zipped up the suit and started seeing grey.
I dumped an Orca Pflex for the T1 which for me anyway is a far superior suit. I got the Black Pearl top and the cheaper bottom. Super comfy.
anyone use the xterra vector pro? any opinions on it? thinking of updating my old QR sleeveless as well
I can’t comment on the others, as the DeSoto T1 is the only wetsuit I have ever worn. That being said, I think it’s great and would definitely buy it again. It’s fast, and easy to get on and off. I love it…
-Colin
I would echo this. I think you can still get last year’s models on sale at DeSoto and some tri sites. ~$250-300 depending on exacly what you buy.
buy the one that fits.
Try them and see.
I like the QR Superfull though. But it’s very flexible and you may need to get a size smaller than usual to truly rip the benefits of having a superfull.
Just got my Xterra Vengence…LOVE IT!
First let me say I love Desoto gear in general and raced all last season in their powersuit, this season in a thier power shorts, but…
I hated, downright hated my Tres (cheaper T1) wetsuit. #1 it takes a hell of a long time to get on compared to a regular suit. Maybe I’m just not very good at it, bottom line it took longer. #2 the shoulder flexibility was just never on par with other suits I’ve tried on, not even close. #3 I’m a skinny guy, 150lbs, 5’10" around 4-6% body fat and the top still felt like it was smashing the hell out of my lungs. I felt so claustrophobic in that suit. Good things were that the neck was awesome and, well that’s all that I can think of. Add in that about 5 of my friends bought either Tres or T1 wetsuits when I bought mine and we are all changing suits now… Noone had as many problems as me but noone really loved it either. I actually took the top off 200m into a race, tucked it down my bibs and swam the rest of the 1500 to a new PW (personal worst) at an Xterra race last year. The Black Pearl suits are supposed to have better arm flexibility than the T1/Tres series though so maybe they are a good bet.
For me the QR superfull rocks. Now if we could get a superfull cut and shoulders (wow what flexible shoulders) with an Aquaman Metal Cell interior… I’m drooling just thinking about it!
I’m also a skinny guy, 163lbs, 6’1 Is there a wetsuit that fits better for skinny guy(s)? I’m also new to swimming. I read good reviews about DeSoto T1… Let me know. thnx
The superfull is by far the best suit I have owned (stealth, orca…) But I would want to say this: You have to try them on and the buy the one that fits. Fit is crucial. Try a bunch on… But don’t forget to try the superfull:-)
Wait, tri_francois, this isn’t the other francois right? Are you new here? Just wondering. My training buddy is 6’2" and weighs in around 165. He’s an xterra pro who can barely break 2min for a 100m in the pool yet with a wetsuit on he swims down around 20 min for a 1500. Guess that’s the power the wetsuit. He has a QR Superfull and loves it. It does look a little loose for him around the arms though. I think it’s the only suit he’s worn by the way. Two other guys I race with who are also between 6’1"-6’2" and your weight or less have Orca predators and like them. Sounds like the flexibility isn’t as good as the QR though. Isn’t Peter Reid about your build and he wears an Xterra. I think you’ll fit in most suits as long as you get the sizing right.
I highly reccomend you check out Promotion Wetsuits. They are a company out of Oregon and make excellent wetsuits for far less money than the big names like Orca. I love mine, its definately a step up from the Orca Speedsuit I had before. I hadn’t even heard of them when someone on my masters team advised me to check them out. You can get a top of the line wetsuit for under $300. Their customer service can’t be beat. If quality, cost and customer service are important to you, you can find them online at www.wetsuit.com. Sorry I don’t mean to sound like an advertisement, really I don’t work for them…kj
Wait, tri_francois, this isn’t the other francois right? Are you new here? .
I have a split personality, but my another half isn’t the other Francois. Yes, I’m new here. I’ll check out QR Superfull… Thnx