Billabong FOIL wetsuit

Discussion in 'Southeast' started by rvroom78, Oct 21, 2008.

  1. rvroom78

    rvroom78 New Member

    4
    Apr 10, 2008
    I need to get a wetsuit and I found a 3/2 Billabong FOIL online for 129. Just wondering if anyones ever used one, how are they and will it get me through the winter here in NC.
     
  2. terra-firma intolerant

    terra-firma intolerant Well-Known Member

    740
    Jul 5, 2008
    I don't know about the model, but you could "very uncomfortably" make it through the winter with a 3/2 and gloves and booties. Some days, you might miss if it's really cold and windy, but if you live in the area, I here Sweetwater Surf Shop has awesome deals on their Billabong Fullsuits, plus, you'll be able to try them on. But I haven't had experience with Billabong but if they have the same deal next year, I'm gonna get a 4/3. Right now I only have a 3/2 wetsuit. Like I said, you might not be able to surf in the dead of winter.
     

  3. wbsurfer

    wbsurfer Well-Known Member

    Mar 30, 2008
    i have the billabong foil steamer fullsuit 4/3 and i love it. its very good for the money and it simply fits me the best out of any other suit out there so if i were you id go to sweetwater and pick up a 4/3 for like 140$ but they're having a sale were you get it for like 30% off with booties gloves and hoods totally worth it. also after you buy it from sweetwater you will be entered into a $500 shopping spree which is a raffle.
     
  4. Señor Surf

    Señor Surf Well-Known Member

    52
    May 28, 2008
    The 3/2 Billabong FOIL is only rated down to 60 degree water. I don't know what your conditions are like, but here in MB it gets down to around 50 degrees (water temp) in the winter. I just bought a 4/3 Ripcurl E-Bomb. I can go down to around 45 degrees in this suit. Come January I should still be comfortable whereas with a 3/2 that is not taped (the FOIL is sealed, but not taped) your suit will flush at the zipper and seams and you won't be in the water for very long. The full zipper back and only 50% stretch will cause this suit to be rather stiff compared to more expensive suits. You always want more stretch and the least amount of zipper. I have a chest zip. However, if I had the money I would have bought an O'Neill Mutant that is zipperless with an integrated hood. In the end you buy what you can afford (that's why I don't have a Mutant), but you should know that you WILL be cold during the winter in an untaped 3/2. If you can afford something nicer I would suggest a 4/3 that is at least taped. The 3/2 will be fine for now, but in a few months you won't like it very much.
     
  5. adowcett

    adowcett Well-Known Member

    260
    Sep 9, 2007
    I've made it through the past two winters in a 3/2, (and a used one at that) and I was fine, I wasn't pulling 5 hour sessions or anything but I was okay for most of winter. I think with a new 3/2, boots and gloves you would be fine, and that you would be too hot with a 4-3, more than you would be cold with a 3-2. Ideally you could have both, but if you're low on cash you'll do fine in a 3-2.
     
  6. Krankor

    Krankor Member

    22
    Mar 31, 2008
    Ya I have managed with a 3/2 the past 2 winters. It does start get wear on me and I'm glad there is a hot shower close to the beach. Just dont stay out for 4-5 hours and get hypothermia.
     
  7. wbsurfer

    wbsurfer Well-Known Member

    Mar 30, 2008
    the foil steamer 4/3 is sealed ut with the silk touch interior jersey in the 3/2 and 4/3 you should be fine but if you want to be nice and warm id get the 4/3. but thats my taste i would rather be to hot than cold.
     
  8. YankeeSpy

    YankeeSpy Well-Known Member

    62
    Mar 24, 2008
    Ive got a 4/3 FOIL and i love it. Keeps me toasty all winter.

    Like everyone says, a 3/2 might be a bit chilly in February but you can tough it out if you need to.
     
  9. granmastershan

    granmastershan New Member

    2
    Feb 25, 2008
    Great Suit for the $

    I have a Foil 5/4/3 and it is great for the price. Never get cold. Movement is great and comfortable. I have no complaints about it.
     
  10. aWESome In NMB

    aWESome In NMB Well-Known Member

    49
    Jul 6, 2008
  11. wbsurfer

    wbsurfer Well-Known Member

    Mar 30, 2008
    dude you could of gone to sweetwater and get the suit and get a discount on it and accesories just so you know.
     
  12. terra-firma intolerant

    terra-firma intolerant Well-Known Member

    740
    Jul 5, 2008
    He lives in Myrtle Beach
     
  13. wbsurfer

    wbsurfer Well-Known Member

    Mar 30, 2008
    o sorry ledzepfreak. and besides thats what a car is for since its only an hour drive or less.
     
  14. terra-firma intolerant

    terra-firma intolerant Well-Known Member

    740
    Jul 5, 2008
    ...with the gas prices today... and you don't even drive yet. I wouldn't drive an hour just to buy a wetsuit unless it was like free. And how did you know AWesome in NMB has a car? Does he? Is he a he? So don't you give me those smart-aleck remarks :p please
     
  15. wbsurfer

    wbsurfer Well-Known Member

    Mar 30, 2008
    you sound like my mother after i got a bad grade in earth and enviromental.
     
  16. terra-firma intolerant

    terra-firma intolerant Well-Known Member

    740
    Jul 5, 2008
    Dude, use the smilies, I can't tell the tone by reading words.
     
  17. wbsurfer

    wbsurfer Well-Known Member

    Mar 30, 2008
    sorry.:mad:
     
  18. aWESome In NMB

    aWESome In NMB Well-Known Member

    49
    Jul 6, 2008
    i live in myrtle and drive a gas guzzling jeep wrangler so it would have cost me bout 20 bucks in gas to get there and then another 20 to get back, plus im lazy and would just rather not have to make any effort and jus click the mouse button a few time and have it delivered right to me
     
  19. aWESome In NMB

    aWESome In NMB Well-Known Member

    49
    Jul 6, 2008
    it's also hard to find my size in any stores, i wear a LT and everytime i go lookin for a wetsuit they have everything but that, its not easy bein 6'3 bout 185-190, between finding jeans and wetsuits i bout have to do all my shopping online
     
  20. kkelso

    kkelso New Member

    2
    Sep 14, 2008
    In NC, you're def gonna need a 4/3. That is a good wetsuit, just get a thicker one than a 3/2.