Wet Suit Prference

[KRS]

Hi,
I've been doing some local triathlons the past year or so most of which have had the swim portion in a pool. I'm starting to venture out into the open water triathlons and was wondering if anyone had a preference on a wet suit. I have been looking into the Ironman Instinct, Orca Speedsuit, Exterra Vortex and the Quintana Roo Ultrajohn. What do you think? Does any one have a prefence?
Thanks,
lost in options

[ironchick]

I have the Xterra Vector Pro 2 full and sleeveless. It fit my shape the best and was the fastest to remove. The Orca swims well, but took a while to pull over my feet. I have also used the Ironman but it was too big in the waist. You have to try them on. Don't be afraid to order a few and try them for fit (most every company has a return policy for suits) Each company sizes differently too. Get one that is snug but not too constricting, remember it will "loosen" a bit when swimming.

[mommelisa]

ironchick - where in arizona are you? i live here also - in scottsdale.

i am having the same problem deciding on a wetsuit. i'm doing the rocky point tri in april and am wondering if (living in az) the sleeveless is the best way for me to go in the short term.

[madisongrrl]

I have opted for the DeSoto T1 wetsuit. I'm not a great swimmer so I think that this wetsuit is ideal for me. It's two pieces so my arms wont feel as constricted like they would in a traditional 1 piece..

[mommelisa]

madisongrrl - how is the desoto working out? i bought an ironman sleeveless wetsuit and i hate it, i can't breathe, i think it might be too short in the torso. i was thinking that the desoto might be better, because of the two pieces. i'd love to hear if you like yours.

[madisongrrl]

I do really like my wetsuit. Orignially I was worried that I would have problems breathing, but it is working out great. DeSoto is an awesome company. They helped me fit the wetsuit properly over the phone. After I got my suit in the mail, I emailed DeSoto some questions about the wetsuit and Emilio DeSoto personally answered my email. Very cool!

I'm 5'3", 125lbs, ~21-23% body fat, have a cyclists build...I ordered a size 2 top and a size 3 bottom. It fits quite nicely.

[mommelisa]

thanks for the info! i called the company i got my wetsuit from and i think i might be in the wrong size, so i ordered the next size up. according to the measurements, i was within the size range for the size i got, but on the high side of the height range, and i'm long waisted, so i think that was what was causing my problem. if this doesn't work out, i'm definitely trying the desoto, i like the idea of the two piece. very cool about the owner calling you! the triathlon group i belong to has an arrangement with desoto and they always say really great things about the company.