I wore a 3/2 Xcel Inifinity last winter. I was pretty cold, but if you throw a top on under it, you'll be fine.
i don't recommend rocking a 3/2 in the middle of winter. You are not going to last long when the water is in the low 40s. You are going to need 5mm gloves and boots as well as a hood for mid winter.
I had an Xcel 3/2. With 5mm gloves, boots and a 3 hood, I was fine for 1-2 hours. Its chilly... really chilly.
543 Hyperflex is nice. I didnt even feel the cold water. Also get the claw gloves there better then the other ones, your warmer and they dont smell as bad.
when i first started surfing, i remember, i wore a spring suit underneath a 3/2. terrible flexibility. I dont think a 3/2 over a 3/2 would even be possible to get on.
I have worn my O'Neill Psycho II 3/2 through December depending on how cold the water is. I will tell you that my upper body will get very cold, but the unbearable part is in the shins, where you have 2mm on a part of your body that has little fat on it. You will def need a thicker 4/3mm+ suit come Jan, if not well sooner.
i have done it for the last few years, wore a 3/2 with a 3mm hood and 5mm gloves and booties but it is down right cold. even with a 2.5mm rash under it your going to be cold. Underarmor works but not as well as a real winter suit. it really all depends on how cold you want to be
Until last year, I wore a 3/2 all winter every winter. I surfed ALL winter (Ing NC for 3 of the past 5 years) but was really really cold alot of days. Finally this past year I got a 4/3 and it has made all the difference and I think this year I'm going 5/4/3. I would definitely not recommend a 3/2 for the winter but if you've got nothing more and no funds to upgrade, it's doable.
I did this and trust me, it sucks. You'll get really cold, and your hips/legs will go numb, definately not worth it. Layers just make it worse, and you feel real heavy and have no flexibility. My advice is to hit all the shops till you get someone to cut you a deal. Thats what I did and came out with a sweet winter suit for 150$ cash, brand new. 350$ suit new. Usually someone will have a 4/3 or 5/4/3 that they want to get rid off, so just walk in and make them an offer. Good gear makes all the difference, bite the bullet and spend the money.
go for a 4/3 xcel infinitie or ripcurl fireskin, then where a thermal with hood attached, 7mm boots(must have) and 3mm psycho gloves, it lasted me through jerseys winters
i wear a 5/4/3 quicksilver ignite for the winter along with 5 mm boots and gloves and that keeps me warm. I couldnt imagine only wearing a 3/2 in the winter especially on cold february days with a hard wind
whats the deal with billabong wetsuits..theyre cheaper than ever(which is really good for me right now) but i dont know about the quality, durability and flexability..if anyone has one or has used or has a buddy with one please give me a little info on how they are...(ive surfed oniell my whole life and never tried anything else..the oniell is too small)
i rocked a 5/3 with 3mm booties and gloves and it was definitely manageable. hands got cold after 2 hours or so but thats about it. id absolutely get a thicker suit than 3/2 for jersey winters
