Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Strand Leper on November 22, 2010, 04:02:15 PM
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Haven't bought a new full suit for a few years as I have been using the O'Neill Gooru l/s spring during the winter... but this winter I am going to be crawling a bit more.... so I gots to suit up.
Southern California conditions.
I was just gonna buy the latest and greatest from Billabong, bcz I LOVE my old Platinum Solution... but didn't really dig the way they handled AI's passing... so I decided to go outside of the box and bought two new suits... so one is always dry... (got a REALLY good deal on one of them from a friend, so I couldn't pass it up) ...
Always thought that I could handle a two mil, so I am giving one a shot... and got really intrigued by the new suits from Isurus.
West Lotus 2 mil... and an Isurus 3/2/3 Elite.
I will update this thread as to how they hold up, and feel compared to what I have worn in the past. (Rip Curl E-Bomb, Infinity Dry Lock, Billabond Platinum Solution... all 3/2)...
I invite all the other Zoners to talk about what they are using...
I probably will stick with my poor boy spring suit (short John plus O'Neill Gooru l/s top) or l/s spring for stando dawn patrols, and boardies and T-shirts (or l/s Gooru top) for afternoon sessions... and use the new suits for crawling...
Please, no shilling for your sponsor or the brand that you think is cool... just honest, warts and all feedback... (like my wife, after a ... well... nevermind...)
Tim
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Yep, the vehicle you drive definitely won't matter for attracting chicks if you do standup. Not only do standup guys have the cool board and paddle, they can say, "Hey baby, I'm not really into flaunting my wealth, or wearing expensive clothes, but see this suit I've got on?--TWO MIL. And I'm thinking of getting one that's at least 3 MIL."
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Up around the Sound... the Microsoft guys have 6 Mil suits... don't they... ???
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Yep, the vehicle you drive definitely won't matter for attracting chicks if you do standup. Not only do standup guys have the cool board and paddle, they can say, "Hey baby, I'm not really into flaunting my wealth, or wearing expensive clothes, but see this suit I've got on?--TWO MIL. And I'm thinking of getting one that's at least 3 MIL."
;D ;D ;D Somebody's got to give this guy a mic and a chair at a Comedy contest. I LMAO at just about everything he comments on. When ever I'm feeling a little down, all I have to do is jump on The Zone and find a post by Mike... Dude, this earth is a better place with you in it... Later, JD
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Up around the Sound... the Microsoft guys have 6 Mil suits... don't they... ???
That's not all. I used to paddle with some Microsoft engineers, and every time they fell in, or anything went wrong at all, we'd all have to stop while they took their booties off and then put them back on. I asked them why, and they said "We're trained to do this. Any time we crash or come across any kind of problem, we re-boot".
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it also dosent hurt to tell the Chicas you have an "Elastomatrix Crotch" for increased comfort and durablity! ;D
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But serously!- has anyone tired or have one of them thar fancy Japanese Limestone washed thingamabobs-otherwise know as Matuse?!-am intrigued but good grief are they pricey!-maybe an old thread?-let me know if you have one!
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Tim-checked out the Isurus website-i too am now intrigued-got it yet?-let us know how you like it?!- i too need to trash my 5 year old Oneill.
Thanks man...
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The Isurus has not yet arrived. The West Lotus showed up today. The Isurus should show up on Wednesday.
Tim
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I have a 2mil Xcel that is great from May through September up here in NH. My 3/2 ripcurl e bomb for crawling and sup when the water is below 55. A 4/3 ripcurl f bomb for now and early spring. And my 5/4 xcel infinity for wintah. 7 mil booties for anytime the water is under 55. And an assortment of 3, 5 and 8 mil gloves/claws/mitts. Underneath it all, I'll sport custom made 3mil boxers, a 2mil vest, and smahtwool socks. And a jar of vaseline in the truck just in case the offshores are blowin too hard during the noreasters.
Ya, it's f-in ridiculously cold here in the northeast. I have skied Mt Washington and sup'd Hampton in the same day before. When there's big snowfall, there's always big surf. Just gotta get after it...
That's Raimana when he visited this past February. He's never been in a 6 mil suit before!
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I'm just N of exetersup and use an xcel 5/4 drylock 4 months of the year and a 4/3 with or without a separate hood on warmer days. Toasty even on the most brutal days. 7 mil xcel wide toe boots 6 months of the year and the usual assortment of gloves.
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Ake G,
Where you at?
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I am looking for new materials in my next wetsuit. Tim I was looking at the billabong suit that is light and foam. AI comment has me looking at other options.
What other new materials are being used for wetsuits? My excel is cracking on the neoprene.
Here in the north I wear a spring suit until the water drops below 55 and the air also. I am now using a 4/3 with booties and a hood. On the really cold days I have a 5 mil hooded suit but its a pita to put on and pull off.
I am not into the stretch on suits. They are difficult to zip, unzip and just has me doing contortions that old guys hate. Plus I need a buddy to unzip them when the velcro is locking the zipper up.
What new materials are available and more important how do they hold up to constant use and always left hanging over a wet box. I was even thinking of paying a premium for a quality new suit.
One other option would be nice and that is a relief option. Come on mfg's think of what we need for longer sessions.
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Mad props Exeter-but looking at that last pic wit those lefts had me thinking i could pull it off-if i lived there i would go and man that pic of Raimana was hilarious!-didnt know Tahitians even knew what a wetsuit was!-great pics.
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Good topic because I'm looking. I use to get GUL wetsuits from Murray Marine when I was doing a lot of windsurfing and they fit me well and lasted a lot longer than the name brand surf suits. I recently got a 3/2 e-bomb from ripcurl that I don't like very much. It seems a lot thicker and heavier than other 3/2s (?), not very comfortable, and when the zipper broke, they charged me $25 to fix it.
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Good topic because I'm looking. I use to get GUL wetsuits from Murray Marine when I was doing a lot of windsurfing and they fit me well and lasted a lot longer than the name brand surf suits. I recently got a 3/2 e-bomb from ripcurl that I don't like very much. It seems a lot thicker and heavier than other 3/2s (?), not very comfortable, and when the zipper broke, they charged me $25 to fix it.
O'Neil charges $30 to fix a broken zipper as one of my sons just sent his back to them. I don't think it was quite yet a year old either... Later, JD
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I've also been intrigued by the Matuse wetsuits. Apparently the material they use is almost totally NON-ABSORBANT so it doesn't get heavy with water like a typical neopreme suit. I just bought a last years model 3/2 at a 25% discount...still pricey but thought I would try it. Since we are still having warm weather here (today air temp 79 and water 67) I haven't tried it yet....I'll do a review once it gets a little colder!! ...Tim
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Good topic because I'm looking. I use to get GUL wetsuits from Murray Marine when I was doing a lot of windsurfing and they fit me well and lasted a lot longer than the name brand surf suits. I recently got a 3/2 e-bomb from ripcurl that I don't like very much. It seems a lot thicker and heavier than other 3/2s (?), not very comfortable, and when the zipper broke, they charged me $25 to fix it.
O'Neil charges $30 to fix a broken zipper as one of my sons just sent his back to them. I don't think it was quite yet a year old either... Later, JD
The metal pull thingie came apart. When I spoke to the service manager, he explained to me that it was cause my the fact that I used the surf suit in salt water.
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Wimps! ;D
Real wetsuits start at 5mm. :D
Quiksilver Cypher 5/4/3 Hooded full suit - chest zip - and 7mm booties.
(http://canadasup.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/supDec4.2-350x350.jpg)
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I'm pretty sure that I have mentioned this one here before but I had a custom made suit from Snugg Wetsuits last year. Made - to - Measure, without doubt the comfiest warmest and easiest to get in and out of suit that I have ever had. The Neoprene is a Limestone based polymer and the suit is fleeced lined and only 3mm for a winter spec suit (certainly equivelant in warmth to my old 5mm steamers). I had a Triathlon smooth skin arms and shoulders grafted onto a more conventional body. If it has an issue it's probably too warm so I had a 2mm version made with a fleece body panel as well. Full details here (cue shameless blog link pimp)
http://csx355.blogspot.com/2009/10/snugg-wetsuits-sup-global-and-asparagus.html (http://csx355.blogspot.com/2009/10/snugg-wetsuits-sup-global-and-asparagus.html)
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Love my Patagonia I wore the 3mil all last winter!
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+1 for Patagonia
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That's great to hear. I picked up a Patagonia 4/3 with their 7 mil booties. Can't wait to try them out. Got em up your way, exetersup at Cinnamon Rainbows.
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I need one too. I like that Isurus. Curious about what those who have them say. Any feedback on that. I'm sure StrandLeper will give us a detailed descriptive review of his. Right?
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Ayup, cool beans suprbowl. You surf in Hudson Valley? Or just paddle flat water? Lemme know if you come back this way, we'll go for a paddle:)
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I am curious if anyone has tried the Predator Surf Suit from Ocean Rodeo. It appears to be the perfect suit for paddling, staying warm and dry with ease of movement but without the baggy feeling from a drysuit...making it good in the surf too!
http://oceanrodeo.com/drysuits/surfdry (http://oceanrodeo.com/drysuits/surfdry)
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Boludo,
The review probably won't be as exciting as a board review... but y'all will get one.
The Isurus was just delivered... opened it up... WOW this is a really, really well made suit. The quality is just really spot on. Every seam, every cut, can't wait to try it on!
Will be out this weekend crawling around a bit and will keep everyone posted.
Very low key graphics. Yamamoto rubber, feels like butter.
Tim
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I use a 4/3 xcel here in the Pacific NW in winter, I resently got
the oneill 13oz thermo x crew {short sleeve} it is smooth on outside
and fleece on inside, this works very well under my suite, way better than
my old 2mm crew, its very warm and seems to cut wind chill well,
and oneill 2mm shorts also work really good on these cold winter days.
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I have an Excel 5/4 and a Patagonia R4. The Patty R4 is way warmer, plenty comfy when water temps are in the mid to high 30s. The Patty's warmth is especially noticeable on windy days. And the hood on the Patty actually is large to comfortably fit my gourd.
Unless I'm out for hours in the winter, I'm comfortable. What I haven't figured out is how to keep my feet from freezing when I'm changing out my wetsuit in the parking lot. I stand on a foam mat, but that doesn't seem to help a great deal. The dogs get cold really, really quickly and it usually takes them at least 45 minutes before they regain any feeling. It can make driving a stick a little tricky.
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Can you say Isurus?
http://www.surfisurus.com/ (http://www.surfisurus.com/)
Did a quick post sunset bodysurf in my new Isurus 3/2/3... OH MY GOD!
BUTTERY freaking goodness. The panels on the shoulders gave me SO much freedom of movement...
As all So Cal'ers know... it is freezing today... I was totally beyond warm... Jeff Clark uses the 3/2/3 at Mav's on the less cold days.
I am literally amazed at this suit... literally, not figuratively.
No, I am not affiliated with them... don't even know anyone at the company.
Goes on a little tight... but putting it on the second time was no problem at all... You know, the top entry boogie...
RIDICULOUS! I am sending the other wetsuit that I got back... the wrong size or something... yeah... that's it... The West Lotus does not even compare to the Isurus in flexibility and the West is a 2 MIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited to wear this to surf in this weekend... tempted to do a moonlight run at Lowers in a few hours... see you at there at 2:00 or so.
So stoked and out for now.
Tim
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nice review Tim-now you got the isurus and the patagonia on my short list!-could be a coin toss!
nice night for the trestles moonlit sesh!
havent done it in years!-should we b the first to moonlight SUP sesh it!?-dare we?!
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I must confess that I am in the dog house for the bodysurf as the ER doc said to stay out of the water 'til Sunday... still gonna sneak out for some sessions this weekend but gonna have to be on the down low.
On the Patagonia suits... if you are going to have one super bitchen suit this winter, you will want it to dry quickly... check out dry times for Isurus v. Patagonia... not even close... (also check out weight when wet...)... see Surfline Wetsuit thread: http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=1867001&page=0&vc=1 (http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=1867001&page=0&vc=1)
I am really stoked on this suit...
By the way, I ordered on Monday afternoon, and it was in my office on Wednesday morning... with free shipping...
Seriously, the shoulder and knee panels are REALLY well designed.
AND the accent colors on the suit match my Imagine Surf 6'0" Assym Quad... (and my new 8'3" Imagine Surf Stando that Corran might finish some day... :D) Gonna be STYLING mi amigos!
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cool!-gonna do a little more research-my son loves his Buell, but think you might have swayed me!
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my quick review Patagonia R3 back zip. Its not that light. To me it feels more like a 4m with the wool mix lining, key pocket on the neck sucs and it does not dry that fast. But its the warmest and most comfortable best fitting wetsuit I have ever owned. It really cuts the wind with the smooth skin. My 5/4/3 Excel never made it out of the closet last winter!
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my quick review Patagonia R3 back zip. Its not that light. To me it feels more like a 4m with the wool mix lining, key pocket on the neck sucs and it does not dry that fast. But its the warmest and most comfortable best fitting wetsuit I have ever owned. It really cuts the wind with the smooth skin. My 5/4/3 Excel never made it out of the closet last winter!
Do you wear any additional layers under the R3? and what is the durability
like do you think it will last you 3-4 years?
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My only complaint with the Patagonia R3 is the neck opening is designed for someone with perfect posture and a neck that points straight up. For my posture, the front neck opening chokes me and the back of the neck has a gap.
Who was suit designed for, a plastic mannequin? Anyone else find the same? Or maybe my nickname should be the hunch back of Notre Dame.
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Rolf Its made very well,all warm and fuzzy inside and yes I think it will go a few years, you just have to watch the smooth skin with your fingernails taking it off. No to the layers, just 7m boots and 2m gloves and 3m hood for last winter. DW I hacked that key pocket off mine. I wish I had some mad cash I would get the R2!
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The Buells look very tempting... and made in Thailand rather than China.
Very similar idea to the Isurus... sup[er stretchy and gummy...
Here is a review of the Buell... about a hundred cheaper than the Isurus with their on line deal right now and apparently a lifetime warranty...
http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1891131&an=0&page=0 (http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1891131&an=0&page=0)
Another review of the Isurus http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-190632.html (http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-190632.html)
Just doing my research... so you don't have to...
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Rolf Its made very well,all warm and fuzzy inside and yes I think it will go a few years, you just have to watch the smooth skin with your fingernails taking it off. No to the layers, just 7m boots and 2m gloves and 3m hood for last winter. DW I hacked that key pocket off mine. I wish I had some mad cash I would get the R2!
They deleted the smooth skin on this winters suits
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could have used something this morning for my annual turkey day paddle out-howling offshores had all my appendages numb-Will and i mad dogged it!
The Buell is nice-and you cant argue with the lifetime warranty-plus i think its a little cooler looking than the Pat or the Isuzu!
CD loves his, making my decision this weekend...
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Thxgiving weekend sessions.
There were very few waves to speak of... and it was cold... and it was super windy... and my son was banging on me to jet ski some big chop... so a few jet ski sessions Dana Point up to Aliso Creek, and down to SC Pier... with big wind, (dodging the kites), big chop and a little bit of underlying swell... Cold NW wind...
1.5 mil gloves, and 3 mil boots... on Sunday (dav of the freezing NW Wind), no gloves or boots on Saturday.
Toasty and flexy. My suit was completely dry Sunday morning from a Sat afternoon session... while Jr.'s Billabong was still pretty wet.
Fits like a glove.
I will actually surf in it this week...
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I am totally sold on the Isurus. In it Saturday dawn patrol with some really cold water, low 50's air. Laydown surfing... very little water gets in. SOOOO gummy and stretchy... so very light... just a totally different experience than any wetsuit that I have ever worn. We will see how it lasts.
As for standup... I don't EVER wear fullsuits doing standup... but this one was so comfortable that when I switched boards to standup, I kept the wetsuit on... and got heckled of course , 'cuz usually its trunks and a wettie jacket...
It's all good.
I was super toasty in this thing, but never overheated.
Tim
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for what's worth, here's my take on the Matuse compared to the Xcel, O'neill and Rip Curl wetsuits I've owned before (this is for the Hoplite 4/3/2). I got one practically new (used on Craigslist) for $200... since they go for almost $500, it was a pretty good deal. I'd still like to compare it to the newest top-of-the-line Billabong's, QS, Xcel, Patagonia, etc. though.
I think one person mentioned non-absorbent. I can air dry my wetsuit (in the shade in San Diego) in approximately 6-8 hours. If I wring it out before hanging it, maybe about 4 hours. To put that into perspective, my "normal" 4/3 wetsuits are still wet the next morning, even after wringing them out.
I don't know what the technology is with the Geoprene, but it's really soft and buttery (easy on & off). my "normal" 4/3's feel very bulky and rigid compared to the Matuse. also, you don't get a large amount of "flushing" through the wetsuit, even when you're getting tumbled under water. I guess that's a good thing since you don't have to deal with the "cold-water-down-the-back" feeling... but a bad thing if you're a habitual wetsuit-pisser :D.
As far as warmth, it has never been a problem for me. we just had a "cold" snap here in SD and it was 40-42 degrees with 56-58 degree water and I was fine. note, I'm from Hawai'i so anything under 70 (air & water) is "cold" to me and since I get cold easily, I sport the 4/3/2 a majority of the time.
the one awkward thing about the wetsuit is the inner strap mechanism. I don't know what it's called, but Rip Curl has something similar, called the bat-wing... basically it secures the wetsuit to your upper body. well Matuse uses a tanktop/suspender like mechanism. it's awkward getting used to putting it on and taking it off, but it does feel a lot more comfortable than the bat-wing since it's on your shoulders and not tugging the sh*t outta your neck. I've heard that this mechanism was the biggest complaint, since it feels like you could rip it trying to get it on, but I haven't actually heard of anyone breaking it.
hope that helps....
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I just got one of the new Quiksilver DS 5/4/3 Hooded suits and it's amazing! A little too warm for stand up on most days but perfect for traditional surfing and SUPin' the super cold days here in the Northwest. If you only stand up surf or live somewhere warmer then I would recommend I lighter version of the DS but definately worth a look-Quiksilver has really stepped it up this year! As always, quiksilver's products run small so if your planning on buying online, stop by your local dealer and try the suit on in order to make sure the suit fits before making the purchase. I am 6'1"x210 LBS. and just barely fit in to a XXL-it's the biggest suit available.
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For the flatwater guys, I have a suggestion. I have several full and spring suits, but find on a lot of days, its not cold enough to justify those, if I am not likely to fall in (surfing is a different story). I ordered the Victory Kore Dry hoodie, which I will likely use most often. I also ordered some water-proof snow pants. I have 3 different pairs of them. So far, they are great. They are very light weight and don't let any wind in. As long as you are unlikely to fall in, they are fine, if the temp isn't too low. I used them this weekend, when it was 48 degrees and they were ideal. I also have a wetsuit top that is 1m in the chest and back area, and some type of cloth over the arms and sholders. That has worked pretty well too. Some time when I first start out, I am a bit cold, but I warm up quickly and then its perfect.
Anyway, just a few thoughts for those of you who aren't in extreme cold and are paddling flat water.
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For the flatwater guys, I have a suggestion. I have several full and spring suits, but find on a lot of days, its not cold enough to justify those, if I am not likely to fall in (surfing is a different story). I ordered the Victory Kore Dry hoodie, which I will likely use most often. I also ordered some water-proof snow pants. I have 3 different pairs of them. So far, they are great. They are very light weight and don't let any wind in. As long as you are unlikely to fall in, they are fine, if the temp isn't too low. I used them this weekend, when it was 48 degrees and they were ideal. I also have a wetsuit top that is 1m in the chest and back area, and some type of cloth over the arms and sholders. That has worked pretty well too. Some time when I first start out, I am a bit cold, but I warm up quickly and then its perfect.
Anyway, just a few thoughts for those of you who aren't in extreme cold and are paddling flat water.
Along those lines the NRS hydro skins work well in flat water...
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2231&pdeptid=942 (http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2231&pdeptid=942)
Fleece lined, nice and warm, leaves the upper body unencumbered for a lengthy paddle. Been out in 30-40 degree air temps and 50-60 degree water temps, no problem. Not for the multiple dunkings in the surf though.
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another one up for Matuse.
Bought last winter a Bodyglove Magnum5/3 and the Matuse Tumo 5/3.
Before i owned Oneill Psycho,s and Ripcurls.
The Bodyglove is an okay nothing special suit but the Matuse...light!! suple and warm.
I was waveriding it last year in -10C wich is 14F and still "comfortable" with 6mm boots and 5mm gloves
no underwear stuff needed.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JehDY5ZKVQ8/S0B4od9WxfI/AAAAAAAABc4/dxqJMuQ7hc4/s640/DSC01103.JPG)
If i wear the Tumo before it +5C/41F its too hot for me, then the Bodyglove is fine.
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pulled the trigger on the 3/2 Buell-just dont think i need the 4/3.
X-mas here and i just didnt feel right popping for the Matuse/Pat/Isuzu...
Its been so flat here its ridiculous-will post after my first sesh.
Tallked to Ryan Buell when i bought it-super cool guy- he ran back and forth in the wharehouse snapping and sending me pics-lifetime warranty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I dont like it for any reason he takes it back.
Proof is in the pudding so holding off on a full recommendation...
Little NW coming my way-might dawn patrol tomorrow....
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Stoked SoCal!
I e-mailed the Isurus folks to see if they had any booties... and they let me know that they were going to be in so cal next week... in case anyone wants try one... here is the rep's contact info:
Rufo
Isurus Wetsuits
Ruffophoto@gmail.com
787.406.5110
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So Cal,
If you call it an Isuzu one more time I am going to sit on your inside and snake you even more than usual this weekend!
Out,
Joe Isurus
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Bought a cheap Hyperflex hooded full suit a couple years ago and still very happy w/ it. Would probably go w/ a better suit if I was going out every day, but for once or twice a month in the winter it is perfect.
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Tim-er..Joe-im sorry-its pronounced "Isewerus"-is that right! ;D
That was one of my favorite commercials-Joe Isuzu-remember that one?
He that snaketh-shall himself be snaked...
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I have to blame all this cold water and weather on Strand Leper, It was so nice until he started his new fancy Isuzu suit thread. Now I have to get a new wet suit.
I would never blame our local weather girl.
Jackie Johnson for the cold water.
Jackie Johnson - Parry Gripp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRAS-xx87XE#ws)
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Now that SL has targetted the Isuzu errrr... Isurus for all of us I just have to figure out the mils. I am in FL and as such have the thinnest blood ever. These past mornings in the high 30's have put me in hibernation mode. Just going to the gym. Water temps in the mid 50's are effin nuts. This global warming crap is working in reverse for our FL winters. Anyway, I guess this wetsuit thickness buying exercise is a learning experience just like the boards and paddles, huh?
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Monkey,
Jackei Johnson and a Porsche GT2... wow... what a way to start the day!
Thanks... Remember... ISUZU... I mean... Isurus...
Tim
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Man; that girl is pretty frigging HOT! Can you loan her over to us here in Jax for a few weather reports? :) Later, JD
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Yea
The problem is I never remember the weather, and my wife gets pissed when the weather comes on. The on going joke around the house.
The video was a little long? Or not
The water is still cold/ I like Excell wet suits, Like my cars I drive an old Ford truck not ISUZU.
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Jackie Johnson used to be our S. Fla weather girl on FOX News in Miami and Broward, I miss her.
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The funny thing about the Spanish language stations...
They don't even pretend... it's not about the weater, it is about this Latin Chick's cleavage... period.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvkxEZUSsk8&feature=player_embedded# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvkxEZUSsk8&feature=player_embedded#)!
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You spelled "sweater" wrong.
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DUDE
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Not to be confused with Joe the plumber.
Was the Latin gal describing a cut-off-low prrrressure? We'll hope for a cold spell or shower. Sure looks better than Guy Hagi
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Nice post stumper.
My only complaint is the music. Spanish is such a beautiful language.
I'll bet she has a marvelous voice to compliment that outstanding figure.
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Holly Molly!... Could she not find a tighter pair of jeans? Thanks, JD
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She borrowed them from the chic who interviewed the NY Jets a few weeks ago.
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Those girls are hot but they cant hold a candle to Al Roker
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Stoked SoCal!
I e-mailed the Isurus folks to see if they had any booties... and they let me know that they were going to be in so cal next week... in case anyone wants try one... here is the rep's contact info:
Rufo
Isurus Wetsuits
Ruffophoto@gmail.com
787.406.5110
I was confused, I thought you were talking about wet suits?
Thought Jackie was trouble looking at your booty post and the wife says what are you looking at why are you smiling? Just wet suits honey
Nice one a 1001 posts later.
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Finally got to try out my new Isurus i-Elite 323 wetsuit today... As some of you know, we've had the coldest conditions (for so early in the winter season) here in northern Florida. Our water is in the lower to mid-fifties which is more like what we would expect in Feb.. My older (4 or 5 year old) O'Neil Psycho had seen better days...
I saw some positive post here on The Zone about Isurus and was very impressed with the info on their website; so I thought I'd give em a try.
In the water today (except for my exposed head and hands), I was as "snug as a bug in a rug". This thing is super warm, super light weight (even when wet), super stretchy (they use 100% Yamamoto neoprene rubber- the best there is) and there was absolutely NO binding or resistance when paddling or surfing. A "two-thumbs up" on this suit... Check them out at www.surfisurus.com (http://www.surfisurus.com) ... Happy Holidays to you all, JD
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nice JD-still thinking of getting one of these-Leper just raves about his-still love my Buell for hundreds less but thinking of the Isuzu 3-2-thanks for the review!
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has any one from the real-cold states tried the hooded 4-5-4? i really wonder if, as claimed, it's as warm as a 6/5/4. could it be?
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has any one from the real-cold states tried the hooded 4-5-4? i really wonder if, as claimed, it's as warm as a 6/5/4. could it be?
If you want warm, Patagonia R4 is the ticket. My wife has the R4, I have the R3. The lineup is full of people on Patagonia suits at my surf spot. Once people tried them, the cost became a non-issue.
Other brands seem to offer slick marketing rather than real differences.
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JD, thanks for the review. I am in Tampa and we have seen the same early cold winter weather you mention. Maybe a couple of degrees warmer. As I have never owned a wetsuit but certainly will this winter I have been curious about thickness. Since you are a Floridian let me ask......do you believe the 3-2-3 to be sufficient for the entire winter. I have become a real wimp about this winter waterspouts stuff. But I am sure not going to quit paddling because of it.
Thanks
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JD, thanks for the review. I am in Tampa and we have seen the same early cold winter weather you mention. Maybe a couple of degrees warmer. As I have never owned a wetsuit but certainly will this winter I have been curious about thickness. Since you are a Floridian let me ask......do you believe the 3-2-3 to be sufficient for the entire winter. I have become a real wimp about this winter waterspouts stuff. But I am sure not going to quit paddling because of it.
Thanks
Hi Eric... The i-Elite is THE ticket for Florida. You will not need anything more (except for maybe those super-cold days when the air temp is never out of the lower to mid 40's). I'm a wimp too (;D) and this suit is the warmest I have ever had. I need to get me some light-weight gloves and maybe a lite-hood for those days mentioned above... Later, JD
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JD,
I can tell that you are as AMAZED by this suit as I am. All of my bros and the haters have been giving me grief because last winter I was in boardies and a stretchy jacket or a spring (even on the COLD [for So Cal 42 degree air 53 degree water] dawn patrols) ... and now I am in my Isurus 3-2-3 ALL THE TIME. It is just THAT stretchy and comfortable. Sure, I am a little bit too toasty on those 55 / 55 days, but I don't feel as if I am sacrificing any flexibility at all.
Just picked up some booties... spent a couple of hours trying everything on... and... get this... the winner is... Body Glove Vapor. NEVER would have picked that brand out of the lineup but the boot was very stretchy... with a really thin bottom and I really felt like I was the most barefoot wearing that boot.
Not to bag on Patagonia, but those suits are really heavy when wet... I totally get the warmth and the quality... but they are just really, really heavy.
Stay warm my friends,
Tim
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I am amazed, Tim... I like the fact that when I hit the water, I'm in no hurry to get back up on top of my board! That says it all, right there... See ya, JD
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jd, actually i'm in RI, where the water temp is currently 37 degrees and heading lower. i'm currently wearing a top of the line excel 5/4 but, man, it sure feels bulky; if i could find something lighter and just as warm, i'd probably buy it ...
so again anyone tried the hooded 4 5 4?
thanks!
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Linter,
I would give Rufo a call if I were you... (cell earlier in the thread)... tell him your situation. I think that he will be straight with you...
Let him know that if the suit ends of sucking for these conditions, you will not be shy about telling your friends on the Zone...
Who knows... he may even give you a big discount to get a Northeastern test pilot?
Give it a go mate!
For the record, though, I paid full price... I got his contact info when I e-mailed him about booties.
Tim
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Not to bag on Patagonia, but those suits are really heavy when wet... I totally get the warmth and the quality... but they are just really, really heavy.
Gross exaggeration
1) Wool is lighter than rubber.
2) You go with thinner rubber because you have a wool lining. Most use 2mm instead of 5/4 all rubber suits
3) My suit is 80% dry inside at the end of the session. Who's suit is fully wet inside?
4) To me the weight feels lighter than my old 5/4s that broke the hanger.
If I lived in the New England, it would be a no brainer. Surfed with snow on the ground last year in my wool lined suit.
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tim: have you worn both patagonia and isurus wetsuits? ie, are you basing your comments about weight on fact or supposition? (not that there's anything wrong with supposition, of course; myself, i'm full of it most of the time ...)
cool thing about isurus is if you don't like it or the size doesnt' work out, the return shipping is on them. shipping to you is free also, as it is with patatonia.
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DW,
I probably shouldn't have said "really heavy" perhaps just "heavier than my Isurus."
I don't have one... tried one on and it didn't fit me quite right.
A mate has a Patagonia (the R2 I believe) and it is heavier than my Isurus suit, about the same (maybe a little heavier) than my West (that I decided to keep).
My buddy SWEARS by his Patagonia DW... I tease him that I think I am going to wear a wool shirt under my suit too... ;)
Be well,
Tim
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Also,
I remember seeing a weigh in of the Patagonia suit versus other suits on one of the threads that I posted earlier when I was doing my research...
I probably would have bought the Patagonia if it fit me right... (hadn't heard about the Isurus)
On the Isurus... the first two times into the suit are a little bit rough... then it is second nature...
Stay warm my friends.
Tim
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Here is Isurus on Surfline:
http://www.surfline.com/gear/gear-review-isurus-i-evade_51273/ (http://www.surfline.com/gear/gear-review-isurus-i-evade_51273/)
I DO NOT like the Bodyglove Vapor booties in action... tried them the other morning... maybe I am just not a bootie fan...
Out,
Tim
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Surf temps have gotten so ridiculous here in FL (Well..for FL) I have been thinking drysuit. So...4 bills for a wetsuit doesn't seem so bad ;D. Plus I can LB in it. I guess I'm going to look into an Izuzu...er Icarus...uh...whatever it is...my wife is going to kill me...
...am I getting so old my memory's going or does anybody else remember skin n' it around X=mas time in NE FL (Flagler beach)? Haven't done THAT in a while.
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jd, actually i'm in RI, where the water temp is currently 37 degrees and heading lower. i'm currently wearing a top of the line excel 5/4 but, man, it sure feels bulky; if i could find something lighter and just as warm, i'd probably buy it ...
so again anyone tried the hooded 4 5 4?
thanks!
I'm in Maine and that's about what the water temp is here to. I rented a SUP for the first time yesterday before I dropped a ton of money on one and love it. Now I need to shop for a wetsuit. I was thinking a 5/4/3 for winter, what do you wear in the spring, summer, fall months in RI
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I'm in Rhode Island. Long time winter surfer (30+ years) , 4 years winter SUP.
For winter sup just purchased BUELL 5/4 hoodless wetsuit. Suit is super gummy and light. Used it in last weekends blizzard, paddled 5 plus miles in blinding snow squalls and NE winds 25-35mph gusting over 40. Completely warm and comfy. I use a fleece OR cap for winter use, I find the rubber hoodies cause overheating, the fleece hoodie will come off most days over 30 degrees if the wind chills are low. I actually use the fleece hoodies to surf sup in the winter as well. Winter booties are Excel 7mm and either 5mm gloves or 7mm lobster mitss for the coldest days.
Conventional winter surfing I will tend to use a 6/54 hooded setup. (usually Excel)
Late winter/early spring sup: hoodless 4/3 or 3/2 dependent on wind chills
late spring /summer/fall choose your poison, shorts, rashies, 2mm tops ect
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mike's got it right.
for the past two winters, though, i've been going top of the line excel 5/4 and wearing a hyperflex polypro union suit underneath it when it gets really cold. pretty toasty ... except for the occasional hold-down full-body flush, brrrr!
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I'm just south of you, love the xcel 5/4 drylock hooded all winter long. 3+ years still holding up with just a blown-up zipper last year. 4/3 around March or April and 3/2 May to October
jd, actually i'm in RI, where the water temp is currently 37 degrees and heading lower. i'm currently wearing a top of the line excel 5/4 but, man, it sure feels bulky; if i could find something lighter and just as warm, i'd probably buy it ...
so again anyone tried the hooded 4 5 4?
thanks!
I'm in Maine and that's about what the water temp is here to. I rented a SUP for the first time yesterday before I dropped a ton of money on one and love it. Now I need to shop for a wetsuit. I was thinking a 5/4/3 for winter, what do you wear in the spring, summer, fall months in RI