Trapped in wetsuit

Could be worse...

 

Happened to me a few years ago, O'neill Hammer back-zip. Nothing like doing the tug-and-pull for 30 minutes, after a cold and crappy session. After that I swore never to buy back-zips ever again.

 

I've had this happen before, but never did it take so long to get off, that I had to cut it off.

The zippers get jammed up on some of my old suites, that I've had for a while.

 

We got a bleeder!

 

As I am older than you (most probably), I can assure you it doesn't get any better. I bought an Xcel Drylock 4/3 a few years back; despite using it quite a bit, I still struggle getting OUT of the thing. I think I burn off more calories doing that than surfing for 2 hours in 48*F waters......No more Drylocks for me. I cannot imagine buying a 6/5 Drylock. Of course, I do like my suits to be tighter than looser (I felt that way about girls as well......)

 

Everyone knows this but NEVER EAT TACO BELL BEFORE PUTTING ON A WETSUIT. A few buddies and I went to Taco Bell before a winter afternoon surf sesh. A sudden onset dump is no fun in a 5/4 full suit and 30 degree air temps. Imagine if this happened while the wetsuit zipper jammed.

 

If it did, instead of cutting along shoulder to get out, one would cut along butt line to let out!!!

 

A better strategy would be to never eat at Taco Bell.

 

Ha! That would do the trick.

 

Wise words. Chipotle is pretty good.

 

Moe’s is better!!

Rip Curl Flash Bomb is the real bomb!!

 

I've been stuck bad a few times it eventually goes... Wouldn't cut myself out, especially of a new one, maybe you shoulda taken a video or something. Seems like you made a rash decision...sorry man.

 

Glad to hear they are replacing it.

I once broke the pull tab of the zipper off on my 5/4 chest zip suit. I kept it for another year or so. Zipper still worked. But there were a few times, both getting in and out, that it became a pain in the ass. Can't tell you how many times i put my mittens on first then used the plastic bag trick to pull the suit up..... Just to realize "crap. Now i have to fight this tab-less zipper in 7mil mittens. No fun. No fun

 

Those are great wetsuits (i've had two of em). This winter i picked up a 4.5 / 3.5 hooded Xcel Comp X. Its a lighter more flexible version of the 5/4 Drylock, with a bunch of seams and panels removed for added stretch. I know it wont be quite as warm, but for the Delmarva i always found the 5/4 Drylock to be a bit more suit than i needed anyway.

 

I cannot even imagine entry and exit of a 5/4 Drylock.
My 4/3 is hard enough. Pain in the ass actually.
BUT!!! It does keep me very warm at appropriate water temps for the suit thickness.
Maybe I am just getting lazy..........

 

Its funny man...i never had issues getting in and out of them. I'm 5'9 150 and xcel's size ML is just a perfect fit for me. not so snug as to be restrictive, and not enough looseness anywhere to allow water in. I have friends who, when they shop for wetsuits, feel like entry and exit are major factors. I've just never had it come up.

 

Well, usually I fit into a large; this 4/3 is a medium tall. Therein may lie my problem. This particular suit might just be cut even a bit tighter than MT, as other MTs from other brands I have are no problem in and out. I bought this one "online", which flies in the face of the axiom of trying it prior to buying it. Live and learn.
But, the suit is a reminder for me to keep my weight in control!!!

 

I'm a Large/Tall in Xcel and Rip. But no matter what, the arms are always a little too long, and the legs a little too short.

All my suites are zipless, and I find once I get an elbow out, I'm good.