Best Type of Wetsuit for Conditions

[Stonefree97]

Ok so i've never bought a wetsuit before but I'm looking to buy one since i plan on starting the season earlier this year. it's because i go away to college early so its ending my season in middle august.

anyway i ride in lake michigan out of new buffalo, michigan, and i plan on start riding in beginning of may to middle may when the water temp should be in the range from 45-60 degrees. after that i would never use a wetsuit. so whats the best suit for these conditions.


thanks

 

[AtomicPunk]

I just bought a new wetsuit this winter....
get one with the "superstretch" neoprene, glued and blind stitched seams,

you can probably get a way with a good 3/2 for 55-60 degree water
look at oneil gooru
jet pilot chamber elite

good website here:
http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/CTGY/mens-fullsuits-32

 

[surferdude345]

45- 60 is a huge variation for water temp you would prob need 2 or 3 different suits to be comfy in that kind of window. If your looking at the lower end i would go with a 5.4.3. A 3/2 would be a good general suit. whatever u get make sure its got flatlock seams that are glued and taped it makes a hug difference in wear and warmth

 

[djkorn1]

A 2/3 will be fine. Thats what I have always used...it's good from 45 to about 60...anything warmer and your cookin in it. A two piece is good...I often just wear a top in water temps from 55 to 65.

 

[Stonefree97]

is a 4/3 mm too much? it just seems like a 3/2 will be too light at the beginning of the season but i dno..

the site (http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page...s-fullsuits-32) says that 4/3's are for like 55 and above while 3/2s are for 60+. i dno what to do.

i'm guessing water will be around 50 when i first start. oh yeah and i'm using it on my SXR so i will be sitting in thw water a lot if that makes a difference.


oh yeah, any good brands?


thanks!

 

[demolition_x]

I wore my 3/2 in 50 degree water and it wasn't that bad. You can always rig some handle bar pissers if it is still a little chilly. A pair of good gloves and booties will make it much more tolerable.

 

[Captain PegLeg]

We are ridng now in some pretty cold water in ga. I just have a 3/2 and its fine. Its not the warmest, but as long as there is sun its fine. I just have a slippery short sleeve, full pant suit. But also have a top that covers my arms if its to cold.

 

[Stonefree97]

i think i'm gonna go with a nice 3/2 since the water should be getting warmer and warmer eventually. this is the type of suit im currently looking at..

http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/PROD/888-W7639M



any thoughts? and what type of gloves and boots do you look for..?

 

[AtomicPunk]

i am a cold water wimp, a good quality 3/2 should be fine for warmth plus you will be more comfortable too (over a bad 4/3)...

 

[AtomicPunk]

i think i'm gonna go with a nice 3/2 since the water should be getting warmer and warmer eventually. this is the type of suit im currently looking at..

http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/PROD/888-W7639M



any thoughts? and what type of gloves and boots do you look for..?

that's a good price. I paid $190 for my JP chamber elite

I only wear gloves for protection/grip, not warmth. I picked up some JP gloves from jetmaniac, or find some waterski or cheap motocross gloves.

no boots, just wrestling shoes

 

[Shonuff]

Remember to wear enough to keep you warm and alive if you have to swim your ski in.

 

[227]

Surfing wetsuits work best for our sport as both sports share similar needs of both warmth and flexibility. It sounds like you can get away with a 3/2 as long as it has fully taped and sealed panels. As far as brands I’ve tried them all and I am partial to O’neill wetsuits. Check out the HEAT series

http://www.oneill.com

 

[Matt_E]

This may be useful:

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/49305&highlight=wetsuit+advice