Monday, November 9, 2009

Which wetsuit?


Well I am sad to tell everyone out there the truth....

Don't buy an ORCA wetsuit.

I have now had 2 that have failed due to design flaws.
The first one -- an ORCA Evo -- ripped at the neck after 1 month of wear.
They honored the warranty and replaced it with an ORCA Sonar.
Although I have owned it for 2 years I have only worn it for 6 months (summers are short here in Maine).

After those 6 months of wear the painted shoulders cracked right through the neoprene, leaving the suit with over a dozen tears. Now mind you I wash it after every wear with fresh water. I dry it inside out first and then right side out lying flat. All winter I store it flat in a temperate clean area. I take good care of it, ya know?

ORCA however has decided that since I am outside the 1 year warranty period that they will not replace it.
No matter that other people I know that have had the same ORCA model and only worn it for one season have had the same issue.

So I need some help.

What is best wetsuit for me?
I want something I can both train in and race in.
It needs to be able to handle lots of wear and can't be too fussy.
But it should be fast.
It needs to keep me warm in 57 degree Maine water.
It also has to fit a petite 5'5" frame.

I have been suggested to take a look at the B70 Helix or Synergie and some of the 2XU Comp ... but can't try them on as the local shop is out of stock in my size.

So what do you think? Ideas please.....

14 comments:

GetBackJoJo said...

I think that local shop is more than out of your size.
Are you going to that place down in the Old Port?
I love my Zoot--

Chris said...

Wow...that sucks. I have an Ironman (now Blue Seventy) and an ORCA. So far no problems.

I have heard a lot of good feedback on the new Blue Seventy's.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear you've had such difficulty. I'll be following with interest to see what you choose, and hoping it works much better for you.

Swimming for ME said...

Mary -Yeah, guess I'll be visiting Fast Splits in Mass sometime soon.....

MaineSport said...

Blue 70 dominates the world of triathlon. There must be a reason....

Pedergraham said...

I like my Blue Seventy's. I think you can also order online through Trisports and they have some sort of program where you can send them back and forth and not pay "full freight".

Anonymous said...

Go without wesuit.

Swimming for ME said...

Not in Maine.. it can be 57 degrees in the ocean in June!

Anonymous said...

You need to come to Queensland, Australia!
No wetsuits ever !

Swimming for ME said...

Wow! Sounds fabulous. Let me know when... I'll be there without a wetsuit! :)

Anonymous said...

is that as warm as the water gets? How awful!

Water here is around 73 degrees ( I found an online calculator from celcius!)
and around 90 degree heat!
=]] can't imagine having to swim with a wetsuit... I love the ocean, Australia has the best beaches!

Hey check out my blog! Emmaodettebarnett.blogspot.com

Ange said...

Alina...LOVE my blue SEventy!! Great for sore shoulders. :)

Unknown said...

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