I’m currently in market for my first wetsuit, more specifically the Vortex by Xterra since it’s on sale.
I’m either a small or small/long - their charts states that I fall under small, but I’m not sure if I also fall under the long torso category.
My specs:
Male, 5’10, 130lbs
Torso ~19" Ankle to hip ~35"
Can anyone chime in on which size to get?
Is there a big difference between small and small/long?
130? I would go small. The suits are plenty stretchy. I’m 5-10 & 155 and have 2 Xterra Vortex from 2009 (sleeves & sleeveless). Both are small-tall and they fit well but the legs are too long. Torso fits OK. I’m pretty normal proportions.
I’m almost your exact same size. I am 5’10", 128 lbs, and longer torso. I got a Vector Pro last season from them and went with the small. Glad I did, as it fits great. It was a bit tight at first, but after some time in the water, it fits really well. Plenty of room in the shoulders, I just make sure to take some time to pull the suit up all the way into my armpits. I didn’t try the small/long, but I think you should fit fine in a small.
Everyone raves that they are very helpful if you contact them. They would tell you the best size. I would keep a copy of that transcript. If the suit doesn’t fit right, you will have an easier time with the exchange.
the exchange if you get the wrong size will be ZERO issues I promise I just got mine yesterday from exchanging from a smaller size last week. There customer service is the best that I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. If I were to do it again I would have called before because I am sure I could have got the right size the first time.
I’m 6’ and 140lbs with a short torso and I have raced and trained in a Vortex small-long for the past three seasons. If I were to get another Xterra wetsuit, I would definitely go with small. Unless the sizing for small is significantly different than small-long, I would even suggest looking at other brands. The arms/shoulders were always too loose for me, and you are even lighter. There’s aren’t many wetsuits designed for people with our BMI.
If this is your first wetsuit, you may appreciate a slightly more relaxed, less constricting fit. As most people gain experience with wetsuits and open water swimming, they tend towards a snugger “performance” fit.
You could always trim the arms and legs on the small-long. There is a generous length of reinforced stitching that can be trimmed. This will also make it easier to get off, since I always found the cuffs a little too tight for speedy transitions.
Other than potential sizing issues, it’s a great suit. The material is quite durable (almost no tears/scratches after three years of use).
I never understand why people ask so many sizing questions about Xterra. They ENCOURAGE you to try a suit and send it back if it doesn’t work. Order both sizes, try them on, send back the one you don’t want. They won’t even bat an eyelid.
I never understand why people ask so many sizing questions about Xterra. They ENCOURAGE you to try a suit and send it back if it doesn’t work. Order both sizes, try them on, send back the one you don’t want. They won’t even bat an eyelid.
Just make sure to clip your fingernails before you try them on.
Thanks for the replies. I went ahead and bought the small. @afurlong, didn’t know about their policies, I guess I should read their policies before hand.
Hey there! My name is Austin and I actually work for XTERRA Wetsuits.
I would definitely go with a small. We do have an awesome sizing guarantee that gives you 30 days to try on a wetsuit, and even swim in it to make sure it is the right fit. If it happens to be the wrong fit, you are more than welcome to exchange it out for a different size!
Hey Austin,
I am in the market for an Xterra wetsuit too and I am stuck between two sizes. I am 5’5 132lbs male. Any suggestion whether I should be a small or xsmall?
Thanks