Back to wetsuits, So I am thinking about picking up a hyperflex 5/4/3, just wanted to hear some of your experiences with the newer models. Yes I know they have had some issues in the past but I have been hearing good things about them. I tried it on, liked it, but still on the fence. I just can't believe the great price. Wondering, 1. Taped seams after a season? How did they hold up? 2. Is it comparable in terms of warmth to lets say a similar 5/4/3 of a mainstream brand? Asking cause since the 6/5/4 is only $10 more bucks, its not a big deal to go up in mils, but if its of the same quality then I def don't need nor want the 6/5/4. 3. Any other thoughts? Thanks!
Honda made mean lawn mowers. That was their forte for a long time here in the United States. Then they started importing their cars. The "Big 3" salespeople would laugh at customers who were interested in a car manufactured from a lawn mower company. Who's laughing now? I've had a lot of wetsuits, the Patagonia is hands down more comfortable and durable than any wetsuit that I've tried. I've done all the major lables, Oneill, Rip Curl, Buildabong, etc over the years and the quality was always great but it always came down to durablity. That's why I first looked at Patagonia. I use their gear for camping, hiking, snowboarding, and climbing for years. I have friends that are serious climbers and they have always been big fans of their gear. Not because they have been manufacturing the gear for a long time, but because of the time that Patagonia spends in R&R. They LISTEN to their clients. If you go to their website, they have a forum for their customers and make changes in their gear based on actuall feedback from their field test team- you and me! Now, if you have a problem with their gear, they will change it out. No questions asked. Every year for the past 4 years (whenever it was that they came out with their first suit) I have taken mine back for the "end of the season" repairs... they full on replaced my suit 3 times for not a penny out of my pocket. The reason is that they knew the defects and have improved upon the suit every year. This year is the best. They have taped all the seams, changed the cuffs on the legs and arms, and added structural support in places that need it. Also, the front zip is incredible with the dual head gaskets. Water hardly ever flushes from my neck. In fact I sometimes need to pull the neck down to let some water in to cool me off. IMO, you should check them out. The fact that I paid for my wetsuit 4 years ago and have it fully replaced 3 times, never once asking them to (I try to keep a small eco footprint). I would say that based on the previous suits that I've gotten from them that this year is the very best they have made. So good in fact that I've had two of my close friends that I surf with often, have gone out and purchased the Patagonia's as well. Purley based on my experience and what they have read. Oh, and one of them just went through a Matoose and had one of those last year. He is now stoked with how it compares to that suit. I know this was off subject, but I just needed to throw my .02 in.
I have a 5-4-3billabong foil w/o a hood. Need to know which hood, gloves, fin socks to get so i can tough it out this winter 3mm, 5mm i don't know help me out
If you just want to get by you can get cheap hyperflex 5mil gloves. Then i would say get xcel boots, again 5mil if you just want to get by. And a hyperflex/H2O odyssey hood. If you wanna be all hardcore and have long sessions get 7mil mittens and 7mil boots. Same hood though...unless you wanna get a built in hood-vest to go under your wetsuit.
the matuse site has suits from last year for sale on their site click the link that says vintage ________ Suzuki K125
Off subject? You were spot on the subject. If I had the money and was going to spend enough time in the water to justify the expense, I'd buy one. Hell, this wetsuit brand even has "fan" sites. Mofo, which one do you have? R2, R3, or R4? Great post and thanks for the info.
umm... the new oniell mutants will hold out here. 4/3 would do because of the new neoprene. im going 5/4 though.
yeah the wallysurfr guy, you do realize how dumb youve sounded this entire thread? and you do realize that patagonia is not a kayak company right? they dont even make kayaks. not only that but you do realize that fletcher chouinard hand makes boards for all of the malloy brothers, who also wear patagonia suits and im thinking that yvon chouinard, the owner, surfs regularly and is friends with gerry lopez. so maybe they do know a little bit about surfing over there at patagonia. i understand that you were only voicing your opinion but at least make it sound somewhat educated all you have to do is look at patagonias website for five minutes to realize that they know what they are doing. damn im tired of people hatin on stuff in all these threads when they clearly dont know what they are even talking about. but still sorry guy who started this thread patagonia is definitely out of your price range unless you get lucky and find one used. which would still probably be better quality than a freakin hyperflex ________ Honda CL200
Almost all my wetsuits are Hyperflex and most of them are 4 years or older. All still have nice strech , no tears or signs of dry rott. I rinse them out after every session and use wetsuit shampoo in each one once or twice a season . I am gonna get a 6/5/4 or a 5/4/3 flow I will most likely get a 6/5/4 flow since it on 4 bucks more than a 5/4/3. I also like that there facotry is out of Millville , NJ which is like a 30 min drive from my house so if I ever have a problem I can just drive there drop it off and pick it up when it is done. Plus it cool to support a local surf company
i think you will have to go up a size on your fins for a 5mm sock dude.i currently wear Hydro Tech2's in M/L shoe size 9-10 & the are snug & there's no way in hell i'd get a 5mm sock in there too.back in the 80's i tried rockin 5mm booties with my M/L churchills & it was so tight,it was painful.you'll definately need to go up 1 size & have those as your "winter fins"
Oh if anyone is interested I have a pair of 7mm Ripcurl booties size 9 . A buddy gave them to me cause he bought them to replace a set that he thought he lost but found like 2 day later. They were too small for me so they were never worn . Who ever wants them let me know there free. I will also have a 5mil hood in 2 weeks if anyone need it . I wore it once and that was yesterday if anyone seen my out at Broadway . Its a h20 hood from hyperflex. I bought it and dont like it cause it dont sit right on my shoulder and comes up out my suite and I have to tuck it back down every once in awhile. Next week it will be up for grab if anyone needs one
Hey Matt, good on ya' for the freebie! If I were a 9 and not a 10 (something the ladies agree with ), I'd be all over your kindness. Stay safe.
