Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit – Men’s Synergy Endorphin Full Sleeve Smoothskin Neoprene for Open Water Swimming Ironman Approved

Wanted to give some insight/advice into other newbies uncertain about fit.I'm 6'1, 205 lbs, fairly fit. I have broader shoulders and a bigger chest than most, but even with that, it appeared I was definitely in the L1 range, according to the sizing chart in the photos next to suit.However, when I got the L1 suit, I found that it was very difficult to put on, and, more importantly, essentially impossible to zip up. (Seemed like it wasn't even close to being possible.)Even after actually reading the directions (and yes, make sure you have the legs pulled as high into the crotch as possible, your arms snug, and your lower chest pulled to your upper chest -- it took all kinds of weird centipede contortions to get the zipper to budge at all. I eventually got it all the way up after considerable effort (and worry I would rip the neoprene), but then found my neck to be uncomfortably tight.This didn't make sense to me given the sizing directions. I therefore ordered an extra large (L2), to compare. (I usually wear extra-large or XXL clothing anyway, tends to fit better around my shoulders, and more comfortably in general.) I tried it on, and it did feel more comfortable, although it was still difficult to zip. However, it was also slightly looser in certain areas, and felt very loose and sloshy in the water. (Too much water got in the suit). After calling the company and discussing the fit with a representative (who said it would loosen up over time, and in the water, and that the L1 should really be the right fit for me), I decided to give the L1 a try in the water. (After putting it on again and stretching a bit, as recommended.)Once I actually swam in the suit, I noticed it did appear to stretch out and loosen up a bit. And the second time I went for a swim, it went on much easier, and zipped up much easier. Without feeling too snug in the neck, which was my main concern.P.S.: I also realized that if I left the zipper zipped up 4-6 inches, in addition to following the other instructions, it became much easier to zip up. It also helps if you grab the two sides of the suit where the zipper is, and pull them closer to each other while zipping up. Both steps, in addition to initially holding the zipper itself (and pushing it up as you pull) with your free hand will help.Edit: Over time, I also found that pulling *down* on the bottom of the zipper area with your Left/free hand will help pull the two sides close together, and make it easier to pull the zipper up with your other hand. But again, you don't want the zipper tab itself at the very bottom of the zipper. Make sure it's at least a couple inches up already when you step into it, and preferably 4-6 inches up.)(Not sure why there isn't a ring to help you grip the zipper-cord better -- this is also an issue, but can probably be added by us.)So, my advice -- follow the sizing chart, added up to 7 pounds if you have broader shoulders in chest. If it still feels too tight, despite being your size, try putting it on and stretching a little with it. If possible, have someone else zip it up for you the first time. Otherwise, just don't leave the zipper all the way down if you're having trouble with it. Leave it zipped up 4-6 inches, and it will go the rest of the way up far more easily.In terms of performance: The only other wetsuit I've ever owned is a recreational shorty, 3/2. This one was not only warmer in cold water, but *much* more flexible for swimming. (The shorty was almost impossible to properly swim in.) Doesn't impact my strokes too much, and I do a lot of weird movements/strokes. It also makes you far more buoyant -- I felt like I was floating in the Dead Sea or something. Which is good for solo open-water swimming -- if you ever get too tired, you can basically just float on your back for awhile (or in a seated position in the water). Finally, it does make you move somewhat faster -- partly because you're higher in the water, and partly because the suit is so slick/slippery against the water.In terms of how it protects from the cold -- you can still the cool water to some extent, especially as it seeps into the suit. However, your body heat helps warm it up, especially as you start moving. I removed the suit and went back in the water afterwards, and one key difference is that with the suit on, you know your body temp won't drop below a certain point, but with the suit off, you sense that your body temp will just keep dropping if you stay in the water.All in all, the suit does an adequate job of keeping me warmer, while also allowing me to swim relatively normally, and it allowed me to do a half-mile in a cold Michigan lake that I probably would never have done without the suit. I'm hopeful this will allow me to extend my open-water swimming by a full month. (15 days earlier in the Spring, 15 days later in the Fall.) May also try it in a triathlon next summer (and may help me hit the Olympic distance, after doing a couple Sprints already.)P.S.: Suit is not hard to remove on shore, but is far easier to remove if you do so while still in the water. May reduce the risk of tearing it.

I have both this full wetsuit and a half version (sleeveless and legs stop mid thigh). If I could do it again I would just get this full version. I originally thought the half would be a good idea because it's easier to get in and out of and cheaper and there's more arm freedom and do I really want to swim in icy water. But being able to swim in colder water is actually great.Also, with the full suit I notice no restriction in my arm movements worth mentioning (I am not concerned about every second; I'm a recreational swimmer, not a racer). There's more buoyancy and swimming is surprisinglyl easy. Getting in and out of the full suit is indeed harder than with the half suit but I'm already getting good at it. I wear thin wool gloves on my hands and thin socks on my feet while I"m getting into it to avoid fingernail and toenail damage and I make sure to pull the lower legs up a bit above the ankles before I do anything else.The main reason to prefer the full suit over the half suit is versatility. Between about 64 F and 67 F, the half suit is prefect for the conditions but then that's all she wrote. Once you get into the low 60's, the full suit is a very nice thing indeed and below 60 it becomes a necessity. I was amazed at the difference it made to have arms and legs covered and surprised to find that I could easily swim in high 50's with a neoprene cap but no booties and no gloves. Five minutes into my swim, I'm fine and I can go 20 minutes easily. A 30-minute swim would also be okay. Beyond that I might want booties and gloves. In the future, I will probably swim "naked" until the water temperature hits 66 degrees and then I'll go with the full suit and probably not bother with the half suit at all.I'm a late-fifties male and weigh 170 pounds and I'm 5 feet 10.5 inches with a long torso. The M2 fits perfectly (nice and tight but I can put it on unassisted). My only complaint is that the velccro that secures the neck sometimes grabs onto the inside of the wetsuit when I'm putting it on or taking it off and I don't think this is a good thing as the velcro does minor damage to the inside fabric when you pull it off. So I'm careful about it now. I'm not sure a design solution exists for this so I didn't deduct any stars.For me, the endorphin offers a good combination of protection and flexibility. I don't have other brands to compare but I am impressed with the technology. Because of the buoyancy I actually swim a little faster in the wetsuit. Highly recommended if you want to extend your swimming season to 55 degree water. I also have pull buoy that I attach to my ankle using two velco straps designed to keep your jeans out of your bicycle gears). Also highly recommended: the boats can see you and you can rest on it and it doesn't really get in the way if you aren't racing and it's basically indestructible: kiefer lifeguard rescue can.Happy (and safe) swimming and please hit helpful if this review was useful to you (that way other people will see it).

Bought this for my first Olympic triathlon and I have nothing but positive things to say. I'm 6' 2" 195lbs, lean body with normal leg / torso ratios for my height. I got the L1 and it fits perfectly. Do yourself a favor and watch the GTN YouTube video for donning a wetsuit. It makes all the difference particularly for swimming range of motion.For range of motion (ROM) this is my first wetsuit so I don't have much of a comparison but I felt a very slight decrease in arm ROM and a moderate amount in knee bending. This all seems normal to me and is improved by pulling extra fabric into around the shoulders & armpits. Overall, I think the ROM is quite good and any issues are offset by the buoyancy.The buoyancy is a game changer though. This is particularly true for your legs. I didn't have any of the leg sinking I've come to associate with sighting in the pool. It really improves your experience and you expend less energy.Overall, the fit was perfect, the material and zipper feel quality, and the buoyancy is a game changer. Highly recommend. I can't imagine what those $1000 wetsuits are really improving enough to justify their price.

Great fit, felt comfortable immediately. I chose size which was mid range as opposed to tight fit. A little tightness on first swim but to be expected and soon comfortable and non restricting. Little water ingress, warm and effective. Construction seems good. I don’t have experience of a wide range of suits but would certainly recommend.

Lovely fit, comfy when swimming in the sea. Have used it on the south coast of cornwall - in flat open water, was v good. Also used it on the north coast whilst swimming in and through surf - comfy, warm, good fitting a good purchase

Tried in Pembrokeshire sea this week...2 miles along St David's coast...fab...kept warm, no leaks, great buoyancy and freedom of movement...much more appropriate for sea swimming than my old wet suit...thoroughly recommendDavid

I have found these suits far superior to other makes in there fit etc.

Very clear sizing chart. very easy to fit. and very comfortable while swimming.I went with the more comfortable size rather than race fit. I might be getting some water in the wetsuit however it's normal.Good design and will recommend it for sure.