“THERMAL REACTION
First thing, BlueSeventy's customer service from Saul and Max was responsive and excellent.
After a number of postal snafus I finally have the wetsuit I wanted.
I am 175 pounds in weight, 5' 10" in height. I am of medium proportions for a body type of a man in his late 50s.
Not fat but then not particularly athletic. I like to idly poodle and swim in wild waters. No triathlons for me!
I initially bought a medium in the Thermal reaction. I did the size chart check / read the Reaction footnote and had a conversation with another Blue seventy representative. Did my homework in other words.
The medium was just too tight in the shoulders and trunk for me. There's tight and then struggling to zip up. I could not. My shoulders are not particularly broad or muscular either. I have a gut but not a beer belly.
The ML in the Reaction Thermal fits me just fine and dandy. It is tight as it should be but proportionally the additional space and cut in the midriff upper chest is where I felt better. The zip is tight but I can zip it by myself.
My personal recommendation is if you are pushing the upper limit on a size chart, even the Reaction suits, then go up one size. Just a suggestion. Call them as they are very helpful.
If it is too big then BlueSeventy's customer service is excellent and they do take care of you. Why, you can even get them on the phone. That level of service in the sterile internet age is a big help for the customer. and their questions.
The suit is superb.
Thank you to the Big Blue.”
“I am wearing my second Thermal Reaction and love it. Have purchased many suits over my 25 years of open water swimming and must say that the Thermal is unquestionably the most comfortable, warm and easy to put on and take off suit I have ever owned. I swim several days a week year around in the Monterey Bay where summer and winter water temperatures are 50-60 degrees always in perfect comfort. This suit is not inexpensive but fully justified for frequent open water swimming. Additionally, Blueseventy uses quality materials and workmanship that hold up very well over time where other suits suffer failures. Finally, Blueseventy is a quality company always providing great service, delivery and exchanges.”
“This suit is the one I have been looking for. My fourth suit purchase within the last six months and it fits the bill perfectly. I am using it for swimming under ice and it keeps me warm even there. Granted, the duration of those swims are short, but nothing else could hold the cold out like my Blue 70 shoot. Nothing and I have tried the best known brands I could find.”
“Overall 4.5 stars!! This is a great wetsuit for cold water workouts. Very easy to get on/off and maximum freedom/flexibility when swimming (e.g. no excessive buoyancy). As they recommend, it takes a few trial adjustments to find the ideal fit that limits water intrusion. For me, the small of the back gets the greatest amount of intrusion but minor adjustments can be made to minimize this pooling effect. After the first 1-2 minutes, the water temperature stabilizes throughout and you are perfectly comfortable for any length of time in the water (saltwater at 57 degrees, up to an hour but could go longer, no problem). My only potential concern is comfort in water temps less than say 55, especially if you are sensitive to cold water (like me). Would be much better if suit was made in the USA.”
“This suit has great mobility in the arms, neck and surprisingly warm for its weight. Compared to my old Blue Seventy this suit almost fells as if one is suit less when swimming. My arms are the only part that feels chilled. Its very easy in and out. There should be a protective Velcro tab so the Velcro does not get caught on the interior of the suit when putting and and taking off. Well made and top notch quality. Im 6'2" and 163 lbs and the large fits decently. One star off for chilled arms and Velcro issue.”
