Cycle Superstore’s Guide to Orca Wetsuits

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There are two models in each category. An affordable model and a more expensive model.  There are men and women’s versions of each suit.

First up the Orca 3.8 and Orca S7

These wetsuits will give you lots of buoyancy and are ideal for:

  • Anyone new to the open water.
  • Anyone looking to swim a longer distance.
  • Someone who needs help to correct their swimming position / technique.
  • The Orca 3.8 is named after the ironman swim distance (3.8km).
  • The 3.8 is buoyant and flexible. It is the most buoyant suit in the Orca range.
  • The S7 is buoyant but a little bit inflexible.

Next up is the Orca Predator and the Sonar 

These suits will give you partial buoyancy in the areas that need them:

  • Men especially tend to dip their hips and these models will help to float this area.
  • The Predator is the Rolls Royce of the Orca range and will actually do the swim for you. No, just kidding! The Predator has very flexible arms and will feel like you are wearing nothing.
  • The Sonar gives you a good mix of buoyancy and flexibility and is especially popular with anyone doing a half ironman distance.

Lastly the Orca Alpha and Equip

  • Suitable for confident swimmers who are simply looking for the flexibility of a wetsuit.
  • Both suits are super comfortable and is easy to put on and off compared to other models.
  • Someone looking for maximum flexibility ensuring minimum restriction to their swim stroke and allowing for complete freedom of movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

So you have read the wetsuit descriptions and still don’t know which model will suit?  You are welcome to come in to the store and discuss your swimming style with our professionals.

How do I know what size I will be? We usually take your weight in kg and mostly end up going down a size. We also take in to consideration your chest size. Ideally you are looking for a nice tight fit on the body (without cutting any thing off!) Tall people usually have to come up on the legs and arms.

What is it like putting on a wetsuit? I will be a bit of a struggle, but it is easy to take off (good for your transition times triathletes!) Watch a couple of you tube clips for some tips and tricks on putting on your wetsuit such as plastic bags over your feet. It’s all about the way you put it on. You want to get it in to every nook and cranny. You can drag it on but it will want to drag down.  Get someone else to push in your shoulder blades and zip you up.

We are often asked what is the thickness in mm of the neoprene in the wetsuits. The wetsuits are made of different thickness in the various panels. Ie the arms are thinner than the body to give you more flexibility.

How should I care for my wetsuit? You should rinse it out after EVERY use. Hang it up to drip dry over the bath or shower area. When it is dry (it will take up to 24 hours) fold it up or roll it up and put it back in to your mesh gear bag ready for your next swim. Don’t leave it hanging on a hanger as it compromises the neoprene in the shoulder. Don’t’ hang it in direct sunlight. Don’t leave it in a plastic bag (stinky!)

How long will it last? Depends on how you look after it.

I have a fingernail nick in it. Will it be, ok? Yes, you can use Black Witch to fix it. It is like super glue for wetsuits. Don’t dribble the glue everywhere and it will be as good as new. If the rip is in the seam, it is a bit more serious. Some people stitch the seam with dental floss and then glue it with Black Witch. If you want to leave it to the professionals, we recommend the Drysuit Tailor in Dundrum. Drysuit Tailor’s website can be found HERE

 

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