I tried - Buyers Remorse :-/
I’ll first give the good. The initial purchase process went fine. I did a ton of research and this suit came out ahead on paper with regard to build, specs relative to cost.
Out of the box the suit fits great. They seem to have a number of size options to make sure you have a great fit. Good size pads and proper placement. Suit material is comfortable and allows for easy movement during a workout.
My first issue was with the apple app. I had an IPhone with the correct version build that I was going to use but I couldn’t ever get that one to work so I ended up buying a new IPad to run the system. No biggie (I thought at the time), but this was an extra expense that I wasn’t anticipating.
The app took a bit to sort out (delayed use) but I got it working initially but then the suit battery wouldn’t fully charge (another delayed use) so I ended up buying a new set of batteries and external charger to make sure I had a good battery on hand at all times. These are common batteries so easy enough to find. I contacted the CSR and told them of my issue. No real resolution was provided other than them stating “yes, we’ve been also looking into external chargers as well.” I do think there is a manufacturing defect issue with their charging setup built into their unit. Not a deal breaker, I found a work around but I was starting to feel like this was going to be an ongoing theme with this suit and expressed concern with the CSR that I was starting to lose confidence in their manufacturing.
I was able to use it a few times initially but had some ongoing issues with the App and never really was able to get direct tech help. Customer support is slow and comes from them apparently having only one US based rep for the whole company that covers all aspects of the US operations (tech, fulfillment, etc.). The only tech “solutions” given were rudimentary suggestions and videos of how to plug in the charger (for example). Not very helpful. And several days can pass before you get a response, which isn’t useful when you have a calendar of set workouts you want to accomplish but you have to leave this piece of equipment on the side and unusable.
Likewise, on a couple of occasions I tried to reset PW to get around what was ultimately an apple update issue, however there was a 3-4 hour delay in getting the password reset email after initiating the process from within the app, so don’t anticipate a quick solution if you are locked out of the app standing in your suit expecting to accomplish your workout.
Finally, the design is very similar to a wetsuit. I have about 20+ years of triathlon experience and the process is easy enough - standard back pull zipper. The stitching at the bottom of the zipper, where you grab to hold to give tension to pull (also as detailed in their user instructions) - started popping apart after about my 7th time putting on the suit. I now have to take this out myself to have this fixed which will put me with about another week of non-use due to a manufacturing defect. They did offer to reimburse me for the expense. But that’s not the rub. I want to be able to use this suit when I need it vs. constant tech and repair issues. It’s like having an overpriced Italian sports car that drives great when it is running but is invariably always in the garage needing repair.
Other observations. I asked to speak with someone about a full refund but the CSR never replied to that inquiry. I also tried to confirm if this office was some sort of franchise affiliate of the main company - again no reply. In hindsight there is a deep lack of transparency in the company and who runs the operation with all inquiries flowing through a single point CSR who admits she’s only been with the company for 10 months. She seems frustrated as well.
After extensive digging around, I found a way to connect with the CEO of the company in a round-about way to try to resolve my issues. After an initial reply of “I can help” I have yet to hear back from him either.
So it appears that I’m stuck with a semi-reliable expensive piece of tech. Seems to work as described…when it works, which is again only about 30% of the time so far. The formula should be: put-on, turn-on, go! Perhaps I just received an outlier lemon? I don’t mind finding solutions and workarounds, but for the promise and price I don’t think I should have to.
I am sharing my review for those who are like me and do extensive research on gear before you buy. My advice would be to try another product. This seems like a company with great potential, but they have some manufacturing, staffing/customer service, and tech issues to work out. If you are time crunched and want a piece of equipment that you can rely on working when you need it - this is not the one.