i'm using a hyperflex amp right now (5/4/3). the suits are great. the polyfleece lining really makes a difference and the overall construction is good too. no complaints
Get a 5/4. My buddy uses as 4/3 this time of year and is always cold, it seems, even with hood gloves, boots, etc. I have a 5/4 O'Neill and have been very comfy all winter. Layer with a hooded vest rather than just a pull over hood, for max warmth.
I requoted you since those who are telling you to buy a 5/4/3 arent bothering to read your question. Nobody would buy a 5 mil wetsuit as their only wetsuit for April through November in the mid-atlantic. If you must get by with one suit for all of those months, I would get a taped, sealed-seam 3/2 and a neoprene short sleeve or vest (maybe hooded) to wear under it in April and Nov.
After alot of initial hazing, I'm gettings some quality tips and advice. Thanks guys. I like the idea of buying a hooded vest to wear undere a 4/3 or 3/2. I was thinking more about buying a detachable hood, but the hooded vest might be a decent alternative. if I were to guess this type of setup might better prevent flushing down the neck? Not sure. Any JetPilot owners? Just wondering, I never happened to see or know anyone wearing their suits.
I hope that surfers weren't this nasty to you when you started. If they weren't, you should remember that. If they were, you should remember how that felt and try to not be the same. He may be a Kook, but how you're acting is far worse and it ain't cool at all.
Hey Rob, dont worry about the douche's that are giving your crap, they could have just not answered anything at all. As far as getting the best suit, it just really all depends on WHEN you want to surf most. trunks - July - August spring suit - June, Sept 3/2 - May(3mm boots), Oct, Nov(3mm boots) 4/3 - April(5mm boots/gloves/hood?), Nov(3mm gloves/boots), Dec(3mm gloves/boots/hood?) + - Jan - March (5mm boots/gloves/hood). These are the approx. optimals time periods for the Delmarva area. Of course you could where a 4/3 when you only need a 3/2, but its a lot more comfortable to wear a lighter suit. Most people that surf all year round, will actually have on of all these suits. Of course this gets expensive, so if you are just starting out, I would suggest go with a spring suit, and a 3/2, and build from there. Hope that helps. PS. I hope to at some point build a FAQ for some of the common questions on here and also maybe some general info for each local area, such as seasonal temps/what to wear, etc...
People were way worse when I started. You actually got beat downs for dropping in on people or showing up at the best breaks.
Hyperflex is really good for the money, and their warranty service is excellent as well... As for the Jet Pilot, don't get a suit not meant for surfing, it's not made to flex the same way as a surf specific suit.
That's the site I'm going to buy from. They are excellent in both selection and price, and I spoke to someone from there a few weeks ago and he was very helpful. Even though its a "warehouse" distribution site, they are located in Hagerstown, MD (only 1/2 hour drive for me) and I may set up an appointment so I can go and try some on so I don't have to keep shipping them back and forth if the wetsuit I order doesn't fit right or I don't like it.
Here is the best question: How much will you surf in the winter? The technology of suits is forever changing and getting better, Hyperflex is good for the money you pay. I lived in Fredneck for a year and happy to never make that drive again! All though you are a surfer, check out..http://www.ebodyboarding.com/Wetstuff/Fullsuits Jay always has sales and service is great.