Wetsuit company with excellent suits and customer service?

OW season is beginning and lots of current and new triathletes are looing for wet suits - it may take some work and getting in line until the rush dies down. I've had a lot of success with Xterra over the years, but I know others who love and swear by Blue-Seventy wet suits and Zoot. TYR wetsuits are very popular too. I have no idea about customer service. There's also ROKA, Orca, Aqua Sphere, Speedo, Arena, Zone 3, and DeSoto wetsuits too. Fit is critical, so if you are ordering it over the web, be very careful trying it on with finger nails and or sharp edges in case you need to send it back. Not fitting on the first try is pretty common. Putting it on and taking it off isn't easy and you may want to have some help - there are YouTube videos. Wetsuit models that only come down to your calf (not over your ankles) are easier to get on and off (over your feet) and that's helpful for racing. Sleeveless suits are great for added buoyancy and reduced drag and they don't restrict your arms as much as a full suit, but they aren't quite as warm and sleevless wetsuits may create more drag than a full suit. There are plenty of tri-wetsuit reviews around so read a bit before you buy, and since this is your first don't go over the top price wise - that can come later if/when you want to upgrade or try other styles. Prices are seasonal and generally better in the fall or mid to late summer, but you should be able to find something in the $200-$300 area or maybe less that will work as a trial. Make sure you get one made for tri or OW swimming and not a wetsuit made for surfing or diving. They are totally different. Once you decide the suit fits and is a keeper, use body glide on your neck at the top of the suit and if needed between your legs and under your arms where it can chafe your skin when you get ready to go for a swim. Try to get someone to check the zipper and Velcro tabs in the back to be sure they aren't against your skin. Good luck and happy wetsuit hunting

Thanks Sojerz. I appreciate you helping out and sharing with me some background on tri wetsuits. Providing a price range is helpful as I would the type to "go over the top" :) Body Glide sounds like a great idea. I'll be sure to pick this product up. The suits with the shorter legs sounds pretty good. It can really be a struggle putting wetsuits on. I'll take a look at these models. I also heard somewhere that some suits allow you to trim the legs. I'll keep an eye out for those too. Thank you again. Much appreciated.

I don't have anything to compare it to, because I have only ever had a ROKA. Must say that I love it. Not many things fit my swimmer's body, but this suit actually feels good. Since everything has gone well, I haven't had to use their customer service, but others have told me that the company has gone out of their way to fix issues. For what it's worth.

I hate to say it, but I’ve had my Xterra for over 8 years now. With about 20 hours of use in ocean, and at least 80 hours of pool use, when the heater breaks.

I hate to say it, but I’ve had my Xterra for over 8 years now. With about 20 hours of use in ocean, and at least 80 hours of pool use, when the heater brakes. You hate to say it and I hate to hear it. If we end up swimming in the same event you're going to be left in my wake :)

I have had several different brands and 19 was by far my best suit. Thanks rTodd. I never heard Nineteen before. I'll keep an eye out for them.

Update: After RonCummins mentioned Roka I gave them a call. The rep I spoke with was very helpful and he explained how the company works with customers and stands by their products to ensure that they are happy with their purchases. This is a huge plus for me as it is my first venture into a Tri suit. I haven't made a purchase yet but Roka certainly looks good. Their $550 Elite wetsuit comes to $440 after the 20% discount. There is a 20% coupon out there and also an USAT membership ($50) will get you the discount also. A bit more than I wanted to spend but he said a big difference between this suit and the $350 one is that the chest expands easier to help with breathing. I'm sure their are other differences, though.

I have had several different brands and 19 was by far my best suit.

I’ve had amazing, truly great customer service from aquasphere. They’re a little bit less known here though that’s changing with the Michael Phelps line. Give them a look.

Thanks MSK. But what part of "I've given up on Xterra. Too many reasons to mention" don't you understand? lol. Simply put, it's not going to happen. I probably just ignited a firestorm with my blunt response so be sure to say tuned for the show :)