Wintersuit recommendations

I've been really happy with my Vissla 7 Seas suits. I have a 2/2 and 3/2 chest zip. Both are super stretchy.

My 4/3 is a O'neill and I won't buy another one. It's was repaired once, then replaced the second time I sent it in for repair and it's probably going to be toast after this winter. So, between the two brand new O'neills, I'll get 3 winters out of them. Totally unacceptable.

 

Another thing to consider is to not go thicker than needed. A solid 5/4 is all you really need for cold NJ winters, so don't go up to a 6/5/4 which will be more restrictive just based on the extra mm alone. I'd look for a front zip, and if you're having issues with getting it on and off, I really like a pair of wetsox. The 1mm version even help keep your feet a tiny bit warmer at the expense of looking a little goofy getting changed in the parking lot.

I've had great luck with Xcel, reasonably priced and very flexible. Your best bet is to go try some on at your local shop and buy it there, even though you can probably find them cheaper online. You can have the best wetsuit in the world, but if it doesn't fit you'll have a bad day. Good luck!

 

I've been pretty happy with the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/4. Its a very warm and inexpensive suit that is very flexible. Its a suit that you can get for under $300 that as just as good as the top of the line suits from a few years ago.

https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/we...stsellers&thickness=5/4mm&zillabrand=Rip Curl

 

Rip Curl Flash bomb. Enough said

 

Need essentials......100% quality, half the cost. I'm on my second one and I also have a hood and gloves. The only downside on them is they don't do repairs unlike Vissla that has a one year warranty. But word is if your suit fails in a year they send you a new one or credit towards a new one. YMMV. I would go with Vissla or Need

 

hands down, oneill techno butter 3 5/4

 

My first note on this is that if it is not a winter suit (5/4 or 6/5) it really doesn't matter. If the water is only cold enough to need a 4/3, leaks and flushing should not matter at all bc its not going to cut your session short. I have always been an Xcel guy for winter suits. They are super durable and very importantly, they fit me well. I think from what you are saying- stretch and fit is important for you. Every brand is a little different, as much as trying on suits is a pain, it's great when you find the brand that works for you. As much as I liked xcel, I needed a new winter suit this year and did not want to drop $500+. After scouring everything on Black Friday and talking with a friend who rides for Billabong, I decided to give their new suits a chance. I ordered 3 (sizes) and settled on the new furnace ultra carbon 6/5. I was able to get it for $229 which for a new model year winter suit is pretty unreal. It is lighter and more flexible than any xcel I have owned, dries super fast and is warm as hell. I surfed for almost 4 hours last week in 41 degree water, and only got out because my arms were cooked. I think the 5/4 of this suit would likely feel as flexible as a normal 4/3. Durability yet to be determined but high marks early.

 

I only use a 4/3 and water hovers around 39 to 42 during the winter. Depending on air temp, I can stay out a good 2 to 3 hours.

 

I have this theory that if you buy stuff at the opposite time of year that people use stuff, you can get a better deal. Like buying a convertible in the middle of the winter.

It's peak summer, and the water at my local is over 80 degrees, and I need a new wetsuit.

So, anyone know the secret of scoring a wetsuit for cheap, in the summer?

edit: when I say cheap I mean less expensive. I'm not looking for a "cheap wetsuit"

 

Dude, it's July.

i used to be a fan of Whiskey. They went to Steep and Cheap. not as good but you may find something

 

I'm with you on that one dude! But I've had pretty good luck with Whiskey Militia. Of course I do a lot of research and read everybody's opinion but I bought a spring suit that's going into my fourth surf season still in pretty good shape it's an O'Neill

 

That's the whole point. Buy in the off-season. (also the forum is super quiet and I'm bored)

I got some very solid scores on Whiskey Militia in the past. Will try Steep.

 

I buy my wetsuits on Evo. Can always score a good deal offseason.

 

Whoa Dude,
Evo. Just looked. Lots of goods on there.

 

Granted I have been gone a long time, but isn’t it “Wetsuite”, not “Wetsuit”?

 

Swellinfo grammar