Sunday, March 7, 2010

Wetsuit Review for Amazons

If you're over 5'5", it's reeeeally hard to find a wetsuit that fits.  Trying on more than one is such an ordeal, and most surf shops only stock the cheapest women's suits, in two sizes.  First, I ordered a Roxy (I think it was a Syncro).   The sleeves came to my elbows (it wasn't short-sleeved) and were baggy, the butt was super baggy, the legs reached to my shins, and the chest was very constrictive.  They also had darts in the chest?  Which I guess means they are trying to emphasize your womanly shape while mashing your girls down with a tight layer of rubber.  FAIL.  I swear Roxy's fit model is a little person.  With Hulk Hogan arms.

Returned it and got an O'neill Dlux 3/2.  I chose O'neill  because their suits usually have longer legs, and it was on sale.  It was also all-black, which is better than having pink hearts all over.   (All-black suits say "I'm trying to look serious, not cute--don't drop in on me.")  It may have been a reject suit because they don't offer it in all-black in the catalog.  It's their middle-of-the-line option; neither super-warm ($$$), nor super-cheap.  Anyway, here's the scoop: 

1.  It has a leotard-like sheen.  Very jazzercizey!  I like leotards and shiny things, so this is a plus for me.  But it isn't metallic, baitfishy shiny. 
2.  The legs are very long.  They almost reach all the way to my ankles.
3.  Arms are still too short!  And after wearing it a few times, the sleeve openings have stretched and are loose.  And I have short arms.  I don't understand this?  My shoulders aren't man-broad, either. 
4.  Neck barrier does a nice job of preventing flushing without being too constrictive. 
5.  Roomy enough in boob area. 
6.  Suit is stretchy and probably suitable (sorry) for temps as low as 60.

Hopefully this helps someone save some time and money.  I think I got the suit from either killerdana.com or hanger94.com (which should maybe be spelled "hangar").

2 comments:

lawless said...

Crazy that we're still talking about wetsuits in March in Florida. This water temp thing is bullshit, I'm pissed. Well that and the overall lack of waves this winter.

I scored a Matuse 3/2 and that thing is by far the best/warmest suit I've ever had. Not sure if they make them for the lady-folk though.

dramazon said...

You guys have it waaay worse than we do. Especially since you are an emaciated vegan.

I think I will have to have two wetsuits, because the thought of putting a wet one on, in almost-freezing air and water temps, makes me want to bury my head in a snuggie and cry.

I don't know any girls who have a Matuse, but they started making them last year. I know two guys who have had the zipper rip off their suits (I did not do it), so be careful.