Swimming Wetsuits

On the basis that fit is all-important, I think the Lomo is the correct choice. 

Thanks @scotroutes - was hoping you'd see as know you swim. That was my preference I think, but wanted check I wasn't missing anything. 

I don't anticipate it having a hard life/ used often, so not wanting to spend much more than this budget.

I've now got a two piece set. Some reasonably thick shorts (like lycra cycling shorts but neoprene) and a neoprene jersey with lycra sleeves. It's much easier to change into so I end up it using more. It's now less of an event, I often throw it in my rucksack if I'm doing a coast hike and if the sun's out and we find a nice cove then get changed and jump in. I'm sure it's not as good as proper swimming wetsuit if you are doing big swims but for a quick dip it's great. I've done loads recently down the West coast of Ireland and South Devon.

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When you find a beach like this you have to go in. Doggo likes it too

I've now got a two piece set.

This is worth considering.

Background in triathlon and probably got half a dozen suits kicking about in boxes somewhere - most of which would not fit anymore or if they did they would be too stiff (neoprene does not stay soft forever) or trashed (expensive ones are super fragile).

I do have Alpkit suits (the terrapin and the silvertip) - so one either side of the one you are looking at in terms of warmth. I like the terrapin because it's super slow in comparison to a full on triathlon suit, it's very much more natural to swim in in comparison to a lot of suits which make you legs very buoyant) But rarely used now. To be honest I mainly reach for some kayaking neoprene shorts or legs (think leggings but made of neoprene) and a neoprene sleeveless top top, again marketed for kayaking (surfski). It's not quick, but I no longer care! But a bit less faff. Buying now and I'd be very tempted by Alpkit's two piece element combo in long or short limbs to suit.

For context, I'm a few kg lighter than you (but not many), 44" chest, broad shoulders and just shy of 6ft tall, and an Alpkit large is a good fit. If used to a surfing suit, a swim wetsuit might feel tight the first time if the fit is good. If you can do the zip up on your own you are either exceptionally flexible or the suit is too big!

Neoprene shorts and "vest" is my usual attire in the water.

I would tend to look at whoever’s fit you’re best in the size bracket of. I’ve worn Huub, 2XU and most recently blue seventy. Blue seventy has been the best by far, both build and fit. 2XU seams failed and Huub did some really weird stuff. There’s usually some good deals on ex hire suits, check swim the lakes. 

Alpkit Ilkley has a load of seconds in at £40 a pop if that's any help.

Good shout @nealc - just looked Alpkit ebay outlet, is some wetsuits for £70 might take a punt.  

Ordered XL Lotic for £70 delivered,  should be here in time for trip home. Worth a try at that price 

Can I have a sense check here, ordered from Alpkit outlet, 2nd's wetsuit - Ebay description as light wear/ scuffs - 

https://ebay.us/m/XnW0W3

Turned up today, on right top of leg are 6 marks, look like finger nails, with the biggest going 90%+ through the material.

I paid £70, so not massively cheaper than new in current sale, am I wrong to expect better quality than this? Bit pissed as not visible in pictures or mentioned in description 

I have wetsuit repair glue, but feel these should have been highlighted on description, as probably would have given it a miss with the depth of some of them

So they’ll be glue able, looks like someone has tried it on and made a right hash of it I would say. Up to you. Damage versus saving! If you glue get the black witch neoprene glue. Easy to do 

Have some black witch glue already, just annoyed not mentioned in description.  Have since found another on other leg, exactly as I thought, someone pulling it on put nails pretty much through it.

As a life long nail biter, you don't need nails to do that to a suit. I dragged mine out for a swim at the weekend and it's peppered with finger marks like that.

Black Witch on order...

Firstly, shame they were not on the description - they probably should have done better there. Ex hire suit nearly always are covered in them.

Secondly, marks like those are a reality with swim wetsuits. The super soft unfaced neoprene is very very vulnerable. Nicks like that are almost inevitable with beginners new to swim wetsuits as it does not matter how many times they are warned they think they know better. They once wore a surfing wetsuit and think you are an idiot for making a big deal of it. Add some red mist in their first triathlon they are taking far too seriously and bosh, nail nicks all over it. Top end suits are even worse as they are so fragile. Fortunately most people who have spend £600+ on a suit and done loads of racing have already learnt their lessons but even so I've seen suits shredded in transition.

Those nicks should be repairable fine with black witch. And they are not in a high stretch area so 'probably' will be fine.

Then - some top tips......

1. Cut your finger nails. Like every time you wear it. Ladies with long fingernails basically can't put on a swim wetsuit.

2. Consider gloves to put it on. High end suits often come with white glove like a butler would wear specifically to put the suit on.

3. Assuming its a good tight fit (I see you went for the XL, so likely to be a little large I'd say for a proper tight fit) take your time putting it on. It's not a surf wetsuit. With a high end suit I reckon it would take me 15mins to put it on properly. Gently pulling the neoprene up your legs so the groin is actually up by your nads. Then pulling and teasing the neoprene up around your torso so the spare is around your chest. Then same with your arms so you get enough stretch left in your shoulders to be able to swim naturally. All the time making sure you don't snag the neoprene. And as I said before - if the fit is good, you need another person to do the zip up whilst you stand straight with your shoulder blades pulled together so it's possible to do up the zip without ripper the suit.

All the above - you remember I said I don't bother anymore? That's why! The suit you have is relatively basic, cheap and robust in comparison to many, so you don't need to be crippled by anxiety of the process like you would with one three times more fragile and ten times more expensive, but you still need to treat it with a bit more respect than you are probably used to as ably evidenced by the nicks you have inherited. 

Yeah, I am bit more rational now have had food/ time to think. As said, I am more peeved it wasn't mentioned or shown in listing, on closer examination most are nearly through back of fabric, and is another on left leg.

I naively assumed buying a 2nd from the manufacturer would not mean in need of immediate repair! I wasn't fussed about the mark from a sticker in above these - just feel they haven't been transparent. Have pinged them a message on ebay, will see what they say when they are back at work tomorrow. Clearly it is cheap, and I probably can/ should use this as a cheap experiment in swim wetsuits.

I've repaired my surf suit with black Witch before after the fin gouged it, and was expecting to need to be careful with this - just annoying to be repairing someone else's damage I didn't know I was inheriting. 

Thanks for the input

Stick a plastic bag in rotation on each foot/hand as you put them in. Helps the suit slip in to place. 

Also check out blueseventy video on how to put on. His ‘bunching’ technique up the legs is genius!

the issue with swimming wetsuits is the time it takes to get in and out. if its cold out you will be more cold from gettig the thing off than from teh swim. 

i recon a thin shorty style suit (with boots/gloves if cold) is probably enough to take the edge off for a swim most of the year. 

Related question: Are wetsuits generally sized like road cycling gear, i.e. buy a large if you're a medium with a normal belly, rather than a racing snake?

Most will be sized as large,  medium,  medium tall etc. Ideally try them on,  but I have found alpkit sizing to be accurate,  plus for those who are a little more rotund, neoprene is really stretchy

No wetsuits have differnt cuts for differnt body shapes (at least for posher ones) 

depends on what you want it for. 

bit like bikes really - you can by a BSO, look at a few charts and get one that fits for the most part,  or you can get an atherton thats sized properly to fit you. 

Cheers, I was looking at the £15 shorty ones in Lidl last night.

Might just grab a M and L and try them on at home, rather than in the middle aisle.

Middle aisle. Do it. Commit. 

Haha, they had sold out of M, but L turned out to fit fine (and was specified for 30-33in waist anyway).

Just to close this off - Alpkit have been great on comms via eBay, apologised for missing defects in listing. Sending me some glue and partial refund - am happy to accept that and move on. From others experience of these wetsuits damage is inevitable, little point returning for refund, which they also offered.