Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: freetobeme on September 18, 2014, 11:18:18 AM
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In my quest to take on winter surf I just scored a 5/4/3 Hyperflex Amp 3 front entry wetsuit for my b day in size Med/Lrg. I am 5'9 180 lbs. According to the fit chart this is the correct size (possibly too big). But, my wife says I have a wider chest/shoulders than most guys my size and I need a size large.
Let me say that if video evidence existed it would have over 100mil hits ;D
Seriously, I could not fully get into it. I got my legs in and my rear but needed help to get over one of my shoulders and then I put hood on myself BUT never got the other shoulder or chest zipped!! Then needed 100% help for the dismount ;D
Anyone my size have a 5/4 suit that they love and is "easy" to get in and out of???
How the heck do you try these suckers on at surf shops without some major embarrassment or a private entourage?
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Good question, let me know if you get an answer. I've nearly knocked one of those flimsy changing booths to bits trying to get a suit on. there needs to be a handicapped version with some swing room for us stiff old geezers.
I don't remember what suit it was that Dan Gavere had on our epic eastside downwinder last year--the one that one of the magazines called "The Hellfire Run"--but while I was doing a dance like Elaine on Seinfeld trying to get my suit off afterwards, Dan went Zip, swish, done. I've struggled more than that taking off sweatpants. Next suit I buy will be one of those. Speaking of that the back of my truck is full of semi-damp wetsuits (took a full array to the Oregon Coast) and it's starting to smell a little interesting. I opened the tailgate yesterday and Sam tried to jump in so he could roll on them.
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I've been using the new O'Neil Techno-butter wet suit. I went with a 3/2 Phsyco I (one), with the thinking if I need a heavier suit I'll get one as well. So far for SUS at least, this suit has never let me down either in comfort or performance. It is amazing material, doesn't absorb much water, stays lighter, very wind resistant. It breaks the ancient "SCUBA diver , frog man" paradigm of soak up the water and the water will keep you warm. This suit is born from the wind surf school where wind chill, heat wicking is your big enemy. Going with this ultra light, ultra effective material ups your performance considerably, and fun as well. you do need to try before you by for size. It turned out the XXL worked best for me. If you are in disbelief for the 3/2 thickness, going with the 4/3 will be very warm. I use the hoodless model and when it is extra cold I add a hoodie/shirt to the mix. Thin to win baby!
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Ah, I found it. the SUPreme wetsuit. Their heaviest is a 4/3/2 but from everything I've heard that's all you need unless you see Ice with polar bears on it. Might be like the Patagonia R3 I bought but can't wear. I feel like my head is going to boil in the thing. Even jumping in the Columbia in spring with ice cream headache water isn't enough to stay reasonable.
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You could always go custom. Not sure how that works for measuring you up if you are not in CA. #surftrip
http://joneseawetsuits.blogspot.com/
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I tried on the Hyperflex 4/3 Amp front zip suit last May. I am 5'10" 195lbs. I could not get the large over my shoulders. The XL fit ok, but was still a struggle getting it on. I got the XL feeling like it would get better and it did. Although I find that I rarely use the 4/3 and prefer the 3/2, even in the winter, when Santa Cruz water temp is +/- 55.
The fit session pretty much went as you described. Definitely pays to have someone there to help. I have had to wait several times for my wife to come back and ask how its going to get her help.
Hyperflex makes Supreme wetsuits, which appear to be finished better than the Hyperflex.
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the back of my truck is full of semi-damp wetsuits (took a full array to the Oregon Coast)
You should have just come back out, last three days have been very nice. And like you said Surf forecast not indicative, today wasn't supposed to be as good as the last two, but was comfy, calm and just the right amount of sporadic bombs to give plenty of paddle back out time. Never got stuck inside once. was like getting away with murder.
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I've been thinking about it. I'm headed down to the BOP a week early, might swing by Pacific City on the way to get myself amped up for warmer water. Somehow when I reach Santa Cruz the water seems cold, but it's actually Oregon bathwater.
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Guys
The SUPreme Blade 4/3 is all you need even in water with seals and Polar bears (OK we don't have polar bears here in NJ) but I've surfed in a "Slushy ocean" waded through knee/hip deep snow Faced HOWLING Freezing offshore winds and been cozy in my SUPreme Blade soft, freedom of movement durable The KEY to EXTREME warmth is what you but underneath (avoids flushing) from Koredry lycra to Underarmour, to full fleece and keeps you warm.
Distributed right here in NJ by GREAT folks who stand behind their products (I've only had 1 warranty claim and the Nat'l sales mgr at the time DROVE down to my shop to replace the suit that day with an appology and a bunch of swag for the customer...I know they can't do that EVERYWHERE but that action shows their INTENT)
ZONER DISCOUNT is available on these suits just PM or email me
I wear mine (different thks & designs) ALL the time! (I have to buy them just like everyone else)
JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com
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Lot's of great wetsuits out there. Just make sure you try on a "new" one. Wetsuits get discounted for various reasons but if they sit in a warehouse and then in a store too long they loose the stretch of new rubber. You can go 4/3 and layer underneath if it really gets cold. But ONLY layer with polypropylene, the stuff is magic in the cold. But since you head is the major contributor to heat loss a hood does wonders in keeping you warm. Lastly a tip I've heard but never tried is using a plastic shopping bag to aid slipping on a wetsuit. You put then on your feet and hands and the suit is said to go on like it was lined in grease.
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I've been thinking about it. I'm headed down to the BOP a week early, might swing by Pacific City on the way to get myself amped up for warmer water. Somehow when I reach Santa Cruz the water seems cold, but it's actually Oregon bathwater.
I think Bill runs on the warm side . I saw him last week in a shorty with booties at pacific city sus surfing !
BTW just bought a new cheap 4/3 rip curl and love it. Easy on ...easy off!
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I like the Supreme...real easy getting in and out. They run a little big size wise but take your measurements and see what works. Jim must be a friggin Polar Bear himself though. I find the 4/3/2 works for me for most days but on the real cold ones I'm going to add a 2 mil shorty underneath. Speaking of which anyone know of a lightweight shorty that has a built in hood? You will need a hood to add to it....doesn't have one integrated in the suit.
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Does lining affect the ease of putting a suit on? I will presume it makes it feel warmer.
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Plastic bags are in my car and in my pocket when I try on suits. Feet and on your hands. Linings make it easier but really only with a bag in my experience.
Do it unless you're under 40. ;
I now own what will probably be my last chest zip wet suit. I'll age out of being able to put one on after this one wears out.
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I've been thinking about it. I'm headed down to the BOP a week early, might swing by Pacific City on the way to get myself amped up for warmer water. Somehow when I reach Santa Cruz the water seems cold, but it's actually Oregon bathwater.
I think Bill runs on the warm side . I saw him last week in a shorty with booties at pacific city sus surfing !
BTW just bought a new cheap 4/3 rip curl and love it. Easy on ...easy off!
I didn't have a choice--with my full suit my board was under water. the shorty worked fine though, I didn't get cold until the end of each session. It's that Orca blubber--a full time 2/1 all over suit. Which is also the reason my board was sinking.
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The Supreme is a chest zip but totally different. Easy on for the arms over your shoulders and then a flap with the neck hole goes over your head and zips in front. Even easier getting off, so nice when your arms are dead from paddling to be able to get out without a struggle. With my hooded chest zip there have been many times I just said to hell with it and put a bunch of towels on my seat to drive home with my wetsuit on so I could take it off in the hot tub.
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Free
Drop by Bob's Ski and Sport in Fairhaven.
I bought a Henderson Aqualock 5/4 dive suit from them 2 years ago for cheap.
FULL back zip.... no zipperless torture chamber.... just climb in, zip it up
As warm and flexible as any suit i have ever tried. Been in 5 below zero, and was toasty.
Only modification I made.... I cut out the leg and sleeve zippers off and glued the openings... 1/2 hour work... faster than getting in/out of a zipperless neck hole ;D
Bob's has great prices and lots of options... cheap.
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I've struggled more than that taking off sweatpants.
Sweatpants? I think that's a DIFFERENT Seinfeld episode. ;D
http://youtu.be/dz7cw6jbwFY
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I've been using the new O'Neil Techno-butter wet suit. I went with a 3/2 Phsyco I (one), with the thinking if I need a heavier suit I'll get one as well. So far for SUS at least, this suit has never let me down either in comfort or performance. It is amazing material, doesn't absorb much water, stays lighter, very wind resistant. It breaks the ancient "SCUBA diver , frog man" paradigm of soak up the water and the water will keep you warm. This suit is born from the wind surf school where wind chill, heat wicking is your big enemy. Going with this ultra light, ultra effective material ups your performance considerably, and fun as well. you do need to try before you by for size. It turned out the XXL worked best for me. If you are in disbelief for the 3/2 thickness, going with the 4/3 will be very warm. I use the hoodless model and when it is extra cold I add a hoodie/shirt to the mix. Thin to win baby!
How does Technobutter manage to be windproof without a smooth skin? I always thought the wet outer fabric of a double-lined suit evaporating in the wind was the source of the chill.
I posted a new thread about windproof wetsuits here as I have a few questions about options
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,25160.0.html
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My 2 cents. Any suit will be easier to get on and off after just a couple times, so don't be tempted to up-size. And, if you are over 195 and under 5 10, consider a XLS, otherwise your suit will be bunching up at the wrists an ankles and not sealing well. Lastly, the plastic bag trick is great for arms and legs but do not be tempted to use one on your head...just sayin' ;D
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I have last year's patagonia R4, and it is not too bad, especially once it was worn a few times. I'm not sure if I'd like it as much for prone surfing, as the hood/zipper fully detach, versus many hooded suits being attached at one shoulder, but for SUP, I was comfortable all last winter (13/14) with lobster gloves, 7mm boots, and this suit. I trend toward cold, so it is saying something that I was comfortable.
I have heard Hyperflex are notoriously tough in and out, but I have never tried one on.
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My hot curl uhc is not to bad. It is front zip and I still struggle but its warm. To warm is my biggest complaint. It is used mostly for windsurfing during our winter storms.
I much prefer a back zip wetsuit and that is what I use most the time. It is hard to find them in the thicker material.
I just got a new excel 3 2 that is warmer than my 4 3. It also is very light. Still a beech to get on.
Good luck and make sure you try putting it on before you walk out the door with it. Also it may be true that wetsuits get easier to put on and take off with use, zippers tend to do the opposite as they get stuck when pulling up or down on the back zip versions.
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I'm only on my 3rd Xcel 5/4 in 10 or 12 years, front zipper. While a bit of a struggle for the first couple surf.....once they break-in and conform to your body shape I have never been in a more comfortable, warm and durable wetsuit ever.
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I wear size Large/Short: 5'8", 180 lbs, wide shoulders. I love my O'Neil Mutant 4/3. Great fit, warm, doesn't flush, easy to get on and off, and nice and gooey. I'd check out the 5/4 version. Having the choice between a regular neck and an integrated hood is the icing on the cake.
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Thanks for all the replies! I'm gonna bite the bullett and go on a wettie try before I buy (again) spree.
Btw Stoney, I found this: http://http://www.ripcurl.com/us/shop/categories/wetsuits/guys/jackets-vests-shorts/flash-bomb-hooded-vest/ (http://http://www.ripcurl.com/us/shop/categories/wetsuits/guys/jackets-vests-shorts/flash-bomb-hooded-vest/)
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Is the SUPreme really easier than other brands to take off? What would be the reason for that? I hate taking them off so much I'm thinking of getting a drysuit.
Sent from my KFAPWI using Tapatalk
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+1 on xcel large short even for smaller guys. Also have an O'Neil psychofreak 4.5 3.5 in LS. Shoulder room ez on ez off!
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Yugi - My O'Neil technobutter torso has no cloth. Just warm flexible rubber!
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I found a O'niel Pyrotech 4-3 with tecno buter fully taped on Amazon almost half price,by far the most comfy suit I ever owned. The guys I know that use hyperflex say they run small. As far as 5/4 with hood look at the Exel good value.
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The SUPreme design is different. Easy to pull the top up over your shoulders....goes on easy as a coat. The material is very stretchy and crosses high over your chest with no zipper. There is a flap that sewn on across your back at the shoulder blades with a neck hole that you pull up and over your head. The flap zips straight across your chest. On each side there is a draw cord with a barrel clasp to cinch it down a bit. Easiest suit I've had to get on and off. Probably easiest just to show you.
(http://d9a554c9tdaz9.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/supreme19.png)
(http://d9a554c9tdaz9.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/Z843MF_02_d_LR.jpg)
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Jimk, what do you wear on your feet and hands in those conditions. I have similar here in Sweden.
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In my quest to take on winter surf I just scored a 5/4/3 Hyperflex Amp 3 front entry wetsuit for my b day in size Med/Lrg. I am 5'9 180 lbs. According to the fit chart this is the correct size (possibly too big).
Without looking at their chart I can tell you that that suit is way too small for you. You need an xl. I am 5'8" 186 and I have the exact same suit in a size xl/short. It fits perfect and I love it. I have the AMP 3/2 in a large/short and it is too tight but I survive with it since it is only a 3/2 and stretches a bit. I am going to replace that one with an xl/s. If we can get together for a session I'd be happy to let you try it on to check.
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I wear size Large/Short: 5'8", 180 lbs, wide shoulders. I love my O'Neil Mutant 4/3. Great fit, warm, doesn't flush, easy to get on and off, and nice and gooey. I'd check out the 5/4 version. Having the choice between a regular neck and an integrated hood is the icing on the cake.
I too am 5'8 around 180 and I wear a LS in an O'Neil Mutant 4/3 and a LS Hyperflex AMP3 6/5/4. The Hyperflex is a royal nightmare to get on and off (but is extremely warm and I've used it in below freezing water during a snow storm) - I just wait to take it off until home in the hot shower and it seems to slip off easier that way) (+1 to Stoneaxe post about tossing a towel on the seat of your car and using the hot tub).
I don't know if I would recommend going up to an XLS as that's going to loosen up the suit and allow more opportunity for water to get in, I may be wrong but I was always told the suit should fit snug (they so stretch).