What is the the most lightweight, warm, and DRY 5/4/3 suit on the market? I've heard the Billabong SGX Xero is supposedly the most light weight but its not very warm... I've tried the drylock and mutant which are warm suits but are really heavy. I know Patagonia is awesome but I'm not dishing out $600. Anyone have any good experiences with anything?
Isurus wetsuits. Check www.surfisurus.com/technology/advanced-materials/ I'm on west coast but got mine from East Coast rep allhandsfire.com Best and lightest I've ever owned. Good luck.
I have an old zipperless suit which is almost half the weight of my new flashbomb. Too bad they do not make zipperless suits anymore....
Second on the Isurus. I have two of their suits. One is the 4/5/4 i-soldier. Lightest 5/4 I've ever worn. The best part is that they they do not absorb water so you stay light in the water. Excellent suits, PRICEY, but worth it.
I've got the SGX Xero 4/3, and I can attest its VERY warm and flexible for its weight. The confusing thing is there are 2 different SGX suits- the Xero has really toasty furnace lining and smoothskin chest, the other (just called SGX) is a kinda light "comp"- type- dealy. Both are quality suits, though. Worth it if you can get a price on Whiskey Militia or something.
I love how people always say that they want the best/lightest/most flexible/stretchiest suit available, but then follow that statement w/ "but I don't want to spend more than $xxx". Guess what? If you want the best of something, it's gonna cost you. Stop *****ing & be prepared to spend some coin if you want a top of the line product.
HANDS DOWN: west "lotus air-o" Light as a feather, no water gets in with the exception of flushing if you take a real beating..warmest, lightest, and most flexible suit I've ever worn, but you get what you pay for with these things...it was 420$ but I think it's worth it up here when the waters 35 degrees
I certainly agree. With wetsuits you get what you pay for. Worth paying at least $400 for a wetsuit that will keep you warm in 30 degree water. I had an old xcel infini 5/4/3 that I got new for 200, it completely fell apart and I was freezing. Also very stiff and uncomfortable. Invested in a new west lotus airo for 420$ and its easily 10 times as good in every aspect. To get a quality product you have to pay the cash..not worth being frugal and getting a **** wetsuit that will make you miserably cold
I'm very happy with my Bodyglove Vapor 5/4/3. Going into 3rd season with it and it's holding very well in the winter surf here in R.I. Retailed for around $399.
I have a regular SGX.....not the fleece lined xero and wear my 3/2 chest zip with a hooded top underneath all winter. Water in low to mid 40s and air in the teens and was good for a 3hr session before I bailed. The SGX is an excellent suit! The 5/4/3 hooded xero runs $469 at wetsuitwearhouse regular price.
Its all about the drysuits.... Wish this worked for surfing, then I'd have the excuse to buy it. Can't justify it for SUP and Kitesurfing and then have to have a 5 mil for surfing
I pulled the trigger on a new 3/2 this weekend, and I was shocked at the price of some of the Xcel drylocks. There was a 3/2 there for almost $500. Wow... $500 for a 3/2! How warm does it have to be? I'll drop that kinda cash for a winter suit, but for a 3/2?
The xcel drylocks arent light and they arent very durable IMO... however they are extremely warm and flexy for a good winter suit. Ive used my two winter season and although its drying out and cracking a bit, it still is warm. I used it with 4 mil gloves and 3 mil boots all winter in rhody the past two years... hopfully giving it a crack in the PNW this winter.
