Zone3 wetsuit sizing and questions...

gibson00 · Joined: 22 Feb 2016 Posts: 10

Hi all, thinking of trying a Zone3 wetsuit. Coming from a Desoto with very little shoulder restriction, so hoping to find the same freedom...

1. I am kind of between sizes on their chart, between a ML and L. I am 5'10, 180, somewhat broad shoulders for a triathlete... Should I go smaller or bigger?? I'm a MOP swimmer, IM swim time of about 1:14.

2. IF the price difference isn't a concern, is the Vanquish always a better choice over the Aspire, or is the Aspire actually a better choice for an MOP leg sinker?

Thanks!!!

FatPom · Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 4842 Location: My happy place

Jgav · Joined: 06 Dec 2016 Posts: 193

You're not dissimilar to size to me, I'm 5'10" and 78kg (so a bit lighter) but pretty broad for my size. I would recommend not going for the large. I sized up in a M or SM and went for the smaller size. I reckon a M would have been better as it's a bit tight around the knees. Based on your size I would have thought a M would work.

PhilleusPhogg · Joined: 11 May 2015 Posts: 226

On the Vanquish and Aspire question, I tried both out at Shepperton by doing a 1500m test loop on each. For whatever reason I actually felt better in the Aspire (and went quicker) so it was a no-brainer for me. I'm also a MOP swimmer.

So, if you can, try them out, but definitely don't go for the Vanquish just because it's more expensive. The best wet-suit is the one you swim best in Smile

Doca · Joined: 27 Feb 2014 Posts: 103

TriSam · Joined: 26 Aug 2011 Posts: 1163 Location: Tunbridge Wells

For Zone3 wetsuits, I've found that weight is the most important measurement to get right for choosing your wetsuit size.

I would also suggest that the size you found more comfortable would depend on your swimming experience. If you're newish to swimming in a triathlon specific wetsuit, I would recommend the larger of the two suits so it feels less restrictive.

Muriel · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 424 Location: Eeeeeeeeeesher

Hi gibson00 - We're pretty similar. I'm 5'11 and hover around the 180 mark. I've tried so many suits over the years and I'll be honest never had a blooming clue what was right or wrong until this year. I've had these suits in this order..

2XU (approx. 5 years ago) the 100 squid jobby.
Speedo Elite thingy off a pal (4years ago)
Zone 3 Aspire (thought it worked a treat)
Tried a HUUB as I wasn't getting any faster in OW and I was in a pool.
Bought another zone 3 aspire because I thought that was the best model.

Then came the game changer. Having some swim lessons with a decent coach they pretty much said "I bet you're #@?# in open water". Which I am. I said I've always struggled with what feels like restriction in a suit but I've always put it down to that's what it feels like. They said to try the minimal suits up top. Such as Orca, Blueseventy and Zone 3. I tried the Vanquish purely because it was on sale and I've never felt more comfortable in open water.

That being said, any gains I make in the drink are taken away by trying to get the blooming thing off. Surprised

I'm sure with the Vanquish you get the same neoprene from the legs up to around the nipple area and then it becomes silly thin.

It's taken me around 5 years of tri to work this nonsense out. Muppet.