[1Topodope]

<p>Hi Kicksters!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My wonderful Dad has offered to pony up for a wetsuit for the upcoming season.  The trouble is, I don't know where to start.  Would you mind walking me through sleeves vs. sleeveless or other features I might want to consider?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just when I think I am statring to get the hang of this triathlon thing, I am back to feeling like a total newbie  <span><img alt="rolleyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/rolleyes.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I tried searching for past posts but didn't have any luck.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you in advance!</p>

 

[cak73]

<p>Sleeves vs sleeveless</p>
<p>I've heard that sleeves are "faster" than sleeveless</p>
<p>part of the choice is personal preference</p>
<p>part of the choice is water temp where you'll be doing most of your tris...will it be 70°F and higher or will it be 55-65°F?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have never tried on a wetsuit before buying it.  If you give them a call or send an email, most places are pretty good about helping you figure out what the best size is for you.</p>
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<p>Xterra, as usual, has some really awesome deals right now.  Coupon code NEWYEAR (expires Jan 28) or ACTIVE11 (expires Jan 31).</p>
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<p>Also, check out places like Swim Outlet.  I got a really good deal on a BlueSeventy wetsuit there.</p>

 

[Alaska Mike]

<p>Sleeveless vs Sleeves - yeah its personal preference.  Sleeves do add a bit of buoyancy and are a bit faster, but they also restrict your arm rotation a bit more.  You'll probably find that you get a bit more tired in your arms with sleeves.  Of course, you're biking and running after the swim so tired arms aren't such a big deal.  And, if you lived in Florida or some other hot area, I'd probably recommend sleeveless.</p>
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<p>I'm going to disagree with Cheryl and recommend that you do find a local place to buy if you can find a good triathlon shop in your area.  Some place that has multiple wetsuit brands and you can try them on.  That gives you a chance to feel the difference between sleeveless and sleeves.  I happen to think that fit is very important in wetsuits.  Can you get good enough via mail order?  Sure.  But this is one case, much like buying a bike, where it makes sense for a newbie to go local.  IMO.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm not convinced that it makes a huge difference what brand you buy.  I think getting one that fits you well is more important than the feature differences between the brands.</p>
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<p>Another thing to think about is how it fits on your neck.  That's where wetsuits rub a lot of people and different suits are cut differently.</p>
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<p>Good luck and let us know how it goes!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mike</p>

 

[em73]

<p>if you fit into a men's XL xterra, I'm selling my vortex3 sleeveless since it's too big for me now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I like sleeveless since I'm a cold water fan and I hate feeling constricted. </p>
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<p>Whichever you choose, don't forget the body glide.</p>

 

[1Topodope]

<p>Thanks for the help!  It sounds like sleeveless may be the way to go.  While I would love to be faster, I don't think I want to be constricted. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It seems I may need to change my picture if I look like I can fit a men's XL  <span><img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span></p>

 

[em73]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>1Topodope</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72244/wetsuit-advice#post_1978371"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Thanks for the help!  It sounds like sleeveless may be the way to go.  While I would love to be faster, I don't think I want to be constricted. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It seems I may need to change my picture if I look like I can fit a men's XL  <span><img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span></p>
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<br><br><p>I didn't even look at your pic!  sorry!</p>

 

[cak73]

<p>Mike brings up several great points.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>FWIW, feeling constricted in a wetsuit with sleeves totally depends on the brand and the "level" (cost) of wetsuit.  I don't feel constricted at all in my wetsuit with sleeves.  If you find a great place at which to try on multiple wetsuits, you may find that your arms feel more free in some than others.</p>
<p><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>1Topodope</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72244/wetsuit-advice#post_1978371"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Thanks for the help!  It sounds like sleeveless may be the way to go.  While I would love to be faster, I don't think I want to be constricted. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It seems I may need to change my picture if I look like I can fit a men's XL  <span><img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span></p>
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<br><br>

 

[niemsco]

<p>Sleeves only make you go faster if you are a lousy swimmer.   Sleeves are for warmth if you are swimming in low 60s or high 50s you'll want them.</p>