wetsuits

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

i'm looking to get a new wetsuit this year... planning on surfing on the days there's no wind at the ocean. Can someone give me some recommendations? I haven't spent a lot of time in the oregon surf...when i'm kiting, i try to stay as dry as possible. Smile

I'll take suit recommendations, but I'm more interested in construction (i.e. glued seams vs. taped, etc...). I like the idea of zipperless...but haven't worn one yet.

this one seems like a good deal:
http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=111-D126F03&Category_Code=body-glove-wetsuits&Store_Code=WW&cid=nextag

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

For the most part, I think all the higher end wetsuits are going to be pretty similar, so it's really up to personal preference. Fully liquid glued seams are the "best" thing I've seen out there (overall they seem the most waterproof at the seams and the strongest), though my taped Rip Curl 4.3 does me just fine. Haven't ever played with anything zipperless, so I'll be no help there either, but I think the main thing to take into consideration if you're spending a few hundred bucks is the thickness. I think most coastal guys will tell you that you're best off with a 5.4/5.4.3 or thicker (especially if you're going to be "sitting" in the water). Brand wise, I'd look into O'neill, Rip Curl, and Body Glove.

My next investment for this winter is a drysuit, but I'm just kiting...

forrest · Mon Oct 30, 06 4:46 pm

I have a 5/3 Neil Pryde zipperless wetsuit. Let me be the first to tell you how much it sucks getting in and out of this thing. Honestly, I think zippered wetsuits have come along way, and zipperless entry is old technology.

Not to mention the neck hole has torn open down the shoulder from the many times that it's given birth to me at the end of a session. I hate it!

scottnorby · Mon Oct 30, 06 4:57 pm

There is one Rip Curl factory outlet on the west coast........it is in San Clemente near the main Rip Curl sales office.

The name of the outlet is TRESTLES SURF OUTLET and it has really good deals on suits.
I was just there 3 weeks ago and they had 5/4/3 mm and 6/5/4 mm hooded suits for only $125......reg price is $249 on those suits.

I am kicking myself for not grabbing one but I have a new XCEL suit that is amazing.

My guess is they still have a few of those left if you call information and ask them.
It's only $10 to ship a suit from there.

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

I mainly use two different suits, a 5/4 full hooded zipperless ripcurl for winter and for surfing year-round, and a 4/3 hoodless Hotline for kiting in the summer. You'll need more thickness for surfing since you're just sitting so much, or getting dunked. Most of the local surf crew here use Rip Curls, Hotlines or Excels. Attached hood is mandatory, and 5/4 is normal. The Surfline website currently has a new article with all the 2007 suits, and there's some great new innovations, especially with the easier entry systems. But when I really want to know what's up I consult with Josh at Cleanline in Seaside. In 20 years, he's never steered me wrong and knows what it takes to stay warm.

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

i have a rip curl 6/5/4 zipperless fbomb w/ built in hood, that i got this year and absolutely love it. IMHO the Rip curl elastomax is more flexible than neoprene used in other wetsuits. I thought there was even a difference form last years ripcurl 6/5/4 that i tried on to size. I owned an o'niel 5/4/3 before and thought it was way too restrictive.

I bought a Large as opposed to large-small to make it not so quite a tight fit, and like i said it is perfect. It is easy to get on, it is super flexible and I can go kite for 3-4 hours come in, and be able to peel it off with little to no difficulty.

I bought this suit for early spring and late fall conditions in the gorge, but also use it in the ocean. I swear by the elastomax.

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

I would say that 80 percent of surfers from Seaside down to Eureka use Xcel wetsuits. They are simply warmer, lighter,more flexible, last longer and have the best warranty. Hotline Phoenixs are pretty light and warm too, as well as the Body Glove Vapors. Oneill Psychos are good as well. The only ones I don't like are Rip Curls. I had a fireskin last year and the seams kept coming apart. THey did fix it for me but I was very unimpressed with the durability. The F-bombs look a little better, but if you are going to spend 300 to 400 dollars on a suit I would get one that will last longer than one season.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2575 Posts The 503 METAL

Oneil Psycho II...so toasty, so flexible, ahhhhh.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

I bought a 5/3 ripcurl with glued seams last winter and I love it. My surfin bud has a zipperless and he is jealous. He's basically a contortionist now getting in and out of that thing. It's also starting to rip because of how it stretches when he puts it on. Anyway my ripcurl is easy to get into and rarely flushes. So much so that I don't pee in it cuz if I do it just sits inside the suit.

broadbandito · Since 26 Apr 2005 342 Posts CSO headwaters WheatHead

Alternatively, just wear an old 4/3 all year but make sure you drink heavily beforehand so you can pee after every wipeout during your session. You know that's what Homer would do.

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

jahmbi · Mon Oct 30, 06 9:20 pm

ohdoctor · Since 31 Oct 2006 1 Posts New Member

Hotline anyone? they have an outlet in Santa Cruz, but you'll spend your discount in gas. The hotlines are virtually bullet proof, I haven't used Rip Curls but I have friends who have complained about a short life span- ripping and seams falling apart. Don't pee in your wetsuit after a heavy night of drinking.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Like I said, I've got a Rip Curl (with Elastomax) and have used it for around a year now without any problems (just kiting though). Tucker and JP (he's had his for 2+ years and surfs too) both ride Body Gloves and they too seem to be holding up just fine. I just wanna wear boardshorts again!!! Very Happy

Nak · Tue Oct 31, 06 12:26 pm

Does anybody know anything about these wetsuits? There was a thread on Kiteforum with some rave reviews...

http://www.radiator.net/general/index.aspx

It seems like these might be the ultimate, but it would be nice to hear some first hand reviews...

Nak