Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy

RE: Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy

Former Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:42:13 GMT

RE: Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy

cheakamus — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:59:25 GMT

Try the Xterra wetsuits. I believe their Vortex is on special now for 60% off if you google for the coupon (or just call; they may give the price to you). The company is very open to letting you try on and swap sizes if needed. Thanks, Kip. I just bought one. $201, including shipping, for the full sleeve. I was going to schlep around and try on suits, but all I really need is an entry-level model so I can try to extend my open-water season. This was too good a deal to pass up!

RE: Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy

Patrick W. Brundage — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:56:52 GMT

Try the Xterra wetsuits. I believe their Vortex is on special now for 60% off if you google for the coupon (or just call; they may give the price to you). The company is very open to letting you try on and swap sizes if needed. I went with the no sleeve version originally, but was getting water coming in so I swapped for the L/S, then swapped sizes again and they were very cooperative each time. It's very buoyant in the legs ... so much so in the ocean my feet come out of the water at first. Very fast compared to no wetsuit. I'd say with the 200 open water swimmers I see here in SB each week, at least half are wearing Xterras.I have an Xterra Vortex sleeveless and LOVE it. When I got my first wetsuits, I used long sleeve, but found them too constrictive. Then, I switched to the sleeveless and find it a way better suit to race in. I love the extra feeling of freedom / less shoulder constriction with the sleeveless, plus I find that the warmth is just fine even without the sleeves.

RE: Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy

knelson — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:36:12 GMT

Did you see the wetsuit reviews in Swimmer an issue or so back? I would think that would be a great place to start. Issues such as fit, warmth and buoyancy were all discussed.

RE: Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy

orca1946 — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:39:21 GMT

Most races will not allow wet suits when the water is as warm as Fla is most of the time. As far as practice, look into swim outlet com or other swim sites .

RE: Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy

Former Member — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 05:31:12 GMT

Did you see the wetsuit reviews in Swimmer an issue or so back? I would think that would be a great place to start. Issues such as fit, warmth and buoyancy were all discussed. Here is the youtube video that accompanied the issue: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M5fQJLUROo