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2007-07-20 5:14 PM

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Subject: Athena Wetsuits

Can anyone recommend an Athena wetsuit brand that actually FITS? Women's sizes are usually for elf-girls, and men's suits - though bigger - don't fit well. They're, uh, built for men.

 Recommendations?



2007-07-20 5:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
GatorJamie - 2007-07-20 5:14 PM

Can anyone recommend an Athena wetsuit brand that actually FITS? Women's sizes are usually for elf-girls, and men's suits - though bigger - don't fit well. They're, uh, built for men.

 Recommendations?



Well you can look into QR (quinto roo). They tend to run big. I have there largest size and I am 40lbs over there largest size and it fits. If you can I would find a local store and try it out.
2007-07-20 6:00 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits

I have a Blue Seventy Reaction... fits all my curves quite nicely: it's generous in the boob, hip and thigh areas (definitely NOT for a stick figure!). 

However, I did note that the other suits in the line did not fit the same way.  Not sure why...

2007-07-20 8:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
I have a men's Orca suit.....I got the SS size.....it stands for short and stout and it seems to work well. It has more room and is shorter in length.......
2007-07-21 2:12 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits

I have a Q2 from Zoot, and works great and the fit was really nice. Has a lower neck collar, so it opens up the airway. Never had any problems chocking with it, and also why ?I love it..

Actually bought mine in March for HIM California when I was 278 lbs @ 6'00". It fitted and worked beautifully. Used about 3 times. Probably will be selling it, since I slowly melting my weight off. Now 234 and havn't tried it since our lake hits almost 85'F in the summer. Yes, Lake mead does get warm in the summer. In winter, another story. Upper 40 to low 50's.

2007-07-21 3:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits

Just a note to the boys, though the responses are, I'm sure, completely appreciated...the OP is inferring that men's suits don't fit, and in general, she's right, they don't fit women.   At least not "properly."  We were blessed with extra padding on top and on bottom that lends itself to curves you guys don't have (though  much appreciate) and that makes proper fit a little more difficult.

As of right now, I haven't seen any female wetsuits (based on different sizing charts I've looked at) that will fit me.  Blue Seventy comes the closest with their athena sizes, but those will probably be too short for me.  I'd love to see a woman's wetsuit that says it's for someone over 6 ft.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I think there is money to be made if someone would focus on the needs of Clydes and Athenas (ALL of them, tall, short, in and out of healthy weight ranges).  Certain makers are making strides, but, I think there needs to be someone soley dedicated to the purpose.  There are a lot more of us out here then they think!

Sorry for the slight hijack... 



2007-07-21 6:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
I've been looking around the internet for the same thing. I have not raced yet and have never worn a wetsuit. I'm interested if any of you experienced short, voluptious triathletes think the wetsuits on seadreamswetsuits.com would work for a tri?
Thanks
2007-07-21 7:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
It'd probably help to give real examples so here goes. I bought my Orca Men's SS Wetsuit and I love it.

I'm 5'7 and at the time I bought it I weighed 210. I carry my weight through my butt and hips (size M/L on top and size 18/20 on the bottom)

I'm more a 14/16 on the bottom now and it still fits well.

Unfortunately unless you're a tall woman or a size 12/14 it is hard to find a women's specific suit that fits. I found the short and stocky men's worked for what I needed at the time.
2007-07-21 9:26 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits

healthierme2 - 2007-07-21 6:48 PM I've been looking around the internet for the same thing. I have not raced yet and have never worn a wetsuit. I'm interested if any of you experienced short, voluptious triathletes think the wetsuits on seadreamswetsuits.com would work for a tri? Thanks

Would they work? Yes. Would they be ideal? No.

In looking at the webpage, those wetsuits appear to have been designed more for scuba diving.  That means it's made primarily for warmth.  Triathlon specific suits, while also intended to provide warmth (which they do) are primarily intended to provide bouyancy, which means you have less work to do on the swim. 

2007-07-22 9:34 AM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
maggieruth
Thanks a bunch for taking the time to look.
2007-07-23 4:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
Vaiza - 2007-07-20 4:00 PM

I have a Blue Seventy Reaction... fits all my curves quite nicely: it's generous in the boob, hip and thigh areas (definitely NOT for a stick figure!).

I have the same one. It fits my hips/legs well, but NOT my (broad) shoulders.



2007-07-24 6:30 AM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits

Promotion wetsuits go up to size 18 I think and run very generous. The issue for me as I'm 5'6" is that they were long arm and legs but I was okay with that. They will recut the arms and legs for a slight cost.

Promotion I think fits curvy women too. I've had 3 of them as I've lost weight I keep going back and getting another one. 

2007-07-31 6:26 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
I just bought an Xterra one and although their Women's Large says it fits up to 155 lbs or somethin like that I wear it at 172 with a little extra room. The guy actually suggested trying a medium. Might be worth a look.
2007-07-31 7:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
Athena women (sorry guys)... I suggest checking out a women's only tri website for equipment. I have been real lucky there for most everything.

www.teamestrogen.com

I am short and curvy.. I have a REACTION suit. Fits great in all the right spots.
2007-08-01 7:18 AM
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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
I have a Blue Seventy Reaction Full suit in size WXLA (women's XL Athena). I am 5'9 170lbs and it fits pretty well and goes on very easily. I have wide shoulders so my only complaint is that my shoulders feel a little constricted. I just got a Promotion sleeveless which also goes on/comes off easily and gives my shoulders some breathing room. I agree that the wetsuit sizing is sooo biased against larger women. I love when a company's XL is for women 5'7-5'10 155lbs- LOL!
2022-02-16 10:16 PM
in reply to: GatorJamie


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Subject: RE: Athena Wetsuits
Looking for an Athena Wetsuit for a woman, 5'5" and about 185-190 lbs. Anyone got one for sale or a good link to a resource.
Thanks


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