stephanie s I am an open water swimmer... I am worried these velcro straps will rub my shoulders......it would be great to have 5 mm core warmer short suit but I think those shoulder straps may not be good for long distance open water swimmming.....what do you think???????
STEVE K Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but I have two similar suits. The Henderson with the velcro shoulder strap is not a bad suit and great value. The male part of the velcro attaches to the suit itself, so there is no irritating Velcro to rub your shoulder. It has been my experience that the wetsuit rubbing usually manifests near the underarms through repeated rotations on your recovery. This can best be mitigated by putting a little Vaseline on the area most affected. The manufacturers don't like the Vaseline application, but it probably won't hurt anything and after just a few times, your skin will toughen there. In short, the little suit is very comfortable, a good bargain, and should be used down to 70 degrees, but not 55 like some of the ads indicate. Hope this helps.
Steve Katz
DAVID F I sent this back because the shoulder straps are hard to put on and adjust. Also the jacket itself is a hard to don as a regular full suit.( I would have used it for diving.) I can't imagine how much harder it would be to adjust while swimming. I am going to pay extra and get a front zip jacket and I would suggest you do the same,
ROBERT S The velcro doesn't go quite to the edge of the neoprene, so there is a 'safe zone' of sorts to keep the velcro away from your skin. However, I've never worn the wetsuit for continuous, long periods of physical activity. My gut instinct is to say you should be okay, but I can't guarantee that without having engaged in the sort of activity you mention.
LEN S if the rear tab is pulled forward on to the landing area, only the soft material is againts your skin. I think it might work well for you.
KYE E As an ex triathlete I would not swim in this suit, definitely would shred your shoulders on the Velcro
DONALD L It is ok gor me but I am diving not doing long distance swimming.