General Discussion Triathlon Talk » get what you pay for? Rss Feed  
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2011-06-20 8:30 AM

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New user
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NE Kentucky
Subject: get what you pay for?

Thinking about a wetsuit (think renting one is pointless for the money). As a newbie, I wonder what suit would work for the money. Some things you can get the cheapest, some you need to pony-up a little bit for the best result...thoughts?  (and thanks in advance, really appreciate the input)

Oh, I'm 6', about 190 (not sure that it matters...)



2011-06-20 8:35 AM
in reply to: #3557461

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Champion
7136
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Knoxville area
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?

Try some on. Get the one that fits and feels "right"

 

that can be the cheap one or the bling one...

2011-06-20 9:17 AM
in reply to: #3557461

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Extreme Veteran
375
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Middleville, MI
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
I think it sort of depends on you and what your goals are.  The difference in a cheap wetsuit and one that is very expensive is likely going to be more that the nicer one has better bouyancy and perhaps better range of motion.  If your goals are to compete for winning races in your age group or overall, might be worth that extra money.  If your goals are to finish or you are a middle of the pack type, you can likely get by with one that is a little lower end.  I am a MOPer and I bought my wetsuit brand new on Ebay for $100.  This is my third season with it and I couldn't be happier. 
2011-06-20 11:04 AM
in reply to: #3557569

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New user
72
2525
NE Kentucky
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?

At this point, I'm just thinking of building my endurance. Don't have any running/biking/swimming background, always been basketball and weights for me. Don't mind finding one on ebay just that ebay makes me kinda nervous. Hate to buy one and not fit.

Could you give me maybe 2 or 3 brands? also, which to stay away from? Thanks so much for the input.

2011-06-20 11:08 AM
in reply to: #3557461

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Minneapolis, MN
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
crazyprof40 - 2011-06-20 8:30 AM

Thinking about a wetsuit (think renting one is pointless for the money). As a newbie, I wonder what suit would work for the money. Some things you can get the cheapest, some you need to pony-up a little bit for the best result...thoughts?  (and thanks in advance, really appreciate the input)

Oh, I'm 6', about 190 (not sure that it matters...)

If u can last thru this season without one, then I would recommend getting one on closeout over the winter. That is how I got a 600$ suit for less then 200$. And I love it!
2011-06-20 12:08 PM
in reply to: #3557874

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Pro
6520
50001000500
Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
crazyprof40 - 2011-06-20 11:04 AM

At this point, I'm just thinking of building my endurance. Don't have any running/biking/swimming background, always been basketball and weights for me. Don't mind finding one on ebay just that ebay makes me kinda nervous. Hate to buy one and not fit.

Could you give me maybe 2 or 3 brands? also, which to stay away from? Thanks so much for the input.



I would stay away from Ebay because if it does not fit you are stuck with it. There are a lot of good, inexpensive wetsuits like the Xterra Vortex 3 for under $200. I do not know that I'd invest in one until I was sure this was going to be more of a long time venture for me. If you do most of your swimming in a pool and need the wetsuit for the occasional race you might check into renting one initially.


2011-06-20 12:17 PM
in reply to: #3557461

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Regular
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Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
Check into the Xterra wetsuits.  They have plenty of options and very reasonable prices.  The fit guide on their website is also very helpful and informative. 
2011-06-20 12:38 PM
in reply to: #3557461

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Veteran
117
100
Waterford, Michigan
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
I picked up an XTERRA Vortex 4 full suit after utilizing the live chat on their website to discuss sizing.  I was between sizes and opted to go smaller since I am in the process of losing weight.  That said, I couldn't be happier, as the fit was great.  There always seem to be sales promotions available online ... I ended up paying about $175 after shipping.
2011-06-20 1:10 PM
in reply to: #3557461

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
Desoto , Order try it on, swim in it don't like send it back for full refund. The only Manufacture that allows returns of used wetsuits that I know of.

So why not try before you buy.

http://www.desotosport.com/products/wetsuits/index.php
2011-06-20 2:56 PM
in reply to: #3557461

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Elite
3060
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N Carolina
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
Another vote here for Xterra.  They always have some sort of deal going on.
2011-06-20 9:59 PM
in reply to: #3557461

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Extreme Veteran
438
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Maple Grove,MN
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
i got a xterra suit this year, cant complain for the price and the fit


2011-06-21 12:41 AM
in reply to: #3557461


153
1002525
Subject: RE: get what you pay for?
I rented a wetsuit for the first couple of races I did.  Talked to others at the races about their suit choice.  I then waited until the end of season.  Most tri shops will have a big sale at end of season.  Shops that rent usually sell their rentals, and get new ones the next season.  That's how I got a Blue Seventy full sleeve for $125 and an Xterra sleeveless for $95....both in perfect condition!
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