Help with wetsuits

[plushride]

Okay, so I'm going to break down and spend the money on a wetsuit this year. So, any comments on whether I should get a full suit or a longjohn? I have been looking at the women-specific ones from Ironman..any suggestions?

[KnottedYet]

I have a farmerjane from Northwest River Supply and I'm very happy with it. It's not a tri wetsuit, and it's very comfortable and easy to take on and off.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...ect&refer=2214

It's a kayaking suit, which was a plus for me as I also kayak. The low neckline does scoop a little water, but I think I'd go buggy if I had a tight neckline.

[roadie gal]

Whether you get a full suit or a sleeveless depends a lot on how you deal with cooler water and how comfortable you are in the full suit. I got a sleeveless because I get claustrophobic in the full suit. If you can, try some suits on to see how you feel.

I have a Promotion women's suit. I went with them first because they were about $100 less than any other brand. I'd read reviews on a bunch of sites and they were all positive. I was even happier when I called Promotion. The customer service was excellent. They really work with you to figure out what the best size would be. The downside to them is that you have to order by phone or online, so you can't try the suit on. (But they're very good about exchanges.)

[plushride]

thanks for the info..Ill check them out

[KSH]

Buying a wetsuit is next on my "to do" list.

I have also heard very good things about 2XU. www.Trisports.com will do a good job of fitting you over the phone and is very good about returns.

I also heard good stuff about Promotion, for the price point. Although, some people said they were "clunky"... basically meaning thick and a little hard to swim in.

I am leaning towards getting a really nice wetsuit. Swimming in a HIM or an IM in a cheap wetsuit might be torture.

[Wahine]

I work in the same town as the Promotion factory/store/outlet. They are a great group of people. Their prices are good and they stand behind their product. My next suit will come from them. I tried on their top of the line full suit and I liked it in a lot of ways, the neoprene is quite flexie. Unforunately, I didn't try on quite the right size and I didn't have time to try on a different one. I've been avoiding going back because I should be limiting my spending right now and I know that if I try to right size I'll buy.