General Discussion Triathlon Talk » DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex Rss Feed  
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2012-05-29 3:45 PM


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Subject: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
I am choosing my wetsuit between DeSoto Blackpearl (USD 360) or Xterra Vortex (USD 170
Much difference on both? 
2 piece are allowed on every kind of race?


2012-05-29 4:19 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex

flyers - 2012-05-29 4:45 PM I am choosing my wetsuit between DeSoto Blackpearl (USD 360) or Xterra Vortex (USD 170
Much difference on both? 2 piece are allowed on every kind of race?

I've been using DeSoto T1 for 5 years and am a big fan of the two piece. I just find it more comfortable than my old one piece, easier to take off/on and my favorite part is that when the water gets warm(er) I just use the bottom part.  I've never heard of a race that does not allow them. 

The Vortex is a much cheaper suit becasue it uses a lower grade material. The Black Pear uses GreenGoma™ #8 Rubber (or Yamamoto #38 for older models) which is more durable & chlorine resistant. I  believe the Vortex is a little more old school using older neopreane.  If you want a one piece using the newer Yamamoto rubber you'll need to look to more expensive brands like Zoot, 2XU, Orca, etc.

 

2012-05-29 4:45 PM
in reply to: #4233997

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Expert
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
De Soto, love mine and have both the sleeved and sleeveless tops
2012-05-29 6:35 PM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
I have a 2xu one piece and just bougt a used De Soto two piece. I love the De soto much better, less restrictive than the 2xu. The 2xu was brand new last year and I had I done a bit more research at the time I would've bought a De Soto from the start.
2012-05-29 6:40 PM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex

I've had 5 wetsuits over the years. I love my DeSoto and wouldn't go back to regular 1 piece.

Yes 2 piece are allowed at all races that are wetsuit legal.

Check around as you can find good deals on wetsuits. I got my second DeSoto wetsuit for about 45% off list.

2012-05-30 6:55 AM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex

LUV my 2 piece Black Pearl!!!  If you want a wetsuit for life, that is the one you want.  If you aren't sure you are going to use the heck out of your wetsuit and/or money is a concern, the Vortex is a nice option.

My wife has the Vortex and there is nothing wrong with it.  She doesn't race nearly as much as me and just wanted a cheap wetsuit that works.  The difference in quality of the rubber though is very apparent when you hold them.  The Xterra is much softer and succeptable to rips and cuts.  The De soto can take a beating.



2012-05-30 7:22 AM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
I just purchased a Black Pearl and did my first OWS last weekend (1 mile race). My previous wetsuit was the vortex. So far I really like the Black Pearl. Its a little lighter and I seem to have more flexibility. As others mentioned, the rubber quality seems a little better. It does take a little longer to get on. I also haven't mastered taking it off quickly. Some people can do this quicker than a 1 piece, but I haven't found that yet. A 2 piece also gives you more fitting options. You can purchase a different size top and bottom if you haver a larger upper or lower body. Is it worth the extra money? That is a harder question and depends on your goals and type of swimmer you are. It may not make you any faster than the vortex. Although I did st a PR in my first race with it. If you plan to race a while and can afford the extra cost, it may be worth getting a nicer wetsuits. If you are on a limited budget and have other things you need, you may be better off with the vortex. Desoto does have a good return policy and great customer service.
2012-05-30 8:32 AM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
KathyG - 2012-05-29 6:40 PM

I've had 5 wetsuits over the years. I love my DeSoto and wouldn't go back to regular 1 piece.

Yes 2 piece are allowed at all races that are wetsuit legal.

Check around as you can find good deals on wetsuits. I got my second DeSoto wetsuit for about 45% off list.

 

WOW!!  if you see that again would you mind letting us know, if it's not too much trouble?  That's a deal a wouldn't want to pass on! 

thanks Kathy!

2012-05-30 8:46 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
I'm sorry to thread jack here a bit, but you peeps with the DeSoto..... Can you swim with just the bib john?  Or do you need the pullover with it?
2012-05-30 8:56 AM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex

Meulen - 2012-05-30 9:46 AM I'm sorry to thread jack here a bit, but you peeps with the DeSoto..... Can you swim with just the bib john?  Or do you need the pullover with it?

I have swam with just the bib john doing a longer swim in warmer water.

2012-05-30 8:59 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex

It's interesting that the very first triathlon wetsuits were only pants. They provided floatation for the legs.

The De Soto 2 piece concept is so solid and effective I'm amazed other manufacturers haven't mimmicked it. One did briefly but the product disappeared rather quickly suggesting... administrative issues.

If you have an opportunity to swim in a De Soto 2 piece, then swim in a one piece suit immediately after (or before) for comparison I think your decision will be made. The De Soto suits are that good.



2012-05-30 9:01 AM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
Meulen - 2012-05-30 9:32 AM
KathyG - 2012-05-29 6:40 PM

I've had 5 wetsuits over the years. I love my DeSoto and wouldn't go back to regular 1 piece.

Yes 2 piece are allowed at all races that are wetsuit legal.

Check around as you can find good deals on wetsuits. I got my second DeSoto wetsuit for about 45% off list.

 

WOW!!  if you see that again would you mind letting us know, if it's not too much trouble?  That's a deal a wouldn't want to pass on! 

thanks Kathy!

Some deals here on Trisports.

I did a bunch of google searches last year and found a shop in CA clearing them out as they had been sitting in their back room for a couple years. ST classified had a store clearing them out as well.

2012-05-30 9:09 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
thanks Tom/Kathy!  I'm really regretting not taking advantage of the Memorial day sales.  I should have bit the bullet and got it done.  Doesn't look like any of the clear out deals still have my size
2012-05-30 10:47 AM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
DeSoto T1 owner. Besides the excellent fit. It is like having two suites. When the water is warmer. I just wear the bib johns. You can't go wrong with it.
2012-05-30 11:12 AM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex

I probably wouldn't wear just the bib john for a race.   The front doesn't come up has high as a sleeveless and it may not fit snug enough around the straps so there could be added drag (think bike bibs).  But they do make a sleeveless top you can also get.  Much cheaper than buying 2 separate one piece suits.  Personally, I would rather be too warm and still have a full sleeve than use a sleeveless.  In the majority of cases, full sleeve will be faster (especially for weaker swimmers). 

I bought mine at swimoutlet.com and there was a small discount.  It shipped right away though (and free 2 day shipping).  I paid $394 for both.

2012-05-31 9:49 PM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex
I found a great deal 2009 model De Soto wetsuits at www.goforitsports.com, they only have a few sizes left in the Black Pearl and First Wave tops and bottoms.

http://goforitsports.com/shop/products.asp?cat=243

Edited by dbosler 2012-05-31 9:50 PM


2012-05-31 10:50 PM
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Subject: RE: DeSoto Blackpearl or Xterra Vortex

On more than one occasion I've read good things about the De Soto's and then this thread comes up, a couple hours after I order a Vector Pro sleeveless.

 

I got it for such a good price I couldn't say no. I wanted to compare the sleeveless to my fullsuit.

If I still dont like it I will go De Soto.

 

I have been getting better in my Vortex full though, I just need to get more time in it.

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