By Doug
from Freeport, ME on 12/05/2010
Describe Yourself:
Casual User
Chest Size:
Feels too small
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
First-off, let me say that I never got to try this suit in the water - this is merely an observation on sizing and construction.
My former employer, a well-known Maine outdoor retailer, had a great employee equipment use program. When I worked there, I used to sign-out wetsuits for the weekend with regularity to engage in a variety of silly, cold ocean activities. Having lost my wetsuit connection, I decided to buy one for myself.
I'm 6'1", about 185 lbs. Based on the size chart (I think I found it on another site, as STP didn't have one), I could take a ML, L, LT or XL. I'm not a big guy - I've got a pretty slim build, though I would not describe it as athletic, i.e. perhaps a little heavier around the middle than in the chest/shoulders. For reference, in Patagonia capilene, I take M bottoms and a L top. Generally my jeans are 34x34. So, I ordered one of these suits in ML, L, LT. I also ordered the 7mm Camaro suit in XL, as based on their size chart that was clearly my size.
When the suits arrived, I took out the ML first. I didn't even bother trying - there was no way I could ever get into this thing. I jumped right to the LT. Try as I might, I could not pull the suit far enough up - I could only get the crotch within about 4" of where it was supposed to be. I could get the shoulders on, but only if I remained hunched-over. Bottom line, even with a helper I doubt I could have got this suit on without destroying it. What made it even tougher is that the suit is only partially lined on the inside. The back of the legs and the front of the torso are just bare, unlined, sticky neoprene. Definitely not a plus for getting this thing on. Also, even on the LT, the arms are very stubby.
Sizing observation summary: I would say that size M suits might be appropriate for someone with a 30" waist, and the L for a 32". Unfortunately, I didn't order an XL - that might have done the trick.
I'll also add the the Camaro "Semi-dry" size XL fit me perfectly. In comparison to the Body Glove, the arms and legs are longer, it is fully lined inside, it's got zippers on the wrists and ankles - seems like a very well-conceived suit. The double-lapped zipper is, as other reviewers have said, a bit fiddly - but after checking in the mirror to see what was going on back there, I was able to get it zipped from then on no trouble. The neoprene also seemed a bit more stretchy than the Body Glove. Side by side, the Camaro suit looks decidedly curvy compared to the Body Glove - think hourglass vs. board. Just right for my middle-aged-guy physique.
