Wetsuit advice wanted - Updated with pics

[Matt_E]

I am looking to buy a wetsuit for myself. This will be used for colder water, mostly about 45-60 degrees.
My Slippery Matrix Suit is four years old and falling apart. It was never that good in cold water, being a flimsy 3/2 suit.
Last year, I used a cheap 3/2 Bodyglove full suit that was warmer than the Matrix suit.
I don’t like drysuits, so I am not looking to go that route.
I think a nice quality 4/3 surf suit (plus a tour coat) would probably do what I want.
I am thinking O’Neil Psycho I/II, or the Quicksilver Cell suits.

Any input or suggestions?

 

[Idok]

check with art @ jetworks

 

[Matt_E]

Why?

 

[Mark44]

Check with XFT Lou he has a 7mm suit that can stand on it own.

Mark44

 

[wydopen]

ripcurl 5/4/3 with a hood will do the trick when its cold but may be too warm in 60deg water...4/3 is pushing it below 54deg..id just get the 5/4/3 for when its cold and just use a cheapo 3/2 for when its warmer..you really have to have more than one suit for that wide of a range of water temps

any high quality surf suit will do..
ripcurl
oniel
etc etc..i perfer ripcurl because there is a lifetime warranty on seams...riding jetskis seems to blow out the seams allot faster than using it for surfing..all you have to do is pay for shipping to them and they fix it for free

a ripcurl classic 3/2 would do good for when its warm.they are like 170bucks

 

[shawn_NJ]

I have an XCEL Infiniti 4/3, its awesome! Pretty good till HIGH 40's. 45 is pushing it for a 4/3, if you ride in the 40's I'd get a 5/4. All of my xcel suits have lasted for years. I have a 3/2 thats going on its 5th season and its still in great shape.

 

[accbr]

I have a two piece 6.5mm suit like this.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...ock/DescSort_0/Filter_3=232/AKNW6M.html?Hit=1

I also have some NRS 2mm pants I wear under the top part instead of the farmer john pants when it gets in the 50's and 60's.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2201&deptid=1162

I always take a jug of warm water, and pour it in the wetsuit before I get in. Keeps you nice and warm.

 

[Matt_E]

I always take a jug of warm water, and pour it in the wetsuit before I get in. Keeps you nice and warm.

I do something similar. :biggrin:

Sort of. :biggrin:

 

[oxnard111]

a ripcurl classic 3/2 would do good for when its warm.they are like 170bucks

i'm gonna get a ripcurl for my next suit just b/c of their warranty. didn't they replace that one that wasn't even ripped on the seam for you? it caught on your handlebars or something?

 

[demolition_x]

i second Xcel suit i bought about 8 or 9 years ago. It has been a great suit, it has lasted me way longer than i expected. but you cannot beat the ripcurl deal. i think they even make a heated suit now too. so you might be able to get the flexibility of the 3/2 but be able to be comfortable in those 50 degree h2o temps.

 

[Matt_E]

Ripcurl F-Bomb 4/3 looks pretty good.
My budget for this suit is up to $350, so it would fit.

 

[wydopen]

i'm gonna get a ripcurl for my next suit just b/c of their warranty. didn't they replace that one that wasn't even ripped on the seam for you? it caught on your handlebars or something?

the seams were bad so they replaced the whole bottom of the suit so yea the rip got fixed

 

[Matt_E]

Is there rhyme & reason to temperature ratings?

O'Neill rates their Psycho I for "frigid" water, while rating the Psycho II for "Cool".
I realize that wetsuit thickness is the biggest factor for tolerable water temperature, but surely the wetsuit technology and craftsmanship has a lot to do with it?

 

[wydopen]

it has allot to do with the quality of the seams

Is there rhyme & reason to temperature ratings?

O'Neill rates their Psycho I for "frigid" water, while rating the Psycho II for "Cool".
I realize that wetsuit thickness is the biggest factor for tolerable water temperature, but surely the wetsuit technology and craftsmanship has a lot to do with it?

 

[Matt_E]

So it's fair to say that a high quality 3/2 will be warmer than a cheap 3/2?


I know I am decently comfortable in 55 degree water with a cheap 3/2 fullsuit, so I figure a high quality 4/3 should be good for 90% of my riding.

 

[accbr]

I do something similar. :biggrin:

Sort of. :biggrin:

It's kind hard to get warm above your waist when you sort of do that :biggrin:

 

[Matt_E]

Good point.

 

[accbr]

Good point. I guess you could stand on your head too.

 

[skinnyman]

I got a 4/3 f-bomb Im a cold nature human and usally ride in a dry suit
The F-Bomb has taken the place of my dry suit in 58 deg water.
Not real crazy about the bat wing, makes zipping up a PITA

All in all a killer suit well worth the money.

 

[Matt_E]

Nice, thanks for that input. What did you pay for yours?