Should I Buy a Mail Order Tri Wetsuit?


So I am planning to buy a tri wetsuit at some point this summer. I’m always the cautious type, who generally buys from local vendors (rather than mail order), especially clothing, so that I can try it on and make sure it fits. But this is such a good deal on a wetsuit… regularly $400 for half price ($199). Seems like good quality. XTerra brand. On sale until late June. 30-day money back guarantee, and size switch options/guarantee. I’m usually between 115-117 pounds (trying to take it down a few) and 5’3”, so I just fit into the WS size, on the borderline really with WM.

Vortex 3 Fullsuit $199 (Reg. $400)

I’m so nervous about choosing the wrong size or something that doesn’t fit me right. I’ve never tried on ANY wetsuit before, nor obviously swum in one. What should I do? Buy this one? Or give it a miss and go to a local tri shop and get fitted for one there? Help? Advice?

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  1. #1 by sheila on June 22, 2009 - 2:55 pm

    OK, so far I’ve gotten two responses on Facebook. One was just “NO” and the other suggested that for such a big purchase, online may not be the way to go.

    Today on Twitter someone said:

    for a first wetsuit, i rec. rent from wetsuitrental.com & u can buy it from them at discount if you like it. They have xterra

    Now on their site, I do not see any Xterras listed, but they say their inventory is so fluid that the webpage is not always up-to-date and to call them for current info. Will consider.

  2. #2 by sheila on June 22, 2009 - 3:25 pm

    A follow-up reply from the same Twitter participant, on wetsuitrental.com:

    I rented long John & sleeve style b/c I wasn’t sure. They were great, let me keep it for 2 training weeks.

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