Wetsuits

tball1

Any wetsuit recommendations? Looking to buy a new one soon and don't know what to get. Any help appreciated.

enzeder

Go to a shop that does fitting and try a few on. Different brands will be slightly different shapes so you may not suit the shape of a particular brand (more of a problem for women than men). When fitting, try swinging your arms and see how constricted they feel in comparison to one another. The shop staff should be able to help a lot too.

tball1

Cheers

StaggerLee

Base2Race do fitting and will let you try out the suit in their endless pool. Good service, they'll show you how to get the suit on and off easily and without damage, suits are a little pricey though

tunney

StaggerLee wrote: »

Base2Race do fitting and will let you try out the suit in their endless pool. Good service, they'll show you how to get the suit on and off easily and without damage, suits are a little pricey though

I amn't commenting on the price of suits in Base2Race. I do not know enough to comment on price, however when you buy a suit from wiggle you get the suit. nothing else. When you buy one from Eanna you get the suit PLUS the advice. Personally I'd pay a premimum for that. And intend to on my next suit.

sconhome

I know Eanna & the guys in the swim school, I've no affiliation to their wetsuit / swimschool side of the business.

There is no premium added for the advice and fitting. Their prices are the same as anywhere else for the same product.

Their products are generally a premium range of product and will be more expensive than cheap entry level suits, but they do try to match the wetsui to the swimmer's abilities.

Watch out for wetsuit tri out sessions through your triclubs too. Some brands will do this coming into the season, usually organised in a pool.

RoryMurphyJnr

Quick tip

When pulling on your wetsuit stick a plastic carrier bag, tesco or the like over your foot.
Wetsuit slides on really easily

R

tunney

amphkingwest wrote: »

I know Eanna & the guys in the swim school, I've no affiliation to their wetsuit / swimschool side of the business.

There is no premium added for the advice and fitting. Their prices are the same as anywhere else for the same product.

Their products are generally a premium range of product and will be more expensive than cheap entry level suits, but they do try to match the wetsui to the swimmer's abilities.

Watch out for wetsuit tri out sessions through your triclubs too. Some brands will do this coming into the season, usually organised in a pool.

Apologies, to clarifu I wasn't saying that they are more expensive. Just that expertise is worth paying for! If you get it for free then all the better.

StaggerLee

To clarify also, the suits are the same price as anywhere else, however, they stock mid to high end suits. That is, you wont get a cheap entry level one for €100.

Good service, great tips, as the wetsuit is a major piece of safety equipment, I think its a good idea to get a decent one, with a good fit. I'd recommend them for that alone.

mrbungle

StaggerLee wrote: »

To clarify also, the suits are the same price as anywhere else, however, they stock mid to high end suits. That is, you wont get a cheap entry level one for €100.

Good service, great tips, as the wetsuit is a major piece of safety equipment, I think its a good idea to get a decent one, with a good fit. I'd recommend them for that alone.

Anyone know if Base2Race sell HUUB wetsuits?

kim2877

I know they tested HUUB but are not selling them !
They are selling TYR, sailfish and ZeroD.
Zerod are arriving in the end of March . Check out the pictures on facebook !!!

tunney

kim2877 wrote: »

I know they tested HUUB but are not selling them !
They are selling TYR, sailfish and ZeroD.
Zerod are arriving in the end of March . Check out the pictures on facebook !!!

Interesting first post.

Assuming you work for B2R?

kim2877

I just might - Mr T

Kurt Godel

Cyclesuperstore have a 50% off sale on wetsuits 21-24th March, in-store only.

tunney

Kurt Godel wrote: »

Cyclesuperstore have a 50% off sale on wetsuits 21-24th March, in-store only.

Emmm do we like Zoot suits?

tunney

kim2877 wrote: »

I just might - Mr T

Interesting that ZeroD are the official wetsuit of the BTA. Yet Brownlees in HUUB #JustSaying

Kurt Godel

tunney wrote: »

Emmm do we like Zoot suits?

I've no idea. But I'd say within the set of all things "we" there exists some who would be interested in this sale. Or, interested in hearing why Zoot suits may not be to our liking, so if you can inform, please do.:)

woody1

i was interested, will need a first wetsuit, would prefer zoot to lidl ! but its shaggin instore only... so 50% saving but money spent on petrol , grub and other crap..

sconhome

woody1 wrote: »

i was interested, will need a first wetsuit, would prefer zoot to lidl ! but its shaggin instore only... so 50% saving but money spent on petrol , grub and other crap..

Better to spend a few bob on getting the right size. Like Mastercard would say getting the correct advice on selection and fitting is priceless.

gerfmurphy

amphkingwest wrote: »

Better to spend a few bob on getting the right size. Like Mastercard would say getting the correct advice on selection and fitting is priceless.

I am very confused about fit.
I seem to be able to easily see on a size chart what size suit I should buy.
given that most shops have 2 or 3 brands available, how much variation in size is there?

Are the more expensive suits better fitting because of the panels or stretchiness of the material? if that is the logic, if I find a discounted high end suit in my size is it more likely to fit better?
I dont see many alternatives/options when I look at size charts of different manufacturers.
im 191cm and 93.5kg btw and totally new to this sport so excuse my ignorance

sconhome

gerfmurphy wrote: »

I am very confused about fit.
I seem to be able to easily see on a size chart what size suit I should buy.
given that most shops have 2 or 3 brands available, how much variation in size is there?

Are the more expensive suits better fitting because of the panels or stretchiness of the material? if that is the logic, if I find a discounted high end suit in my size is it more likely to fit better?
I dont see many alternatives/options when I look at size charts of different manufacturers.
im 191cm and 93.5kg btw and totally new to this sport so excuse my ignorance

Lots of good questions.

Size charts are a guide to choose from based on your height and weight. Whatever about height most people are underestimating their weight and blame the suits for being 'small fitting'

A wetsuit should be snug fitting to the exclusion of water which causes drag when swimming.

Better quality or higher end suits will have more flexibility due to increased variations in panels and numbers of panels which allows better form fitting.

Based on your height and weight you will be a Large / Tall or equivalent in most suits. The fit will depend on thickness of chest, legs, rotundness of belly etc with the more flexible suits being more forgiving and accomodating.

woody1

akw .. i dont disagree with you, more annoyed with meself that i dont have any other reason to go to dublin to check it out..:) looking at prices elsewhere it looks like a good deal, if the right size was there in the first place

cian287

tunney wrote: »

Interesting that ZeroD are the official wetsuit of the BTA. Yet Brownlees in HUUB #JustSaying

£16,000 each I hear - that great motivation.

sconhome

cian287 wrote: »

£16,000 each I hear - that great motivation.

To be fair the same can be said of any pros in sponsored gear. Their commodity is themselves and if you can sell your body for advertisement space why wouldn't you?

At the same time they won't jeopardise their earning potential by wearing or using gear that might cause them to slip off the top spots.

peter kern

Quote:
Originally Posted by tunney
Interesting that ZeroD are the official wetsuit of the BTA. Yet Brownlees in HUUB #JustSaying

what point are you trying to make here ?

different companies have different marketing strategies and budgets.
huub most likely has a very strong financial investment by an rich investor .
Zero D most likely has not as much money and needs to do deals where their have less upfront costs and share profits with BTA.

if somebody realy needs flexible shoulder zero D certainly an option that should be on ones shortlist for a wetsuit.
for a fishtailer huub could be good.


still at the end its 80% marketing and you have to try in a pool what suits you best.

tunney

cian287 wrote: »

£16,000 each I hear - that great motivation.

Very right - Always question who is the financial motivation behind recommendations and endorsements.

Nappy

Hi Guys,

I'm doing my first triathlon in Westport this June and need to get myself a wet suit. I was quite surprised at how expensive they are. Anyone know where I might pick one up for €100 or less?

sconhome

Nappy, you won't get a new triathlon wetsuit worth keeping for under €100. You may be able to pick up something second hand or better yet I would suggest trying to hire or borrow one from a friend.

The problem is having access to a suit for training which is an important part of being ready for open water racing, you need to acclimatise to the colder water conditions and be used to the buoyancy of a tri wetsuit.

Nappy

Yea, I might try and get one second hand. I want to do a few sprint triathlons before I go for the olympic course. I'll invest in a good one at that stage. Thanks

rodneyr1981

Nappy wrote: »

Yea, I might try and get one second hand. I want to do a few sprint triathlons before I go for the olympic course. I'll invest in a good one at that stage. Thanks

My first one was a portwest one. Think I got on sale for €60/70 ish??? Few years back. Got a 3mm one. It did the trick for awhile.

doozer16

Nappy wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I'm doing my first triathlon in Westport this June and need to get myself a wet suit. I was quite surprised at how expensive they are. Anyone know where I might pick one up for €100 or less?

There's a Speedo one about at the moment for about 120. Try The Edge Cork, they defo have it, could be on wiggle too. That's your best bet I'd say , I've been on the lookout a while.
Its defo the cheapest new but they have an ORCA one for a few euro more that looks better.

woody1

yeah ive my eye on that speedo one as well, the only thing putting me off is its only 2mm neoprene when most of the rest are 3 or 4 and i want all the bouyancy i can get out of it , so i wonder would it be better to go for a thicker one albeit at the few quid extra.. then again it says its entry level.. ? 30 or 40 quid in difference wont seem so much when im struggling in the middle of a lake ?
any thoughts anyone... akw ?

sconhome

The rules state that the maximum thickness of a wetsuit is 5mm. There is nothing (AFAIK) about the minimum thickness so in theory this suit should be legal.

I say 'should' because I'm not 100% either way on the minimum thickness.

The question I would ask is why put yourself at a disadvantage? 5mm is going to give you more buoyancy than a 2mm. It will also keep you warmer for longer, especially in Irish waters.

Someone earlier mentioned a 3mm suit. I can guarantee you that that is a surf suit which is of little or no benefit to you when swimming.

There are quite a few decent brands with triathlon specific wetsuits available at or below €200, which is a lot of money, but you have to look at it two ways (and I don't mean to lecture):

Buy cheap or surf suit & risk damage / injury to your shoulder muscles resulting in trips to physio or miss races.
You won't get an easier (without training) or cheaper way to decrease your race times than making up 3 or 4 minutes in a swim with a decent wetsuit.

You need to go to a club clinic and try on a couple of wetsuits if possible and see the difference.

tunney

amphkingwest wrote: »

Buy cheap or surf suit & risk damage / injury to your shoulder muscles resulting in trips to physio or miss races.
You won't get an easier (without training) or cheaper way to decrease your race times than making up 3 or 4 minutes in a swim with a decent wetsuit.

You need to go to a club clinic and try on a couple of wetsuits if possible and see the difference.

Expensive does not mean good. By that I mean some shops will sell what they have rather than what fits and if it doesn't fit its not good. I saw this in some shops, nearly cried when I saw someone getting fitted for a wetsuit that obviously didn't fit. That being said that shop does the same for bikes.

sconhome

tunney wrote: »

Expensive does not mean good. By that I mean some shops will sell what they have rather than what fits and if it doesn't fit its not good. I saw this in some shops, nearly cried when I saw someone getting fitted for a wetsuit that obviously didn't fit. That being said that shop does the same for bikes.

I'd agree 100% with all of this too and in particular emphasise the underlined.

Just to be clear, I'm not having a go at inexpensive suits or having a go at others selling inexpensive suits or trying to push my stuff.

I'm suggesting that an inexpensive suit (or what seems inexpensive) may not be right for you at all as it may simply not be right for you or for your needs.

woody1

The rules state that the maximum thickness of a wetsuit is 5mm. There is nothing (AFAIK) about the minimum thickness so in theory this suit should be legal.

I say 'should' because I'm not 100% either way on the minimum thickness.

The question I would ask is why put yourself at a disadvantage? 5mm is going to give you more buoyancy than a 2mm. It will also keep you warmer for longer, especially in Irish waters.

Someone earlier mentioned a 3mm suit. I can guarantee you that that is a surf suit which is of little or no benefit to you when swimming.

There are quite a few decent brands with triathlon specific wetsuits available at or below €200, which is a lot of money, but you have to look at it two ways (and I don't mean to lecture):

Buy cheap or surf suit & risk damage / injury to your shoulder muscles resulting in trips to physio or miss races.
You won't get an easier (without training) or cheaper way to decrease your race times than making up 3 or 4 minutes in a swim with a decent wetsuit.

You need to go to a club clinic and try on a couple of wetsuits if possible and see the difference.

thanks, thats great as i would have been leaning towards that one before your reply..it shows my ignorance that i thought a 5mm suit would definitely be a surfing suit and too heavy to swim in.. at least i learned that today so i prob wont go with the 2mm one , but budgets do have to be set and just because something might be a better investment doesnt neccessarily make it possible so its a matter of trying to get some information and pick the best out of whats at my price range... i dont expect there to be a club clinic anywhere close in the next 2 months but i will be in base 2 race at the weekend to see whats there ..

iarmhi1975

kim2877 wrote: »

I know they tested HUUB but are not selling them !
They are selling TYR, sailfish and ZeroD.
Zerod are arriving in the end of March . Check out the pictures on facebook !!!

How do you know that? Did they tell you they tried them out and they didn't pick them. Sounds like sales pitch to me

iarmhi1975

peter kern wrote: »

Quote:
Originally Posted by tunney
Interesting that ZeroD are the official wetsuit of the BTA. Yet Brownlees in HUUB #JustSaying

what point are you trying to make here ?

different companies have different marketing strategies and budgets.
huub most likely has a very strong financial investment by an rich investor .
Zero D most likely has not as much money and needs to do deals where their have less upfront costs and share profits with BTA.

if somebody realy needs flexible shoulder zero D certainly an option that should be on ones shortlist for a wetsuit.
for a fishtailer huub could be good.


still at the end its 80% marketing and you have to try in a pool what suits you best.

Did you ever consider that some of the pros might just prefer the product and actually want the better product. They need to be in the lead group on the swim. Watch out for Tommy Zaferes and see what he does in the coming months.

Unregistered.

woody1 wrote: »

. There is nothing (AFAIK) about the minimum thickness so in theory this suit should be legal.

Surely this would be a massive loop hole?

sconhome

Unregistered. wrote: »

Surely this would be a massive loop hole?

Not really as most would favour a wetsuit over a non wetsuit swim event. They would have to limit the maximum thickness to prevent excessive use of buoyancy panels etc in the suits.

But I understand the point you are making, and often wondered why there is no minimal thickness from a safety / warmth point of view.