best suits

[dudeman]

Rip Curl, Hyperflex, Xcel > Oneill, Quik, Billabong > Body Glove

This inequality is based on how long these brands' suits have lasted me.

[pkovo]

To the guys talking about hyperflex quality issues, my understanding there was a short timeframe where they some pretty solid issues. Was a short time, and they made good on the suits, but I guess it was pretty bad.

I have an older amp winter suit that's been solid. Lasted 4 full seasons before the first failure (armpit seam). It's the equivalent to what the flow suit is now. For a budget it's a decent suit.

I go cheaper on my 3/2s now. I too have a cyclone and it was less than 100 bucks. Been working fine for a few seasons. Only drawback compared to a higher end 3/2 is you have to wait until the water is a tad warmer to use it. I just sweat it out in my winter suit a little longer than I pocket the extra 2 bills I saved with a smile :-)

[NJ-SWELL]

Its all about that hyperflex swag

[mexsurfer]

added a poll if anyones down

[idsmashh]

Rip Curl, Hyperflex, Xcel > Oneill, Quik, Billabong > Body Glove

This inequality is based on how long these brands' suits have lasted me.

^^^ Top comment. I've tryed most of these suits. I would rank it almost the same. One difference is xcel = best > Rip Curl, Hyperflex > Oneill, Quik, Billabong > Body Glove

I would stick with the top 3 brands, and keep in mind that the best suit is the one that fits you the best. The only reason xcel is on my top spot is because it fits me best, hands down.

[jchafard]

I've worn 3/2s in practiclly every brand except Hurley. The materials are all pretty similar these days with a few minor exceptions without TOO much of a leap above the rest. When it comes to service however you will find no better brand than rip curl. They stand behind their products 100 percent. I've had repairs, replacements, whatever but have never had to do more than make a call and ship it in for rip curl. No receipts, no warranty registration stuff... Theyve been superb.

[mexsurfer]

I've worn 3/2s in practiclly every brand except Hurley. The materials are all pretty similar these days with a few minor exceptions without TOO much of a leap above the rest. When it comes to service however you will find no better brand than rip curl. They stand behind their products 100 percent. I've had repairs, replacements, whatever but have never had to do more than make a call and ship it in for rip curl. No receipts, no warranty registration stuff... Theyve been superb.

yea billabong f'd me. i called and emailed them a ****load of times telling them that the seams are coming undone, the glue between the chest panel and armpit is ripping apart, and the gold lining insinde the suit is delam'ing. i didnt even get an answer back

[mysurfstory]

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 have always gone for o'niell suits. I did pay a little more but the quality of my past two suits were great. i recently tried a rip curl ebomb and also have had good luck.