Hyperflex 3/2 cyclone. Very happy with it.

Xcel
Hyperflex
Rip Curl
Hyperflex 3/2 cyclone. Very happy with it.
I have the Rip Curl E-bomb and I love it. Super flexible and I've worn it pretty deep into the season with a hooded vest under.
different brands, different fits, especially if you are tall, so try a couple on.....i find xcel be the warmest, especially the drylock series, so they are all i wear when it comes to 5/3, 4/3 and well worth the extra $s. for a 3/2 its less important but you cannot go wrong with an infinity or a drylock. if not rip curl flash/e-bomb.
My one experience with hyperflex was not a good one...the seams leaked and it was cold. Since then, the xcel Infinity 3/2 has been a great suit going on three years. Mine is not the drylock by the way.
I guess it's a little off topic b/c they aren't cheap and the OP stated he was budget minded; my first suits were Rip Curls & then I had Billabongs which were cheaper but definately not as good. I upgraded to Oniell which had a higher price point but I always thought were the best for the money. You guys back up North where it's really cold never seem to be in O'niells- any thoughts?
I wear ripcurls with no complaints. I have heard great things about the drylocks too. My advice would be to repair your current suit if possible and save some money. There are supplies on ebay, amazon etc... you can repair it yourself and save your money for a good suit. Otherwise go try on the suits see how they feel, how is the mobility, flexibility, try to see how warm one might keep you over the other etc... then buy the one that feels best. Personally I would go for warmth, the restriction doesnt bother me but I do not want to be cold, and its much easier to cool off if too warm, than to warm up if cold.
Mexsurfer - I have a new, never used Quiksilver Ignite LFS 3/2 for sale. Reply to the PM I sent to you
I have a Ripcurl 3/2 that i picked up for about $100-125 brand new and a Quicksilver Spring that ran me about $75-80. Find a shop that has a high inventory and you can typically find a solid deal. I went through a shop called Watersports West, located around Indian Rocks Beach, FL. You could probably give them a call and order if you can't find one around the same price locally.