Winter Wetsuit for fat guys.

[Rez]

Hey all.

It's probably a bit early to be thinking about this, but I'm getting ready to start saving up for a winter wetsuit. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good quality suit for a guy who is 5'8ish and pushing 220 with a wide frame? I currently have a hyperflexx 4/3 flow XLS, but the seams aren't that great, and the neck piece is pulling apart (big noggin). I was consider a 5/4 amp..but after some things I've heard about hyperflexx I'm not so sure. A guy at one of the shops I go to was really pushing his body glove suits, but I'm not so sure about that. The only other suits that I know of that may fit well are hotline suits, but only one guy around me carries them, and he didn't have the sizes I wanted to check.

So aside from the inevitable drop the weight suggestion(I've already lost 10lbs since April when I started hitting the water), anyone have any ideas?

Rez

[Swellinfo]

Rez,

I'm not sure what the best size is for you, but almost any shop will do a custom order to get the size you need. The shop will just call in to the wet suit company to get the suit you want. But, I"m sure some other big guys out there will have some advice on a good sized suit.

[smitty517]

I've tried alot of suits (I am big guy too) and my recommendation is too make sure you buy pretty much top of line in any of the major brands. I have oneill 5/4 (forgot model but it was the top suit in their line when purchased) and rip curls e-bombs 3/2 and f-bomb 4/3. For us big guys it is important to buy the most flexible available suit as they tend to compensate for the wider body thus are more comfortable and warmer. There are alot of nice suits out there but I recommend you go with pretty much the most flexible suit you can afford (paying extra is well worth it - for me anyway). good luck

[Boss]

Hey all.

It's probably a bit early to be thinking about this, but I'm getting ready to start saving up for a winter wetsuit. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good quality suit for a guy who is 5'8ish and pushing 220 with a wide frame? I currently have a hyperflexx 4/3 flow XLS, but the seams aren't that great, and the neck piece is pulling apart (big noggin). I was consider a 5/4 amp..but after some things I've heard about hyperflexx I'm not so sure. A guy at one of the shops I go to was really pushing his body glove suits, but I'm not so sure about that. The only other suits that I know of that may fit well are hotline suits, but only one guy around me carries them, and he didn't have the sizes I wanted to check.

So aside from the inevitable drop the weight suggestion(I've already lost 10lbs since April when I started hitting the water), anyone have any ideas?

Rez

Hyperflex is great if you want to get a new suit every year. Most people dont want to do that therefore hyperlex is a terrible option. Xcel falls apart as well, so stay away from them. Bodyglove wetsuits are probably the best wetsuits made. I have a 5 year old vpor 4/3 that still keeps me warm in february. They are pricy but worth the money. Same thing goes for rip curl. They have a lifetime warranty on all of the seams on their suits.

[JTS]

Heyy Rez,
I am 5'8" not quite as heavy as you but pretty thick (45-46 chest, 17 neck) I usually wear XLS in xcel, quik, oneills for 3/2's 4/3's. I found for a real cold water suit hooded, 5/3 andup it works better for me to size up to a 2xls. I actually found this out when I found a 2xls hooded 5/4/3 Xcel on sale for a ridiculously low price
I have had good luck with Xcels, Oneills for fit and durability, RipCurls never seem to fit me right
I surf OBX so water temps go from about 40 to 78 through out the year.

Take your body dimensions and go to some wetsuit manufacturers sites for sizing. I have a good buddy who is big 6'4" 230-240 who gets good fits with hyperflex suit and swears by them
Good luck
Jim

[MATT JOHNSON]

Best Advice I can give you is try a bunch of suits on see what fits best . Every company's sizing is differnent. As far as Hyperflex only lasting one year I beg to differ. All I use is Hyperflex and I got suits rangin in age from 7 - 3 months old . Never had a issue with seams leaking for any other stuff that you get with other wetsuit brands.

Plus there local based outa Millville , NJ so "if" you ever have a warranty issue you can drive there or mail it and not have to wait for a quick turn around time

I know they do Custome suits but it may be a bit more pricey deffinaly wont be more than a xcel or Rip Curl suit

Just take care of it wash it out after every session and use wetsuit soap and it will last a long time .

Hope u find what u need

[Ray F.]

I'm 5'11" & 215 lbs. I found the Oneill Psycho Freak a very good fit. Alot of it has to do with it's super flexy characteristics. I tried on Rip Curls, Patagonias and Hyperflex. None of them stretched as much as the Psycho Freak. Just my 2 cents.

[Sensei]

I'm 5 10 and 220.(Depending on whose scale I'm using) I have an Oneil mutant XL. It's very stretchy! Surfed all winter(toasty). Removing the hood is a nice option.
I think now is the time to shop for a /54/3 suit. I'm sure most are on sale.

While your shopping, make sure you get the warmest gloves (5mm mitts) and Ripcurls 7mm boots(no splittoes) I found these were a necessity this winter.
ps What do you ride? I'm always curious what guys can float.

[Rez]

Guys, alot of great advice, I will definitely check out all the suits you recommended. I'm thinking I'm gonna have a budget of 300-400, kinda depends on how much money I can ferret away a little at a time.

As far as what board I ride, I'm a bodyboarder, and I ride a 42.25 Custom X bull.

[Boss]

I'm 5 10 and 220.(Depending on whose scale I'm using) I have an Oneil mutant XL. It's very stretchy! Surfed all winter(toasty). Removing the hood is a nice option.
I think now is the time to shop for a /54/3 suit. I'm sure most are on sale.

While your shopping, make sure you get the warmest gloves (5mm mitts) and Ripcurls 7mm boots(no splittoes) I found these were a necessity this winter.
ps What do you ride? I'm always curious what guys can float.

warmest gloves are xcel 7mil mitts. $50 and the boots are $50. you should be able to find a good 5/4/3 or 6/5/4 right now for around or below 250