getting into and out of a chest zip hooded full suit

I find getting in easy. Getting out on the other hand can be a bastard especially if your hands are numb.

 

just keep at it. all i can say is that everyone has their own little way of doing it, so you gotta find yours. You'll start to notice it getting a little easier after a few rounds, and you'll be figuring out little places on your suit that will stick, etc.

 

That's why I go with the back zip, they've come along way. I'm no contortionist....

 

My hyperflex amp 5/4/3 is a little tight. If i wear rashguard it seems like it helps a tad.

 

I have matered my own technique but it was tough when I first got my 5/4 oneil mutant chest zip. You have to get one elbow free thats the goal. In order to do that I need to get one side down to shoulder then loosen the suction in my chest so I have to pull the suit away from chest to get some air in thier then work it down to my elbow once one side is over the elbow your golden. I find chest zip so much warmer with out the flushing or drips so I think the struggle is worth it

 

My biggest problem is getting my car key off of that little key loop in my suit when my hands are numb, takes me forever sometimes haha.

Also, I got a pair of those Hyperflex hot socks last year and they make sliding your legs in and out of the suit a breeze. The last thing I want to do on one of those cold windy days is struggle getting my suit off next to my car, the faster the better!

 

I finally broke down this year and got a chest zip. Takes a little patience/practice, don't get frustrated (if you do you'll spend 20 min thrashing helplessly). Take one shoulder out, grab the collar and pull down over same side elbow, once 1 arms free your good to go. I have an ebomb which seems to have a wider opening than others so maybe that helps me.

 

That's why i stick with the back zip gents. super easy with my xcel. Best neoprene investment ive ever made

 

agree....my son convinced me front zip was a warmer suit (less flush) but i feel no difference. i prefer my old oneill back zip to the new front zip based SOLELY on the "escape from the python" at the end of the session...next new suit is back zip....

 

getting in is pretty easy. getting out when cold and tired is a little bit challenging. my new mutant is waaay more flexlible than my old quik suit, so getting out isn't as bad.

zipping the hood yoke on the mutant is a major PITA, though. the zipper is too small for my stupid chunky fingers, especially when it is cold out. I usually have a buddy zip it for me. Any other Mutant wearers think the zipper is a pain?

 

Yeah getting in is pretty easy ,especially with grocery bags over your feet. Getting off a takes some practice. The suit if new will become easier after a few times. You gotta get one shoulder out first like previously stated and your good. I picked up the Billabong sgx this year and this thing is stretchy as hell,so it is a little easier then my previos Oneill. Good luck!

 

I have this recurring injury with my thumb, trying to get my wetsuit off... I have tore the thumb ligaments. It happens when I have the suit all the way down to the ankles, and then I have to pull the rest off. Also, with my boots.

 

Bring 4 paper bags with you. Put one over each foot and one over each hand, you'll slide right in.

 

i pull it down to my elbows keeping both hands free then roll off one arm at a time.. the first time i ever tried one on in the surfshop i straight jacketed myself and had to ask for assistance getting out of it from the snot nosed grom working behind the counter who thought i was the biggest dork in the world.

it's funny but with all the new gear, you really do have to practice and get your routine down or it can ruin a session. i swear putting my drylocks on at first was like learning to go backside or something..

 

Don't you mean PLASTIC bags???

try yoga classes.....

 

Elbow is the key, you kind of pop it out of joint just like Riggs does to get out of a straight jacket.

Last bit over the back ankle is the next challenge, by then your freezing...

 

I wear a 4/3 Xcel Infiniti w hood and I've learned a trick that gets my suit off easily:

When you're ready to come out of the suit, take off your booties/gloves and:

1) Pull the leg parts of the suit down your legs until your heels are stepping on the inside of the wetsuit.

2) Slide the torso of the wetsuit down your body so you feel a pull on your shoulders

3) Pull the arms of the wetsuit down your arm until both hands are covered with wetsuit.

4) Pull your left shoulder out of the wetsuit and take a finger from your right hand to help shimmy out of the suit. The pull of the wetsuit from your legs and arms will help free your right shoulder from the wetsuit.

5) Pull from the left shoulder to the left elbow.

6) From their your free.

Takes 5 minutes.