Help needed!!! Which Wetsuit???

keano007

Hi guys, recently took up triathlon and to date I've completed a few pool based triathlons. The plan is to complete in a few open water tri's over the summer including tri athy, carrick on suir etc.

I need help in choosing a wetsuit as I'm not sure what I'm at....I was looking at three different ones, the:

Orca Sonar 2010 Model which is €260 and
Mens 2XU Elite Wetsuit which is €280

Both on http://www.irishfit.eu/menswetsuits.html

I was also looking at the BlueSeventy Reaction Mens Full Wetsuit 2009 Model on the Wheelworx website which is €289.99 minus a 10% discount

Available on http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/product_info.php?cPath=3&products_id=1193

Any thoughts or suggestions on other wet suits would be greatly appreciated. Also is buoyancy something to consider as swimming is probably my weakest discipline?

tunney

keano007 wrote: »

Hi guys, recently took up triathlon and to date I've completed a few pool based triathlons. The plan is to complete in a few open water tri's over the summer including tri athy, carrick on suir etc.

I need help in choosing a wetsuit as I'm not sure what I'm at....I was looking at three different ones, the:

Orca Sonar 2010 Model which is €260 and
Mens 2XU Elite Wetsuit which is €280

Both on http://www.irishfit.eu/menswetsuits.html

I was also looking at the BlueSeventy Reaction Mens Full Wetsuit 2009 Model on the Wheelworx website which is €289.99 minus a 10% discount

Available on http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/product_info.php?cPath=3&products_id=1193

Any thoughts or suggestions on other wet suits would be greatly appreciated. Also is buoyancy something to consider as swimming is probably my weakest discipline?

As much as a bike its all about fit and you must try before you buy.

2xu have horrible reputations for build quality and I would not touch one.

My advice would be to go to Wheelworx and try on a range of suits.

That being said triathlon wetsuits are horribly overpriced.

metal dog

I have had the Blue seventy reaction for over two years and I have had no problems with it. This being tri, naturally you could spend more if you anted but you could probably get away with cheaper too.

Totally agree that the main issue is what fits you best. Keep an eye out to see if you get along to one of the try before you buy sessions. Wheelworx and Amphibian king do these from time to time. Aim for one in the sea if possible. If you cant then do try it in in the shop first. The fit should be tight but not asphyxiating. Ease of movement in the shoulders is obviously important but not so that the overall suit is loose.

On buoyancy, more so even that the 'warmth', this is the principal benefit of a wetsuit during tri. All of the suits you mention will claim to have various competing buoyancy/body position features (panels in the chest etc) You will probably notice straight away that your legs are higher in the water without having to worry about body position or kick like you do in a pool. You will go faster that you would without one on.

And failing that - if you want to take a breather you can just float there once you have a wetsuit, it is hard to sink. If you are lucky the current will just carry you along

Raging_Hull

I bought one of these: Orca S2 last year from Wiggle. It is priced very extremely competitively and for an entry level Tri Wetsuit. I would highly recommend it. As far as I remember, Wiggle has an very good returns/swap policy if it doesn't fit properly.

Edit: I just noticed that there is an Orca S3 this year!

nomadic

Raging_Hull wrote: »

I bought one of these: Orca S2 last year from Wiggle. It is priced very extremely competitively and for an entry level Tri Wetsuit. I would highly recommend it. As far as I remember, Wiggle has an very good returns/swap policy if it doesn't fit properly.

I'm thinking of getting one of them but a bit aprehensive about fit ect. It'd cost a fair bit to send one back. How'd you find the fit ?

Raging_Hull

nomadic wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting one of them but a bit aprehensive about fit ect. It'd cost a fair bit to send one back. How'd you find the fit ?

I just used their sizing chart and the fit was perfect on me. I was speaking to a few people at TriAthlone last year who had them too and the feedback was generally very positive.

tinydave

I picked up a Orca S3 this year and its a great wetsuit, good quality and looks nice aswell, Myself and a friend bought bought one each, we went by the sizing charts on the website and they fit bang on.(chest size and weight being the most important to follow)
One thing also is that I would buy the black witch glue for repairing little cuts that you WILL get in the suit.

OuterBombie

Raging_Hull wrote: »

I bought one of these: Orca S2 last year from Wiggle. It is priced very extremely competitively and for an entry level Tri Wetsuit. I would highly recommend it. As far as I remember, Wiggle has an very good returns/swap policy if it doesn't fit properly.

Edit: I just noticed that there is an Orca S3 this year!

Wow, 155 bucks, sweet. That price for a semi-decent suit is a steal. I may need to retire my 5 year old QR suit this summer.

LCD

Have been using Zoot suits for the last few seasons & find them very good. Go to Cycle Superstore they stock a number of different brands & someone there should give you a hand with sizing.

tunney

LCD wrote: »

Have been using Zoot suits for the last few seasons & find them very good. Go to Cycle Superstore they stock a number of different brands & someone there should give you a hand with sizing.

Is that an endorsement or an indictment of Zoot wetsuits?

911sc

I think an end-less pool is going to be installed in Wheelworx very soon for trying wetsuits.