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Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit?
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 2010-09-26 2:58 PM |
Expert  2852     Pfafftown, NC |  Subject: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit?OK......none of this "$450" stuff, either....lol. I've got a short window, here. IF I'm gonna try to get ready for a spring race, I need to hurry up and get a wetsuit, now, and get my practice in, this fall (as far as getting used to/over the initial shock of swimming in a wetsuit). I see the prices are all over the board. What do I get with the $650 models that I don't with the $200 models? Edited by nc452010 2010-09-26 2:58 PM |
| 2010-09-26 3:18 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Veteran 693 Indianapolis | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? I honestly don't know but I'm sure the manufacturers will give you the sales pitch. Probably the best thing to do is to find a place where you can try a bunch on and buy the one that fits you best regardless of cost. Fit is very important with wetsuits. Unfortunately finding such a place isn't so easy unless you live in a large metro area. Good luck! |
| 2010-09-26 3:23 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Extreme Veteran 586 Richmond | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Higher grade rubber so theoretically more flexibility, plus some type of gimmick or another. That is what your extra money gets you. Wings, 'catch panels', or those new funky things on the arms of the Zoot suit. An ill fitting high end wetsuit will likely be slower than a perfectly fit $200 suit. The ill fitting suit will either constrict too much or be too large and allow water entry. Modern entry level suits are head and shoulders better than the high end suits from just 5-7 years ago. High end cranksets, ceramic bearing and $500+ wetsuits are among the biggest waste of money in triathlon. I have swam in a ton of suits. Fit is everything. There are great suits these days with Yamamoto #39 rubber in the 200-300 range. Go somewhere you can try it on, learn how to put it on properly, and make sure they have a generous return policy if you can't swim in it right then and there. And finally, a wetsuit should take 10-15 minutes to put on properly and 10-15 seconds to take off properly. |
| 2010-09-26 3:24 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Veteran 252 | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? As a newb I purchased mine from wetsuitwarehouse.com & I paid about $200. It worked out fine for me..I swam in the L.I. sound in my Tri. I was under the understanding that the more "neoprene" material in the suit, the more $$. But what do I know, I am a newb. Patti |
| 2010-09-26 3:29 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Veteran 283 Racine, WI | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Usually the more expensive wetsuits use a more flexible neoprene. I'm not an expert by a long shot, but in longer distances that extra flexibility in the shoulders can save some energy. I've also seen wetsuits with tiny air pockets for extra buoyancy, or coatings to make the suit more slippery, or different panels in the forearm to catch more water on the pull......... I've also heard that the expensive suits can be less durable due to the softer, more flexible rubber. The less expensive, less flexible rubber tends to be more durable - or so I hear. I've only done Sprints and I've got the Xterra Vortex 3 sleeveless suit and love it. Good luck in your search for the right wetsuit. |
| 2010-09-26 3:31 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Master 3127 Sunny Southern Cal | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Fortunately I tried on the wetsuit I had planned to buy and was able to compare to the more expensive model. What I found was that I had greater shoulder mobility in the more expensive version, which is the one I chose. This was a few years ago, so I'm sure they've continued to improve. I opted for the BlueSeventy Helix, though I recall paying no more than half of the current retail price tag that I see when I search for them now. Ouch. $640, really? |
| 2010-09-26 3:33 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Regular 238 Austin, Texas | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? I bought an XTerra suit for $179... I think it's the $400 model they show on their site. It's fine. That said, i am a strong swimmer and I am slower in this suit due to the shoulder restriction than I am without it. I get very fatigued in the shoulders. I have training partners and a coach taht have the Blue Seventy and they all said they feel some restriction but not like I have expressed. The neoprene is just thicker in the cheaper suits around the shoulder than in the higher quality wetsuits. I am kinda mad at myself for not just sucking it up and trying a bunch of suits... and then getting the best for me instead of just going for price. So I really strongly suggest actually trying them on... try a bunch on. Then you can always order an Xterra too and try it - tehy take them back in a 30 day window. Great customer service. Just dont let the price be the only determining factor if you can help it. |
| 2010-09-26 3:47 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Master 2202 St. Louis | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Buy a DeSoto 2 piece design. They are the best wetsuit I have ever tried on. Fits awesome, no shoulder pull, very flexible and its a breeze to put on and take off. Desoto makes a range of priced models. The higher priced models are thicker and float you better. I have a "First Wave" and I love it. I think it cost about $500 total. |
| 2010-09-26 4:11 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Elite 3315 Miami | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? start swimming....worry about the suit closer to the race. unless you gonna do all your swims as open water.... even then i swim in miami ocean 1x a week...no wetsuit needed unless its jan and temp drops to mid 50's. i think dave answered your question pretty well. i wouldn't recommend anything over 250. Edited by trix 2010-09-26 4:12 PM |
| 2010-09-26 4:14 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
| Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? I found a 2XU C:2 for $150 at an end of year sale at a local tri shop. I bought it and have not found any wetsuit since that felt any better or had more flexibility. A my most recent tri I looked around and have found more C:2 wetsuits than I've found in all the other years I've been looking put together. I guess they'll marketing them a lot better now and people are getting the message. |
| 2010-09-26 4:27 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Couple things, trix.... 1. If I can take advantage of end of year sales, I want to. 2. I probably won't have much chance to get used to swimming in the suit in the spring. I'd be looking to use it in April. Water temps here are pretty chilly, before then. I CAN swim in the lakes, here, now.....and kinda get used to the feeling of having one on. That's my thinking, anyways. |
| 2010-09-26 4:37 PM in reply to: #3118320 |
Member 113 | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? If necessary you can get a practice or two in in the pool, just be sure to rinse really well. |
| 2010-09-26 4:42 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
| Uxbridge | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? I have 3 wetsuits. My first one was a blue seventy...like the suit alot. Wore it for 3 years and it started to wear at the shoulders. It was a good suit for the price. I bought an Xterra at the end of last season...and wasted $179. The shoulders are so tight and restrictive. AT first I thought it was OK but after a couple of swim I knew I would not use it. It also ripped when pulling it on. Lesson learned ...you get what you pay for. Just bought a 2XU . LOVE it! It does take about 10-15 mins to get it on correctly but I have great shoulder mobility, great bouancy and its warm!!!!I swim a lot in open water in New England so its important to me that I have a suit that fits well! Good luck! |
| 2010-09-26 5:12 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
| Veteran 549 | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? My understanding is certain wetsuits fit certain body types better than others. Also, strong swimmers are typically much more flexible in the shoulders than someone like me that is MOP at best. Therefore, my 150$ Xterra I purchased two years ago serves me very well because it fits great and gives me great buoyancy. |
| 2010-09-26 5:55 PM in reply to: #3118320 |
Elite 3315 Miami | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? nc452010 - 2010-09-26 4:27 PM Couple things, trix.... 1. If I can take advantage of end of year sales, I want to. 2. I probably won't have much chance to get used to swimming in the suit in the spring. I'd be looking to use it in April. Water temps here are pretty chilly, before then. I CAN swim in the lakes, here, now.....and kinda get used to the feeling of having one on. That's my thinking, anyways. it took me only 1-2 swims to get used to my wetsuit. you will need to build up the endurance if you want to do your HIM early in the season. also be the guy that uses the wetsuit to his advantage don't be the guy that uses the wetsuit to survive out there. i will wear a freaking wetsuit in 77.9 degree water. its like my aero wheels. to me its simply free speed. take advantage of end year for sure....you will be able to pick up a great wetsuit for fraction of the cost. look at xterra. they have nice suits. and as i was saying 250 should get you a very nice suit. look online at wetsuitretantals.com they sell used also. very good prices for top quality suits. Edited by trix 2010-09-26 5:57 PM |
| 2010-09-27 3:53 PM in reply to: #3118335 |
| Member 32 | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Trying on is the most important thing. |
| 2010-09-27 4:00 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Champion 9600 Fountain Hills, AZ | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? I'm selling my $650 ZOOT Zenith 2.0 for $250. Best of both worlds!  It's in great shape, wore it this season for races, and I swear, I never pee'd in it! |
| 2010-09-27 4:04 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Pro 5361 | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Generally the difference is in the materials used. More flexible, more bouyant, and slipperier through the water. But I've never seen a study done on exactly how much this might reduce drag as there are probably way too many other variables- such as your body position, how you take a stroke, and of course, fit. This isn't going to answer your question either, but: The better swimmer you are... the less a wetsuit helps you. They're the great equalizer for mediocre swimmers. Just the opposite of aero gear for your bike. I'd recommend spending enough so that you get a few of the features: 1. extra stretchy panels around your shoulders so you have freedom of movement. 2. extra stretchy panels around your calves- so you can get it off! 3. Quality construction: The seems should be glued on the outside (evenly and beautifully) and sewn together on the inside. |
| 2010-09-27 4:04 PM in reply to: #3120283 |
Melon Presser 52116 | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? bryancd - 2010-09-28 5:00 AM I'm selling my $650 ZOOT Zenith 2.0 for $250. Best of both worlds! It's in great shape, wore it this season for races, and I swear, I never pee'd in it!pants on fire The difference between a $600 suit and $100 suit is negligible depending on 1. swimming ability, and then 2. fit. Pros wear whatever they're sponsored by. |
| 2010-09-27 4:26 PM in reply to: #3118245 |
Master 2356 Westlake Village , Ca. | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Dave Luscan - 2010-09-26 1:23 PM And finally, a wetsuit should take 10-15 minutes to put on properly and 10-15 seconds to take off properly. Dave, Can you elaborate on the 10-15 minute part. I come from a life long surfing background, so maybe I'm just a little better than the next guy but my suit doesn't take but a minute or two to put on and it fits great. I'm just interested in what takes so long and if there is something I could/should be doing to make my suit "fit" better. |
| 2010-09-27 9:16 PM in reply to: #3120337 |
Member 56 | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Fastyellow - 2010-09-28 2:26 PM Dave Luscan - 2010-09-26 1:23 PM And finally, a wetsuit should take 10-15 minutes to put on properly and 10-15 seconds to take off properly. Dave, Can you elaborate on the 10-15 minute part. I come from a life long surfing background, so maybe I'm just a little better than the next guy but my suit doesn't take but a minute or two to put on and it fits great. I'm just interested in what takes so long and if there is something I could/should be doing to make my suit "fit" better. Yeah I'm curious too. I love my suit, a QR Ultrafull i bought 3 or 4 years ago and it fits like a glove, but I can put it on in a minute. Granted, I don't have any others to compare it too. I have a pretty standard "triathlete" physique. |
| 2010-09-27 9:34 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Expert 2547 The Woodlands, TX | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Like others said, it's the materials used. Expensive suits used a better rubber. More flexible, more air blown into the rubber (buoyancy) and a better cut. Cheap suits use a cheap rubber (Most of the good wetsuits use a grade of Yamamoto rubber). Less buoyant, less flexible. Someone mentioned that it's more durable and that's probably true. If durable is the goal though, then go get a scuba suit. |
| 2010-09-28 9:04 AM in reply to: #3118245 |
| Iron Donkey 38643 , Wisconsin | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? Dave Luscan - 2010-09-26 3:23 PM Higher grade rubber so theoretically more flexibility, plus some type of gimmick or another. That is what your extra money gets you. Wings, 'catch panels', or those new funky things on the arms of the Zoot suit. An ill fitting high end wetsuit will likely be slower than a perfectly fit $200 suit. The ill fitting suit will either constrict too much or be too large and allow water entry. Modern entry level suits are head and shoulders better than the high end suits from just 5-7 years ago. High end cranksets, ceramic bearing and $500+ wetsuits are among the biggest waste of money in triathlon. I have swam in a ton of suits. Fit is everything. There are great suits these days with Yamamoto #39 rubber in the 200-300 range. Go somewhere you can try it on, learn how to put it on properly, and make sure they have a generous return policy if you can't swim in it right then and there. And finally, a wetsuit should take 10-15 minutes to put on properly and 10-15 seconds to take off properly. This and "the brand name" markup. |
| 2010-09-28 10:34 PM in reply to: #3118210 |
Member 111 Centennial CO | Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? I was trying on wetsuit today and it felt a bit tight. They told me they stretch out and form to your body after a few uses. Is that true or just a sales pitch? Thanks |
| 2010-09-29 2:21 AM in reply to: #3123024 |
| Subject: RE: Diff. between a $650 and a $200 wetsuit? pennyminpin - 2010-09-28 11:34 PM I was trying on wetsuit today and it felt a bit tight. They told me they stretch out and form to your body after a few uses. Is that true or just a sales pitch? Thanks When trying it on, with both you and it dry (except sweating to death) it should feel too tight. As soon as you get in the water, the fit changes. Make sure the store will give you at least one swim to bring it back. |
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