Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece

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2008-01-20 4:02 PM

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Member
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Lexington, SC
Subject: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
I am a complete newbie to triathlons and was searching for a wetsuit to purchase. Dont want to spend more than $250 right now. Was looking at the DeSoto new two piece designs (bib-john with pullover), and also the Zoot 2 or the Orca one piece. I ws leaning towards the DeSoto since I thought I could wear only the bib-john in warmer waters, and add the pullover in colder waters.

Anyone had any experience with two piece vs one piece? The one fear I have of the two piece is that they may not be as 'water tight' - i.e. - doesnt water get in the bib-john and slow you down?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but like I said - I'm a complete newbie.

Edited by cycle_todd 2008-01-20 4:04 PM

2008-01-20 4:10 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Extreme Veteran
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Millersville, MD
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
2 peice here. I swim sometimes with a guy who uses the bibjohn alone, never had a problem. I have the sleeved and sleeleless tops.
A little water gets in, but that's the case for all of them. Feels great around the neck, and no pulling from the legs like a 1 piece. Great investment.
2008-01-20 8:27 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Master
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Harvard, Illinois
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
I have a two piece DeSoto and I love it. There is no shoulder fatigue.
2008-01-20 8:37 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
Use desoto too. Water does not get in, it's not only tight, but the part where you think the water comes in is "double layered" meaning, first the big john goes on and goes up right below your chest, and then the top comes on and over laps down to your waist.

I have both the short sleeve and long sleeve top, and then the big john bottom.
2008-01-20 9:27 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
I will qualify this by saying that I'm a complete newbie also, but you might look into renting a wetsuit initially. There are several sites which offer this service if you google "wetsuit rentals." I've not tried this personally, but I've been considering it depending on which races I enter & whether a wetsuit is necessary. Of course I'd be interested in hearing others thoughts on this too!
2008-01-20 11:30 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Findlay, OH
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
Desoto, and love it! Sometimes when its just alittle chilly out I throw on the top only.

2008-01-21 8:38 AM
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2008-01-21 4:07 PM
in reply to: #1166591

Member
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Lexington, SC
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
Thanks for the great input guys. I had also thought of renting a suit, but at approx $55 per event, and planning on entering 4 events this year, the math just doesnt add up. If I can get it properly fitted, why not just go ahead and purchase.

And from what I hear, DeSoto is a good choice.

Thanks again

Edited by cycle_todd 2008-01-21 4:08 PM
2008-01-21 5:35 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
I would go to the store and try on several and get the one that fits best. The most important thing is to get one that fits right.
2008-01-21 5:51 PM
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2008-01-21 6:49 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
Desoto, my body is proportioned a differently so being able to "custom fit" a wetsuit is great.  I have tried the Xterra as well, nice wetsuit but my shoulders got fatigued and the fit wasn't as good as Desoto.

2008-01-21 7:33 PM
in reply to: #1166591

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
DeSoto speed tube (pants only, no bib) runs about $100 and provides all the flotation I need (or want). I generally don't do races where the water is really cold, so this is perfect. It's easy to get out of and does not constrict my arms at all. I would think it would be enough for water down to 68-70 °F. And you can always add a DeSoto top at a later date if you want to.
2008-01-21 7:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
Another vote for the DeSoto! I have the First Wave full sleeve and bibjohn and am very happy. I am extremely long-waisted and the one piece suits all pulled at the crotch/shoulders. I can get out of the 2 piece suit at least as fast, if not faster, than a one piece.

Take advantage of Emilio's 100% satisfaction guarantee. Try one on and return it if you aren't happy.
2008-01-22 8:57 AM
in reply to: #1166591

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East Aurora, NY
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece

I've tried both a one piece and a DeSoto Blackpearl two piece.  I ended up buying the DeSoto because it fit me perfect.  In my opinion two piece is the way to go if you want a good fit.  That

2008-01-22 8:57 AM
in reply to: #1166591

Extreme Veteran
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East Aurora, NY
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece

I've tried both a one piece and a DeSoto Blackpearl two piece.  I ended up buying the DeSoto because it fit me perfect.  In my opinion two piece is the way to go if you want a good fit.



Edited by mcole158 2008-01-22 8:57 AM
2008-01-22 9:38 AM
in reply to: #1169290

Cycling Guru
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
Another Desoto Black Pearl owner here .... awesome suit and it has served me well for two seasons.

2011-05-22 5:40 AM
in reply to: #1166591

Master
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece

**WARNING---EXTREMELY OLD THREAD**

Would it work if I took a top and put it over my sleeveless? Just trying to come of with cost effective option other than buying an entire new one. I would rent, but we are on vacation right after my race for a week. AND, by time I rent the two times I need this year, I would be better off buying.

2011-05-22 8:17 AM
in reply to: #3511991

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
goobergirl98 - 2011-05-22 6:40 AM

**WARNING---EXTREMELY OLD THREAD**

Would it work if I took a top and put it over my sleeveless? Just trying to come of with cost effective option other than buying an entire new one. I would rent, but we are on vacation right after my race for a week. AND, by time I rent the two times I need this year, I would be better off buying.

I don't think that would work. The De Soto Bibjohn doesn't have the material around the chest and shoulder that another suit does. I think putting the top over another type of sleeveless suit would make it very bulky and hard to swim. Just one opinion!

2011-05-22 1:01 PM
in reply to: #1166591

Veteran
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10025
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - 2 piece or one piece
Love my 2 piece Desoto T1. Very fast. Super leg buoyancy. Wetsuits can be a big investment. Always try it before buying if possible. Renting one may give to chance to try a few different brands.
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