Orca TRN Thermo Full Sleeve Wetsuit vs SPEEDO THIN COMP for DNF

[ShallowGuy]

Orca TRN Thermo Full Sleeve Wetsuit vs SPEEDO THIN COMP

Which one would be more suitable for DNF and DYN (and static)?

I'm buying my first wetsuit for dynamic and static, those 2 are within my smallish budget.

Any advice highly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[MarcinB]

Orca is too thick for swimming pool unless you get cold very easily. The buoyancy of this wet suit is high (it has large pieces of 4mm neoprene) so you would have to put ~2kg of lead on your hips in addition to a heavy neck weight. Speedo is better IMO, 2mm should be OK for both static and dynamic. I had a chance to try it and it looks pretty solid, the neoprene is very elastic and of high quality. In this wet suit you would also need to put ~1kg on your hips unless you are very skinny.

Have you considered Aquasphere Aquaskin Winter? It costs more or less the same as Speedo. It's a 1mm wetsuit, which in my opinion is the best thickness for the swimming pool. In most cases it makes the legs neutrally buoyant without additional weights. I use it for some time and I like it very much. Goran Colak set the latest WR in DNF in this wet suit.

 

[ShallowGuy]

Thanks Marcin.

I'm checking the skin you suggested. So pretty much it's Speedo vs Aquaskin now. I'm definitely not skinny but I have rather low fat level on my legs though. I would like to avoid adding any weight apart of neckweight so 1mm seem to be an option.

As for sizing - I'm 176cm and about 75kg. With chest around 100cm do you think size M would be suitable? What about sleeveless version? (I've seen some doing dynamic without sleeves)

In terms of durability - you think Aquaskin is solid enough to last for some time?

Thanks again.

 

[ShallowGuy]

Checked sizing, looks like size L will be more suitable...

 

[MarcinB]

If you don't want to use weight belt go for Aquaskin. Size L will be definitely too large for you. I'm 187cm, 82kg, chest 99cm and size M is perfect for me. It could be even a bit more tight in chest area. However, I have the older 2012 model which is now very hard to get. The new one can have a bit different sizing. If I were you I would choose M or S.

As far as durability is concerned, pool skins are delicate and you shouldn't expect it will last as long as regular wet suit. If you are careful while putting it on and taking off it should be fine for a year or so, depending on the frequency of training.

 

[Apneaddict]

I have a very old Orca skin that is in incredible shape and I only wear it for comps.

Most put their skins on dry... But I use lots of lube like you would for an open-cell wetsuit and put it on soaking wet (both me and the suit) in the shower.

You will get a chill with it on... Just tell yourself it's good for the dive reflex.

 

[ShallowGuy]

OK, bought Aquaskin.

It was only £15 more than Speedo. Can't wait to test it.

Thanks Marcin for your help.

Apneaddict - I will put it on under shower or in water. Will try to remember . You get chill in swimming pool with skin on?

 

[Apneaddict]

It's weird... I get colder in a skin than no suit at all... (so to speak!)

It seems to wick heat away. Even when wet and standing on the pool deck.

Note that mine is not neoprene, but a polyethylene (I think) skin. It's like wearing a skin-tight garbage bag.

I think Orca only made it for a year before it was banned for swimming... Just like the other speed suits like the Speedo Lazer.

 

[MarcinB]

ShallowGuy, you should put it on either completely dry (both the wet suit and you) or wet but with lube. It's very difficult to put it on wet without lube and it can get damaged easily.

 

[ShallowGuy]

Oh thanks for that tip.

 

[vali]

I have my 1,5mm beuchat suit for pool and for warm waters
I think that it is the best thicknes for pools.

 

[ShallowGuy]

Vali, thanks. Will keep it on my list for future.

 

[Xaid]

Shallowguy, how did the sizing of that aquaskin work out? I want to buy one but I am a bit confused about fit.

 

[ShallowGuy]

Shallowguy, how did the sizing of that aquaskin work out? I want to buy one but I am a bit confused about fit.

On the beginning I had difficulties in putting skin on. I went for middle size which while was for my height is designed for someone 60-65kg if I remember correctly. I couldn't zip myself up. I'm 76kg, got a bit of muscle - definitely I'm far from typical freediver's size.

It fits me well on lower parts of body but is really tight in chest and shoulders area.

After a while however it feels OK - and in terms of performance the difference is massive. If technically correct my 1st push from the edge is around 10-15m. I now swim 25m with 3 strokes, without pushing hard for distance.

So, if I had a chance of buying it again I would go for large but I'm very happy with it.

MarcinB who recommend it to me got similar chest size and is much taller and still got medium size.

 

[MarcinB]

ShallowGuy, I assume you got the new model of AquaSkin. I have both models now (both in size M). The old one started to break apart at the seams and the new one was sent to me as a replacement. The new model is tighter in the arms and chest. When I put it on for the first time I regret I didn't order size L. It was very tight in the arms and I had problems with zipping it up (and I'm definitely not muscular). But then I took it for a training in the pool and this time it felt much better. Now I'm wery happy with it. It is like a second skin, there is not a single wrinkle. These skins seem to stretch after some time. However, I agree that for someone with muscular arms and chest size L is definitely a better option in the case of the new model.

 

[vali]

I have my 1,5mm beuchat suit for pool and for warm waters
I think that it is the best thicknes for pools.

sorry
on a better look is only 0,5 mm thicknes [but still very good because keep me warm ennough and i don't need neck weights in DYN; perhaps in DNF somme weight is neccesary]

 

[ShallowGuy]

ShallowGuy, I assume you got the new model of AquaSkin. I have both models now (both in size M). The old one started to break apart at the seams and the new one was sent to me as a replacement. The new model is tighter in the arms and chest. When I put it on for the first time I regret I didn't order size L. It was very tight in the arms and I had problems with zipping it up (and I'm definitely not muscular). But then I took it for a training in the pool and this time it felt much better. Now I'm wery happy with it. It is like a second skin, there is not a single wrinkle. These skins seem to stretch after some time. However, I agree that for someone with muscular arms and chest size L is definitely a better option in the case of the new model.

Yeap, I was thinking "how the hell Marcin squeezed himself into it" when I was trying it for the first time, haha.

After few sessions is good though, no problem with zipping.

 

[Xaid]

Thank you guys, for your imput on this. I think i will buy the aqua skin in large. (I am about 172cm, 76 kilos, 105cm chest). I cant wait to try out that skin with the Lunocet Pro.