Just got the call...have the opportunity to get a new Isurus I-solider 5/4 for an incredible price. Buddy owns a few and loves them. I normally wear Xcels and they fit great, warm, etc. Anyone wearing them and can give a review?
A buddy up here spent practically the Entire winter last year- and it was COLD - in his 4mil Isurus. Get it. Met a couple dudes in their 5/4's that said they were straight up HOT in theirs. Laughs to watch someone self flush a suit in January. One thing though is that they are form fitting Tight, as I imagine They should be to retain that warmth. Not meant, nor enjoyed by the out of shape surfer. Good luck.
I bought the 5/4 a couple years ago. Very warm but somewhat difficult to get on and off . Now into my third season and a ton of holes in it. I mean a ton. And I flush it heavily with fresh water after every session. Then dry it with a hang air dryer. Pretty disappointed. So, just bought the new excel 5 mill vapor lock. Love it. Very warm and pretty good flex. Surf in nh and Maine. Warmer than the insurus in my opinion and easier to get on and off. Will see how it holds up over time.
got a 4/3 hooded i-evade. best money spent minus surf wax no offense to the 4/3/2 matuse hoplite (works well, but rubs the neck, cause I'm a sensitive baby apparently...also is way heavier, matuse i mean) front zip is where its at for me. compression thing works like +1mm all around. not sure if the hype about stripes on the arms is true, but they look ninja. gonna be getting a 5/4 i-soldier for next winter. too many days missed out because of light rubber this year. any who. it aint cheap. otherwise i'd buy everything from rash guards to condoms if they were available. sorry ladies. takes two sessions to sit right, but after - créme. spend the monay. laters, and waves to ya compadre
yeah my buddy got the same suit , the i 5/4 . And we have been out when its howling 30knots of wind . Temps were around 30 waters around 39 maybe . He seems warm kitesurfing for 2 hours . Have not seen him surfing yet . But when i glanced at wetsuite it looked pretty high end . Even had that wool fibers stuff in the hood . I would say that the suit is worth the price my buddy paid for it . I think 425$ , thats with a pair of gloves too .
I got a 5/4 ievade at a great price, however it came with some seriously permanent creases in the rubber. I was told this was old stock. I think it had been folded up tight for a couple of years or something. Hence the discount price. I waiting to see if the stressed areas relax Suit is made in thailand. (with almost everyone elses) Glued seams inside, however the stitching on the outside has got me worried. I don't know how long it's designed to last, but those threads are really exposed and delicate. Brand new, few areas where the stitching was already 'loose' Not broken, but they aren't tight.
I have the Soldier. Not warmer than my 1 yr old Excel and 2 yr old Patagucci, but thinner and lighter. Also quite snug due to the compression technology, so not good for removal in the parking lot at 20 degrees. Still my preferred suite.
I was an early adopter and love all my Isurus suites. I wear the 4/3 in RI October, November, December . . . then I go to the 4/5/4 i evade. Mine is on its third winter and shows no signs of wear, fresh water wash and hyper hanger air dryer after each sesh. It is lighter than other 5/4s I have worn (f bomb, psycho). Put a long sleeve rashguard under it and it's easier to get into and out of in the parking lot! Also, coming to a theater near you, the Dry Robe . . . oversized fleecy poncho thing for changing in the cold! Check it out. Oh -- I wore my 3/2 isurus into November this year, didn't even realize I hadn't put on the 4/3!
Thanks for the recommendations everyone...I decided to purchase the I-solider. I'll put up a review later...
