Beginner Wetsuit
 

I just completed my first tri and was surprised at how difficult the swim was. I borrowed a wetsuit from a friend, which was not triathlon specific and found that it made the swim more difficult for me. It was my first time swimming in open water and with a wetsuit and the entire time, I had the feeling that my movement was being restricted and that the wetsuit was almost choking me (this was probably mostly from the anxiety of the swim). I just found a group that does open water swims once a week in a nearby lake, but I am going to need to invest in a wetsuit. As this is my first wetsuit, I wanted to stick to one of the entry level models that run on the cheaper side (relatively speaking). Im looking for something that will give me maximum range of motion. Unfortunately, there is only one shop that I know of that carries triathlon wetsuits in the area and they only have the most expensive model of a single brand, so I wont be able to try on the wetsuit before buying. The models that I have come across are:
Zoot Fuzion FS
Orca Mens Equip
Nineteen Mens Pipeline
2XU Mens T:0
Quintana Roo ultrafull
If anyone has any comments on any of these or any other models that I have not read about please let me know. Thanks.

Could you rent one, or borrow one from a friend? I've used the Xterra wetsuits from Wetsuitrental.com and been pleased with them. I've heard some folks around here mention ProMotion wetsuits. Back when I was looking to buy one they were on my short list, mainly due to price, but I seem to recall hearing some good things about them on this forum. I'm sure others have opinions they could share as well. I will say that a tri-specific suit is very different from your average wetsuit.

The group that I am going to start training with swims weekly in waters that require a wetsuit, so renting wouldnt be a good solution. I looked into the promotion, but my concern is that it seems that the entry level wetsuit is prone to damage from finger nails. I dont know if the other models I am looking at have the same problem, but the promotion actually warns about causing damage on their website.

ProMotion Wetsuits are good and very affordable.

Website is http://www.wetsuit.com/

The mid range wetsuit is $260.00 after 10% discount for being a member at beginnertriathlete.com

Good luck :)

Ended up going with the QRoo. I read a lot of very satisfied customer reviews and it was on the lower end price wise of all the ones I was looking at. Cant wait to get it into the water.

I'm a fan of the 2XU wetsuits.....it's what I wear and sell and have had really good luck with them. Their prices are good and the quality of their stuff is top of the line. They have a very wide range of sizes. I still think they run a little small and depending on where you fall on the chart and how tight the fit you really want (many new triathletes prefer a little more comfortable fit) you may want to go up a size. If you need help with sizing let me know - I'm pretty good with it.