4/3 Wetsuits

[oakfish]

My old 4/3 is leaking pretty badly and I'm in the market for a new one.  O'Neill wetsuits seem to fit me well, so I'm focusing on those.  2 questions:
1) Is there a different brand that I should be considering?
2) Can anyone decipher the complicated O'neill wetsuit lineup?  There are several tiers and I can't. for the life of me, figure out the differences.  Anyone have experience with the different tiers and whether the more expensive suits are worth the money?
Thanks!

[surfcowboy]

I’ve had 2 Xcels they last a long ass time. Recently backed up by the Stab wetsuit guide too. O’neils are more stretchy though, but with that comes a little less life of course.

A decent surf shop will explain the O’Neill line, it’s deep. Basically anything that says Psycho on it is the high end.

[Dusk Patrol]

 O’Neill’s contribution to the new breed of neoprene is what they label “Technobutter” neoprene. If you want to pay  the price, you get a warm but stretchier and softer neoprene. I personally like it because as I get older and creakier, old school neoprene in the thicker sizes compounds my lack of flexibility, whereas this new stuff does not. And that’s something in our PNW winter waters.
O’Neill is on Technobutter 3, but  new old stock of the cheaper T2 might still be found.

[oakfish]

Thanks, guys.  Exactly what I needed.

[FRP]

Oak fish

+1 on the O’Neill Psychotech 2. Best suit I have worn.

Bob

[Bean]

I picked up a Psychotech 5/4/3 last year which is excellent and get's me through the coldest days of winter here in NJ. 

I'm also looking to replace my 4/3 Mutant, which has served me well for many years now.  I like the versitility having the option of using a hood on the 4/3.

I should also replace my ancient 3/2 Heat with a vertical back zip.  Easiest suit to get in and out of.  (Hey Santa, you listening?) 

Somone recently said, no-one makes a bad wet suit anymore.  I would shop around without bias, see what fits best (that's the key).

[mrbig]

Got a 4 3 Zipperless Comp with the new technobutter. Awesome suit. No flush!

[Bean]

How easy is that to get in and out of Biggie? 

[mrbig]

Am old. Skinny. Left shoulder, than the right. Easy peasy. Once the left side is past your elbow the other side is 🍰!

[Beasho]

I have gone the other direction --> CHEAP on wetsuits.

Specifically the Hyperflex and/or SUPREME brands.

Here is one I bought recently that is holding up BETTER than any I remember.  It is only a 3/2 but I layer with a 1.5 mm undershirt either long or short sleeve.  I also buy them X-Large to accommodate float under my wetsuit.  I found that the expensive and cheaper suits tend to eventually leak leaving you wanting another suit.

If you can get them from $90 to $150 they tend to be a great value:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JX8KS4S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1 

[WhatsSUP]

For my heavier suits (6/5 and 4/3) I'm an O'Neil guy....specifically, the O'Neil Heat line (with Firewall lining).  They just seem to fit me perfectly at 6'1" and 180-182lbs.

Wore my 6/5 today with mid-40's water and low 30's air.....toasty as can be even taking some pretty nasty wipes! 

[JEG]

the cheap wetsuit are so good now and there's no need to spend lots of $

[Skate]

I love my oneil mutant.

[gcs]

Had a lot of luck with x-cel over the years - all are quality.  Because I know my size (fit is more important than brand btw) I usually order direct from x-cel website.  Check out swimoutlet.com they sometimes have some steals especially on last seasons.

[oakfish]

Question for the technobutter fans: does technobutter adequately block the wind?