We've had some good threads on boards and even hoods..but I'm looking for a new wetsuit. I think my nuts are about to show throw the threadbare crotch of my current one. brrrrrr.
Any recommendations? Anyone spot any good Thanksgiving weekend sales for suits?
Third Coast is having a sal eon some mighty warm wetsuits today: http://forum.thirdcoastsurfshop.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8642&p=51419#p51...
If this next gig comes through, I plan to go wetsuit shopping. I can do a little write up on it, however a write up on women's wetsuits might be less helpful for you :D
I got an email from Oregon Surf Shop: 20% off... and they're cheap to start with:
20% off on one order using the coupon code: GOBBLER
Shop with us here: http://www.oregonsurfshop.com and save.
Although ordering online probably has it's drawbacks if something goes wrong with the suit...
Was in NorCal Surf shop yesterday and it looked like they had a sale going on. Noticed the Patagonia wetsuit I covet was on sale for 25% off as was others.
I prefer XCEL 4/3, no zip, no hood. Had 3 over the past 6 or so years. Always toasty, no rashes. Flexible and good range of movement for 4/3
I had a miserable experience with my Rip Curl H-Bomb. The neoprene in the calves deteriorated very quickly so every time I’d wipeout my boots would flood which made swimming a bitch. In addition the seam taping also deteriorated quickly which made the suit rather itchy. I owned an O’Neal Psycho which was not a warm as the Rip Curl, but it lasted a sold 3 seasons with none of the above mentioned problems and I’ve only heard good things about XCEL suits.
I too pushed a rag to threadbare pits and crotch (and knees, and elbows, and...), . http://twitpic.com/mdor9 Life is definitely better with a new suit.
Worth going to a bigger place to try on all the brands in your size. A shop like Wise has a lot of inventory onhand. Each brand is a little different, and the proper fit is about the most important thing. I'm a LT, found the O'Neill to fit a little better than the others that I tried on.
I'm sure there are a ton of great westsuits out there these days. My most recent is a 5/4 xcel with the hood built into the suit. As a self-proclaimed cold water wimp, I can say that this suit combined with some good gloves and booties has never left me cold. I can stay out 3+ hours with no coldness creeping in, and I still have total flexibility in the suit. I love it. Good luck.
I owned 2 xcel neck opening wetsuits, but I don't like their new neck entry. I just bough an ONeill Psycho 2 4/3 back zip from Wise about a month ago and have been VERY happy. Cannot comment on durability though.
Thanks all..Ill go check out wise tomorrow. For the folks that have tried Psycho's...do you find that it is a bit annoying to do up yourself? My buddy Archie who I surf with a lot has a psycho and I'm always helping him close it up. Not sure if he is just too lazy ...or old to do it himself :)
Matuse wetsuits $250 on www.giltgroupe.com rt now. Sale ends today / tomorrow? Details not clear. But seems to be a screaming deal on Matuse wetsuits.
You need to create a membership to get onto the site, which is a pain. And I am not totally clear on whether the suits are this years model or an older one. But anyway, thought I'd just let people know.
Just to wrap up this thread - I ended up buying a O'Neil PsychoFreak from Wise http://www.oneill.com/#/men/americacanada/collection/men/wetsuits/surf/w... - marked down from $499 to $399.
Used it today...and it was toasty. I didn't wear a hood and hardly any drops got in the suit. It was a bit stiff to paddle in at first but I think that was because it was new. Loosened up as the session went on.
Feel good about the purchase so far.
