Wetsuit fit

2004-02-09 12:17 AM

Member

Subject: Wetsuit fit

Coming to you from Korea!

I'm in the market for a new wetsuit, on the weekend I tried on the new 'Pflex' from Orca in sizes 6 and 6.5. I'm wondering if anyone has any last minute advice for me concerning which size to go for, happy with the model it's the size that concerns me.

My measurements are (cm)
Height 173cm
Weight 74kg
Chest 102cm

Suit 6 range
Height 165cm~183cm
Weight 65~75kg
Chest 92~102cm

Suit 6.5 range
Height 170~188cm
Weight 70~80kg
Chest 94~104cm

I am at the max range in weight and chest for the 6, and minimum height for the 6.5. Basically the size 6.5 was pretty good, but very easy to get off (dry), neck area was tight. Size 6 is much tighter, very tight on the neck and quite restrictive when strectching up in freestyle like motion.
Unfortunately the owner of the Orca shop (who is an experienced Ironman) was in the US, and his wife knew no English and little about triathlons. I realise the measurements are not as important as the feel, just wondering how much wetsuits do loosen up in the water, shame I can't try them on in the pool really.

Any advice here would really be appreciated.

Edited by Defa 2004-02-09 12:24 AM

EllenG

2004-02-09 6:53 AM

in reply to: #6533

Resident Matriarch

N 43° 32.927 W 071° 24.431

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

I doubt than many of us are comfortable enough with your metric measurements to be of much help. Of course I shouldn't generalize like that, but for me.....well, let's just say by reading that real fast I wouldn't even know if you're taller or shorter than me. So I'll just guess that your taller!

I hope someone here can offer you some constructive advice instead of just rambling on like me

DharmaBum

2004-02-09 7:02 AM

in reply to: #6533

Extreme Veteran

332

PohangSi

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

Just looking at the measurements and based on your comments I'd say go with the 6.5. You are in the center of the range for chest and weight and well within the limit for height with the 6.5. but with the 6.0 you are at the upper limit for chest and weight. The length of the sleeves and legs looked ok on you for both. of course I've no experience with wetsuits so take my comments with a grain of salt.

2004-02-09 8:36 AM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

Thanks so far, well I've emailed Orca HQ in NZ as well, waiting on a reply from them, but at this stage it looks like the 6.5 is the way to go.
I would have put my measurements in the American way, only I have the same problem, can't understand feet/ inches and pounds, even when I get the calculator out

Edited by Defa 2004-02-09 8:37 AM

2004-02-09 2:53 PM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Tucson, AZ

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

The Orca wetsuits generally run small. We always suggest that people buying Orca suits get the bigger size if they are on the edge of the sizing chart. We also suggest to use weight as the determining factor. Because of all this, I would go with the 6.5 size. You don't want a suit that is too restrictive. This will really hinder your swim performance. Hope this helps.

Nik

2004-02-09 6:51 PM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

That's a very helpful response Nik, thanks. I noticed on your website that the size chart is actually different from the one I used, on your sizing chart I am definitely a size 6.5.
Funny though, I emailed Orca and got a response from a guy called Nick who said I should definitely go with the size 6, he said it will feel more comfortable after a few swims!

Tricky

Edited by Defa 2004-02-09 6:52 PM

2004-02-09 7:10 PM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Tucson, AZ

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

well, it is their suit, so they should know best. i will have to look into if their sizing chart changed. the suit will loosen up after use and in the water. i guess it will be your call.

all i know is that from our experience (including personal), the orca suits fit very tight (especially in the chest) and small.

whatever the case may be, just make sure wherever you purchase the suit from has an exchange policy.

best of luck.

2004-02-09 7:20 PM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Tucson, AZ

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

don't know where you are gettting your sizing chart, but here is orca's official sizing chart (same as ours). again, good luck

http://www.orca.co.nz/onlineshop_size.asp

nik

2004-02-10 12:07 AM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

Weird, there seems to be more than one size chart for Orca wetsuits.
Strange,last weekend we clicked on the Orca website and the chart was definitely different to the one that I just viewed from your link Nik. Funny thing is I feel quite happy now to go with the 6.5, but my friend who is 6ft, 75kg is now wondering if he shouldn't go for a size 7 (when he was going to buy a tight 6.5).

Thanks for your help here Nik, you have been more helpful than the Orca people to be honest.

2004-02-10 12:23 PM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Tucson, AZ

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

couple of more things...

don't know what to say about the sizing chart issue. i talked to one of our owners last night and she told me that orca has been know to size people small in the past.

as far my own personal fitting experience, i am 6' and 185 lbs with a medium to large build. i have worn both the size 8 and size 9 orca speedsuit and the size 9 fit me so much better.

another option for you as far as shipping goes. sometimes we ship two sizes of suits for our customers and then they just return the one that doesn't fit. (we do this for internationals as well, but i know it gets expensive) you could request this from your shop if you are still unsure of sizing. just an option.

hope i haven't gone overboard with the information. take care.

nik

2004-02-10 6:37 PM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit

No, you haven't gone over board, it's a lot of money and I don't want to make a decision that will slow me down!

Actually my friend and I clicked on the Orca website and something strange, when looking up the 'Pflex' suit following the links leads to a different size chart than if you just click on sizing under the main headings. My friend emailed Orca about this and we are waiting their response.

I am thinking that the 6.5 will be the one I go for, cheers for your help Nik.

2004-02-10 6:38 PM

in reply to: #6533

Member

Subject: RE: Wetsuit fit