Product Review- Aquashpere Swim Skin

I Just purchased my first wetsuit for my first USAT sanctioned Triathlon, The Griskus in Middlebury, CT. I thought I would let you know my experience with the suit.

After excitedly opening the package I decided to visually inspect the suit. It was smaller and lighter than I imagined. A plus considering the water temp is probably around 68 - 70 degrees and this is a sprint Tri ( only a half mile swim. ) I have to admid that I was a little disappointed with the quality of the stitching on the Swim Skin ( Fall/Sprint version for watertems between 60 and 70 degrees.) There were places where the thread for the stitching was weak. The other problem was in the collar area. The "Loop" part or the hook and loop fastener ( Otherwise known as velcro) had folded over was wall " Pulling" the fibers of the suit and the stitching. Very disappointing.

I called both the retailer, Great American Outfitters, and Aqua Sphere. The Customer service person at Great American Outfitters told me she did not know the proceedure about returning the suit but she would have someone call me back. Since the Triathlon is tomorrow and I just received the suit today, I guess I can applaud them for quick shipping. I did although pay for overnight service. I can not blame them for my tardiness in ordering the suit.

I did reach a woman named Lupe in customer service at Aqua Sphere. She assured me that they warantee their products for a full year. If there are any defects they will repair or replace the items they sell. Lupe also assured me that their warrantee policy was posted on their website,http://www.aquasphereswim.com/

I did visit their website and reviewed the warrantee information but the warantee read like it was for goggles and "accessories" only. I quess time will tell if they honor their verbal claims.

After going through all of this I was anxious to try the suit on. I have to warn you that I am of average height, but not of average build. I am 5-7 with rather short but very strong legs and a large chest and upper body. The suit went on hard as any wetsuit would It was very tight ( tighter than it should be in my chest and super tight around my neck.) I had expected that. It was also a little long in the legs. I also expected that. It was amazingly warm. At the time I tried it on the air temp here was in the 80's and it was fairly humid. I was not unimpressed with the fit considering it is a generic size. The freedom of movement was very nice.

I plan on testing this swim skin tonight at 6:00 PM in the actual lake that the triathlon is being held at. Ill report back later on my experience with this ultra light suit later.