Wet suit question

[MDSurfer]

The stretch factor is much overrated. I think it takes more like 6 years to really stretch out a suit, and typically in that time your body stretches out as well, negating any gain in the suit stretch itself.

As for the "Girly Man" factor, well, being in love with lots of cold water, and even more rubber to defer the cold water, well in my book that has absolutely nothing to do with manliness, it's just plain stupid. As in Homer Simpson Stupid, doooohpppppp. Yes, the waves are always better in the winter, but the headaches are never better then.

[South Bethany]

I'm still not wearing my hood! SISSIES!!! I'm way nmore of a manly man than any of you!

easy there boss...when you're getting your ear canals drilled out by age 35 and have to surf with ear plugs just to keep from getting infections, let us know how manly that is. Seriously, its been warm and losing the hood feels great but there's a price believe me

[Aguaholic]

I use an xcel 4/3 with a hood right now. Warm no problems.

[jbird]

easy there boss...when you're getting your ear canals drilled out by age 35 and have to surf with ear plugs just to keep from getting infections, let us know how manly that is. Seriously, its been warm and losing the hood feels great but there's a price believe me

So true. I am walking around half deaf. I am scheduled for an exotosis procedure (drilling of the ear canals) in February. Won't be able to return to the water for 8-12 weeks. So wear your hoodies my little friends.

[steelwave42]

S.Bethany & Jbird... thanks for the advice, lately I've been quick to pull the hood back, but being that a big portion of my life revolves around my hearing, those days are over. I once read an interview w/ Leo Kottke and he also claimed that time in the ocean caused him problems with his ears as well.

As far as the original question on this forum, I think the wise thing to do next time you buy a suit is get a quality 4/3. You are a bit north of me, but my 4/3 keeps me comfortable all winter. The hood I have is connected to a vest which helps with the warmth in your core, and I have no problems w/ the weight of the setup. When I lose the hood setup it's comfortable up until the time to trunk it comes.

[pmoos]

Hooded, well sealed 5/4/3 gets me thru most of the winter. When the water temps get below 40,,I retreat to a 6/4. I like to stay in the water until I am tired or the surf dies, not leave because I am getting chilled. Gotta say that the winter suits today are nothing like they were with the old rubber. My modern 5/4 is much more flexible than my old school 4/3 from my NCal days.. Warmth and flexbility is a good thing!!

[ExtremeSpongerChicks]

Well, I definately need to look into a thinner suit for the early spring and fall.
For now I am used to my C3PO wetsuit that I am just dealing with it through the winter Even with the ridiculous hood, I need it because I am prone to ear infections.. and that hood ain't coming off thats for sure...even if I wanted it to, ha!

At least if I get caught in a rip, all I need to do is float

[goin_retro]

I recently bought a Bodyglove Vapor and the hood is sick on it. It is ergonomically fitted so it sits on your chin perfectly. It doesn't feel like there is a rubber band pulling your jaw into your nose. Half of the headache I used to get wasn't from the cold water but from the hood being so tight around my chin.

[ExtremeSpongerChicks]

Hooded, well sealed 5/4/3 gets me thru most of the winter. When the water temps get below 40,,I retreat to a 6/4. I like to stay in the water until I am tired or the surf dies, not leave because I am getting chilled. Gotta say that the winter suits today are nothing like they were with the old rubber. My modern 5/4 is much more flexible than my old school 4/3 from my NCal days.. Warmth and flexbility is a good thing!!

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What modern 5/4 hooded suit do you use? I need as much flexibility in my arms as possible my suit is too small and tight that I can barley put my gloves underneath the suit. Also- what do you think about 5/4 suit with a detablable hood?

[turtletheshaper]

i have an excel 5/4 with hood. it is a really good suit and has lasted me 4 seasons so far, which is my longest lasting winter suit. i use 7mm gloves and boots too. i usually go through 2 pairs of gloves a season though.

The 5/4 with the detachable hood seems just as good. 2 of my friends have them, the batwing from ripcurl i believe. they dont have complaints.

As for a late spring suit, I am still in my 5/4 in may. Then I go right my 3/2 with gloves/boots in mid-late may on average.