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Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: TallDude on February 13, 2019, 07:31:38 PM

Title: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 13, 2019, 07:31:38 PM
I've been wanting to get a 4/3 fullsuit for prone surfing and winter standup surfing. My old neon green 3/2 Rip Curl E-bomb short sleeve fullsuit doesn't cut it anymore prone surfing in winter. Standup it's ok. I've never owned a 4/3 in my life. Only surfed SoCal, Mex, and Hawaii. 90% trunks only. Jack's Surf outlet store has a Quicksilver 4/3 Syncro XXXL backzip for $120. Total  (includes 30% off and tax). The only other 4/3 XXXL they have is an Xcel inifinti back zip with sealed seams and a micro fiber liner. It feels warmer but it's $220. total with discount and tax.

Buying a wetsuit in SoCal in the middle of a rainy cold winter is like grocery shopping when you're really hungry. They both fit good, but the Quicksilver feels more like my 3/2 fit and thickness wise. I went cheap and bought the Quicksilver, but I'm thinking about returning it for the better quality Xcel. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Luc Benac on February 13, 2019, 07:46:21 PM
All I can say is that I have seen a lot of prone surfer in Tofino using Xcel seamless and so on....
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: surfcowboy on February 13, 2019, 08:03:17 PM
I’ll say that the xcel’s last and are warm. They are not the most flexible.

Check out seshday.com. I’ve bought 2 xcels from them. They close out the previous years stock for xcel. Anything in the last 3 years is amazing. I’d buy local but honestly they never have my size. Local shops up here are not stocking like they used to. I’m sure it’s a cycle related to online sales but closeouts are hard to ignore.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 13, 2019, 08:06:35 PM
I will add that I'm not a fan the blue / grey color. I've been putting up with my neon green RipCurl for about 8 years now. I paid $115 for it at RipCurl's outlet. Of course the selection of XXXL are always super limited :(
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 13, 2019, 08:16:20 PM
I’ll say that the xcel’s last and are warm. They are not the most flexible.

Check out seshday.com.
I agree with the flexibility of the xcel's. The xcel felt like extra it had more material that kinda folded under my arms, where the QS felt more fitted and stretchy. The QS may be better for paddling with the thicker suit? 
BTW, seshday doesn't have anything bigger than an XL. Looks like a nice site though.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: oceanAddict on February 13, 2019, 08:16:41 PM
I don't wanna make your selection more difficult but really want to share something. Look on ONeill ws. Yes, they are more $$, but they are crazy stretchy and flexible. And here is the part that makes me post.  I have 2008  5.5/4.5 full ws that had a tear in back panel and bunch of cracks on fluid seams (inside). don't remember how I found this info, but you can send ws back to the factory for repair. I just received that phychofreak and I tell you what - it looks like new. New back panel welded in, all newly coated seams and ! new knee pads.  GUess how much?  Twenty Five dollars including shipping back to MA.

Needless to say, I'm sticking with those guys. 
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Old School 213 on February 13, 2019, 08:35:19 PM
1) Go to Frog House
2) try on everything, even Oniels which I've gotten my last 3 from them
3) tell them what you really want and they will find it for you even XXXL's
4) Enjoy a good price, they usually discount their suits as long as it's not this years newest/hottest etc.
5) Smile and enjoy
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: ospreysup on February 13, 2019, 09:23:46 PM
TallDude-I just purchased the Supreme Blade 4/3/2 XXL closeout from Hyperflex for $134. They got out of the Sup only wetsuit business but this suit is built for it. Super stretchy, warm and light in the shoulders for easy paddling. I threw a 3/5 hooded vest underneath and it handled 37 degree water temperature, 40 degree air and 30mph winds like a charm today. I get through a good part of the year with it. Search the suit on the Zone..it's a great suit and has plenty of positive reviews to match. They have XXXl suits and ship the next day.  Hyperflex makes a great suit.I put the link below.

IMHO this suit is a no brainer for you. I'm going to buy another and put it away for a couple of years.


https://hyperflexusa.com/product/mensblade432mmfullsuit/
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: toolate on February 13, 2019, 10:35:20 PM
I BOUGHT A XTERRA closeout and i like it a lot so far.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: FRP on February 14, 2019, 02:15:24 AM
I don't wanna make your selection more difficult but really want to share something. Look on ONeill ws. Yes, they are more $$, but they are crazy stretchy and flexible. And here is the part that makes me post.  I have 2008  5.5/4.5 full ws that had a tear in back panel and bunch of cracks on fluid seams (inside). don't remember how I found this info, but you can send ws back to the factory for repair. I just received that phychofreak and I tell you what - it looks like new. New back panel welded in, all newly coated seams and ! new knee pads.  GUess how much?  Twenty Five dollars including shipping back to MA.

+1 on the O’neil. I have a Psycotech 4/3 and 5.4/4. Incredibly flexible, easy to get on and off and warm. Well worth the extra few dollars. I have no financial interest in the company. I have owned several other high end suits such as Patagonia. 
Bob

Needless to say, I'm sticking with those guys.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Mahi on February 14, 2019, 02:33:37 AM
O'Neill Psycho Tech...... best wetsuit I ever owed. 
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: APPST_Paddle on February 14, 2019, 02:51:48 AM
I lucked up and my local shop was running this season's Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 Zip Free at 45% off, ended up being $215 USD out the door. It replaced my O'Neill Psychotech from 4 years ago, and woah - it's a pretty huge improvement. Much more flexible and warm, dries quicker too, obviously 4 years of improvements and a higher end suit will do that.

The zip free was actually the cheapest, which I find somewhat strange. I guess they save money on the zipper, etc. I've never had zip free, but unlike what I've heard, it's pretty easy to get in and out of.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Bean on February 14, 2019, 03:00:46 AM
Especially for prone surfing, the focus has to be on fit and comfort.  If you’ve needed nothing more than a 3/2 SS in the past, and you’re not looking to expand north, any modern 4/3 should do the job keeping you warm. 

As an alternative, a high end 3/2 suit would probably keep you as warm as the Synchro and offer more flexibility, and less flushing, but at a higher cost and possibly shorter life.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: eastbound on February 14, 2019, 03:17:34 AM
wow didnt know re the ON repair policy

last fall ordered 2019 suits:

ON psychotech 5.5/4 (latest technobutter 3)

and

Xcel Drylock X  5/4 (new, limestone neoprene)

in LT and XL----4 suits---returned 3---kept the oneil xl---it was clearly best suit---running around in my office!

no way to compare when wet, or when broken in a bit

always loved the ON TB (was replacing a pyrotech), but felt compelled to check out xcel drylok x new---i m sticking with the ON TB---felt better in my office, and feel great in the cold water

these arent cheap suits, but i am 60 yo and i often surf with water in the 30's and air in the 20's and comfort counts and i have the dough

but that's me---plenty of guys drive 40K + cars and trucks, but cheap out on wetsuits---i cheap out on cars--long as they start up and run safe i am good

like to be as comfortable as possible during precious uncrowded cold excellent winter surf sessions
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: stoneaxe on February 14, 2019, 07:29:19 AM
I won't buy another wetsuit unless it has a microfiber lining. My SUPreme 4/3/2 has been great...very stretchy, warm, easy on and off. I add a hooded vest as well when it gets real cold. It's still going strong after 3 years. I tore the shoulders out of my Xcel drylock in the 2nd year...my problem isn't height it's width.....:)
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: SlatchJim on February 14, 2019, 08:19:48 AM
The last 4/3 I had during my longboarding years was a billabong, very flexible and warm.  Too warm for most of the year in So Cal, but fine for trips up north to Pacifica and Bolinas with my brother. Had it for about 8 seasons of periodic use.

The problem with an old review like mine is that wetsuit technology has advanced far beyond my ability to keep up. Today my outlet Ripcurl 3/2 works just fine for everything south of Point Conception for sup.  Everything matters more in cold water + prone surfing.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 14, 2019, 08:49:04 AM
1) Go to Frog House
2) try on everything, even Oniels which I've gotten my last 3 from them
3) tell them what you really want and they will find it for you even XXXL's
4) Enjoy a good price, they usually discount their suits as long as it's not this years newest/hottest etc.
5) Smile and enjoy
The guys at Frog House are the essence of roots surfing. When I was a grom I would hang out at Rick James surf shop in San Clemente. Midget Smith shaped there. We would kick back in the chairs they had, reading surfer mags, smelling the resin and wax, and bug them for stickers. It was on the way home form school, so it was part of our routine. My older brother ordered a custom board from Brotherhood boards / Russel in Newport. I went there with him and picked it up. That was about 1972. They along with almost every old name surf shop are commercialized now. Frog House is still a holdout core roots surf shop. I always sort of cringe buying from Jack's surf shop, knowing the owners are the furthest thing from surf minded people. It's almost refined swap meet shopping, but cheap. One of my best friends owns a surf shop, he only shapes, glasses, and sells boards. I'll spend my board money at his shop, but for a wetsuit that will only get used maybe 20 or 30 times thru winter, I want a great price with a decent fit and more warmth than my current 3/2.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: JimK on February 14, 2019, 08:52:00 AM
I gotta agree with Osprey & Stoney The Hyperflex suits give you great bag for the buck and they fit very well
If I can be of any help I can get you the ZONER DEAL on these suits

Been using them for years love the performance, Price and quality of not only the suits but the people at Hyperflex (LOTS of good products)

JimK
Extreme Windsurfing
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 14, 2019, 09:36:34 AM
I'm a like-to-try-on before I buy person, so I'm less inclined to online shop for something like a wetsuit (unless it's a re-buy). Jack's outlet policy is that they don't give refunds, only store credit. There wetsuits are 40% to 60% off and of the 4 stores I went to, they were the only one to have a selection of 3XL's in stock. So my only two options at this point are:

Keep the Quicksilver Blue/Grey Syncro or pony up another $100 bucks for the Xcel Infiniti.

The QS is more fitting and has better stretch. It feels very similar to my RipCurl E bomb. For those SoCal mornings where the water is cold but the sun comes out and makes you want the peel your wetsuit down to your waist, the blue top helps reduce the overheating. The seams are only partially sealed too. It is a jump to 4/3 so I'm sure it will be warmer then any suit I've ever own.

The Xcel is less fitting like a ski jacket, but much warmer feeling with the micro-fiber liner. It might be how their sizing works, but I need the 6' 7 length, but the 235 lbs fit. This would probably fit a guy up to 260 range. It still fits pretty good. They claim the zipper is waterproof, and all the seams are sealed and taped. If I lived on the East Coast or up North this would be my choice for sure. 

Still on the fence???, but leaning towards staying with the QS. 
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: JimK on February 14, 2019, 09:44:07 AM
TallDUDE

We have a liberal retrn policy Exchanging for the size you need or 100% credit as long as the suit is returned in NEW condition (of course if it wasn't we'd take care of that too)

Let me know if I can help

JimK
Extreme Windsurfing
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Tom on February 14, 2019, 11:00:34 AM
I recently bought a Vissla 3/2 back zip and am very please. I've never been a fan of excel/oneil/billabong/ripcurl. They seem to all be the same except eash has a different panel layout so some will fit one better than another.

Vissla uses premium neoprene are are relatively inexpensive.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 14, 2019, 01:37:56 PM
Well I put on 4/3 QS and walked around with it on for about 20 min. It was comfortable and warm. Then I put on my RipCurl E-bomb which is not completely dry from yesterday, and compared the two. I can definitely feel the thickness and warmth difference. My RipCurl feels like a 2/2 in comparison, but very similar in fit.

I cut the tags off the Quicksilver 4/3, so I'm committed now. The fit and the total cost of $120. out the door made it a keeper. If I have any problems with wear and tear or performance comments, I post about it.   

Thanks for your suggestions and recommendations. I think I need a Frog House shirt, and pickup some wax and a leash.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Bean on February 14, 2019, 01:43:24 PM
Nice, at a 120 clams, how could you go wrong...
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: PonoBill on February 14, 2019, 02:47:51 PM
Material quality is everything in a heavy wetsuit. I prefer the O'Neil Technobutter stuff, mostly for flexibility. Cheaper neoprene feels so much stiffer, especially if you're using your arms as you will for paddling.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 14, 2019, 04:48:58 PM
Material quality is everything in a heavy wetsuit. I prefer the O'Neil Technobutter stuff, mostly for flexibility. Cheaper neoprene feels so much stiffer, especially if you're using your arms as you will for paddling.
The Xcel was a 4/3 like the QS, but it felt stiffer. I could really feel the material fold in my arm pits. Like my RipCurl, the Quicksilver has a lot more curving seams with different materials at the areas that need to allow for movement. The Xcel seemed a more basic seam pattern with less flex panels.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: eastbound on February 14, 2019, 05:44:01 PM
the new xcel drylock x is the first mainstream suit brand using japanese limestone neoprene--some say it's the best

so i gave it a shot vs the oneill tb3, and opted for the oneill tb3

flexibilty, warmth, and no water absorbtion--so weight stays light





Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: TallDude on February 14, 2019, 06:13:56 PM
Another player in the wetsuit field is Janga. http://janga.pt/en/category/1/guys.html

Timmy Patterson sells these at his shop, but nothing in my size. I would have rather buy from him because he's a friend and it's a local shop. These Janga look more fitting for the pros and groms. Crazy colors and patterns. They use Japanese limestone neoprene as well.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Subber on February 14, 2019, 06:15:53 PM
the new xcel drylock x is the first mainstream suit brand using japanese limestone neoprene--some say it's the best

so i gave it a shot vs the oneill tb3, and opted for the oneill tb3

flexibilty, warmth, and no water absorbtion--so weight stays light

Similar to that, I use triathlon wetsuits out of neoprene.
No water absorption so little to no evaporative cooling,
and super flexible.  Also, good float, but the triathlon wetsuits typically
only have 2mm arms, maybe 3mm back but 5mm front -
so they are more like a 3/2.

They also don't have knee pads and will wear out a bit quicker,
but they are lighter for the warmth.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: surfcowboy on February 14, 2019, 07:24:18 PM
Love it man, glad you made the call.

Any new suit is pretty damn good. That’s why I would caution the guys against buying one to keep for a few years.

Every year they get better and foam doesn’t age well overall.

New $100 suits are like $400 suits from 5years ago.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Bean on February 15, 2019, 03:47:05 AM
That’s a good point SC, now what to do about that old old wettie...

https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/blog/how-to-recycle-your-wetsuit/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImIWFjtS94AIVDcDICh12wQJkEAAYASAAEgJODPD_BwE
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Billekrub on March 09, 2019, 05:25:33 PM
Cannot say enough nice things about my Excel wetsuits.

2 ea. 4/3, 1 ea. 6/5, all with hoods, front zip, about $400 each.

Warm, holding up well, fit well (Larger Tall, for me, 188 cm, 75-80 kg).

Should have bought the 5/4 instead of the 6/5, probably.

Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: LBsup on March 10, 2019, 06:32:20 AM
I just purchased needEssentials 6/5/4 suit for $245.  Suit is warm and seems well made time will tell.  I would have preferred the 5/4 but they don’t offer it in xls.   suit is more flexible than my 10 yr old xcel infinity 5/4 so all good.  The 6/5 and 4/3 have a thermal lining not the 5/4.  Suit dries fast and is easy on/off.

You can only purchase the suits online, no logo on the suit at all.  Fit is good.
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: eastbound on March 10, 2019, 10:11:54 AM
need essentials seems a very good value--got their cold water booties, and i like them a lot
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: yugi on March 11, 2019, 06:52:13 AM
Suddenly I'm realizing my new suits are almost 5 years old!

Am I Jonesing?
Title: Re: Help deciding which wetsuit?
Post by: Fuzzy Boy on March 11, 2019, 08:50:56 PM
My QS suits have lasted 4 plus years.  (4/3 and 3/2) 4/3 is still in service.
I just replaced my 3/2 QS with a 3/2 Need Essentials last May.  Purchased at the boardroom in Del Mar. Been using it all winter and it’s holding up well. Fit is great. Warm enough for so cal. 

I also have a 2mil Short sleeve Xcel that has lasted a long time. Great quality and fit.

One suggestion that’s pretty obvious for those with shoulder issues, you might consider a back zip. Initially I felt like Houdini trying to get out of my new chest zip NE suit.  Not a problem with the design just my bad shoulder.
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