Neck entry wetsuits ..any tips?!

[Wetstuff]

A friend sent me this note after I alerted her to the deal on Amazon Zooport kindly alerted us to..   

"I scored a 5/4 integrated hood suit that really FITs me for a change.  Half price Xcel suit.  First try was 22 minutes to put it on, 16 minutes to take it off..and I had help to get arm out.   It's been sitting here for a week and I haven't attempted trying it again..." 

I only have back zips and told her to mix up some shampoo and use Lycra socks, etc..  but she's about to return it.

Maybe you know of some tricks?  Luckily, she lives close enough to the break or bayside to be able to suit-up/disrobe at home.  I can't imagine wrestling in cold wind for 16min.  Thanks.

Jim

[mrbig]

I think you are referring to front zip as opposed to a zipperless.

1. Unip and get pull the hood back and dow.

2. The arm opposite the zipper ending side is the one you need to get out first. Arm close to center of body and get the elbowout. Sometimes you have to pull on the arm first.

3. Next the arm where the zipper ended. A little trickier, but as the other arm is free it's not too hard to get the arm out.

4. The rest is easy. Peel it down and step out by rolling the legs down. One leg at the finish.

5. IF YOU DON'T RELEASE THE ARM OPPOSITE WHERE THE ZIPPER ENDED FIRST..Trouble in river city. Locals drive home and change in a tub filled with hot water.

[Bean]

WS, good news is that the suit will become considerably easier to put on and take off after a few uses.   

[all~wet]

First thought is..... if she is dry fitting it/trying it on at home.... that is always difficult. It will definitely be much easier to get off after a good long surf/soak than off the shelf and as said... it will be much easier after 3-4 uses.  A long sleeve rashie helps quite a bit getting the upper body/shoulders free of the straight jacket. too. 

[starman]

Lots of How-To videos on YouTube for putting on and taking off the front zip suits. The use of plastic bags for the feet and hands really works well when putting on a suit.

[Wetstuff]

Thanks all..  I'll pass the thread. Great advice as usual.  Cheers.

Jim

[Area 10]

Good advice here. I'd add that it helps if before you try to get your left elbow out, you pull the suit down at the legs and torso as much as you can. Just sort of stretch the material towards your feet right down your legs, waist and chest. Then when you start trying to pull your arm out the suit is kinda helping you, pulling down. It makes more difference than you'd imagine.

The Xcel suits are not the easiest to get off. But they are by no means the hardest. I have a Billabong suit that even I struggle to get out of, and I've been using numerous chest zip suits ever since they came out. It is *almost* impossible.

There's the beginner surf saying, if you are a cold water surfer: "the surfing is easy, it's getting in and out of your wetsuit that's hard" 😀

[mrbig]

+1 A10. I do that as well. Didn't remember when I wrote my post.

Anything to get that first elbow out!!

[SUPflorida]

Zippers? I have an old Neil Pryd suit from my windsurfing days where you have to cram your whole body through the tiny neck hole. I always rode home in it and took it off in a hot shower. You need to be Houdini to get in and out of the thing. To look at it you would swear it wouldn't be possible without ripping...

[surfcowboy]

THe key is that they aren't going to rip, at least the neck. Once you get over that idea, you're good to go. When I first got my first one it took forever but once it stretches out a bit and you get the hang of it, it gets easier.

[supthecreek]

When I first tried on a front zip suit, My young daughter was in the changing room with me.
Of course, it was in the "women's" department of a very busy surf shop.
After 15 minutes my daughter said (very loudly)
"Dad.... why you sweatin' so much?"

Now, I can put ALL my gear on, or take it off, in about 1 minute.
I love full back Zips and Zipped boots.

But please.... enjoy the torture 

[TallDude]

Good advice here. I'd add that it helps if before you try to get your left elbow out, you pull the suit down at the legs and torso as much as you can. Just sort of stretch the material towards your feet right down your legs, waist and chest. Then when you start trying to pull your arm out the suit is kinda helping you, pulling down. It makes more difference than you'd imagine.

+1
All my suits are front zip. Being so tall with a long torso, it's hard to find suits that don't give me a major wedgey. Something about the way the material layers over itself at the shoulders on 'top entry' suits that gives me more flexibility in the crotch area. Way more comfortable for me. I tried on a back zip a couple of months ago and I had a heck of a time getting in and out of it compared to my front zip /'top entry suits. Once you get that left elbow move down, it's not a problem at all. Drag the left shoulder off with the right hand, and shoot the left elbow straight up.

[kliss99]

I have an xcel 5ml front zip that's many years old and hardly use due to my Patagonia r3 front zip which I find warm enough to get me through the NJ winters.  I have no problem getting the suit off.  I just purchased the Patagonia yulex r2 front zip and after two sessions I'd like to return it due to how difficult it is to get my left arm out.  Same exact size as my r3 but this new models neck entry is smaller.

On another note I frequently wear thin polypropylene socks which help slide booties right off.  Wearing a rash guard helps get the front zip off as well, except for the r2.

[stoneaxe]

I liked my excel 5/4 for it's warmth....but getting in and out was terrible. I tried all the tricks, they help, but it's my shoulders that caused the biggest issue. The suit finally tore...at the shoulder...but at least it's easier to get out of now...

[yugi]

...
 Something about the way the material layers over itself at the shoulders on 'top entry' suits that gives me more flexibility in the crotch area.
...

Errrr... OK

I'll need to remember that line next time I'm at a cocktail party in my zipless wetsuit. Good one!