General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears Rss Feed  
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2017-07-10 5:00 PM


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Subject: New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears
Hey looking for a recommendation on a new sleeveless suit. Currently my full suit is an Xterra Vector Pro, and I feel like I'm too bound up in the shoulders and don't have enough range of motion. Going to try a sleeveless.

When looking, are there different quality levels of neoprene? I've tried to be very careful when putting it on / taking it off, but still seam to have a BUNCH of tears. I'm now on my 2nd round of repairs and this is only about the 5th or 6th race (total times used) for the suit.

I question the quality of the Xterra.


2017-07-10 5:33 PM
in reply to: Kokemartin

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Subject: RE: New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears

It's a cheap suit that's suitable for AG racing once or twice per year......so it definitely fits into the market.  However, if you are going to use your suit many times per year, training and racing, for a number of years, go with a better (yes, it will be more expensive) suit like HUUB, etc. (not a HUUB shill......just one I'm very familiar with, among others)  I don't know anyone who had an Xterra suit that doesn't have the same comments on durability.  A well made, well fitting wetsuit really is one of those things where you get what you pay for.

2017-07-10 10:29 PM
in reply to: Kokemartin


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Subject: RE: New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears
You may want to look into a Desoto 2 - piece wetsuit. I am pretty big through the shoulders. but have good freedom of movement with this wetsuit. The top and the bibs can be different sizes to help get a good it.

Also their customer service is second to none. They will repair the wetsuit if it gets a tear.

I have been very happy with mine that I have used for several years.

2017-07-11 9:43 AM
in reply to: Kokemartin

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Subject: RE: New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears
Every wetsuit will tear, almost all of the neoprene comes from the same manufacturer. Actually the higher the price of the suit the more easily it will tear. Good thing they are super easy to fix. Just pick up some black neoprene cement: http://amzn.to/2uaexjc

Also the most important thing about a wetsuit is that it fits, but you may find some of the other new wetsuit buying tips here helpful:

http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2017/05/triathlon-wetsuit-buying-tips-...
2017-07-11 11:11 AM
in reply to: Kokemartin

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Subject: RE: New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears
I have a HUUB sleeveless that has been used for 5 years with no issues. The sleeveless models are not as expensive as the full sleeves anyway.

This is all I have used however there are others out there.

Others to consider: orca, Desoto, Zoot, Blue seventy
2017-07-11 11:20 AM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears

I don't know, Thomas.....I spent 5 years of my life coaching/helping a youth/jr elite team of about 80 kids who could tear up anything you put in front of them.  They destroyed Xterra wetsuits (sometimes on the first attempt  LOL ), while the HUUB, Roka, and Blue Seventy suits normally held up for multiple seasons.  There was really no comparison.



2017-07-11 3:52 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: New Wetsuit Recommendation / Wet suit tears

In my experience, comparing my suit to other friends, the Xterra does tear quite easily.

A couple other tips, regardless: 

  • Make sure it's supple.  If it's not been worn for a while, get it wet before you try to stretch it. 
  • Absolutely only short fingernails with smoothed edges.
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