Sealed versus taped seams wetsuit

the tape makes the seam more durable, and in the case of liquid taping, a little more waterproof. Most plain sealed suits feature "spot taping" which reinforce high stress areas of the suit.

 

Betty, you will find that there is a pretty big difference in manufacturer's sizings (Rip Curl is different than Xcel is different than O'Neill, etc). I recommend that if you plan on buying a particular suit online, you may want to visit a local surfshop to try one on (or several).

 

I agree with kid, try one on. I would even go further and say go ahead and buy one local. It won't be too much extra and they will help you get one that's just right.

 

Looks like a warm and good suit, but like the other folks said, you can't know size for sure til you try it on, due to variations between brands. Even if you mail-order it you can return it. Also, all suits expand a bit when they get wet. And a new suit will stretch a bit and break in after a few uses, so if you're (like me) right near the boundary of two sizes you should try both sizes. If you're right in the middle of the weight range of 6S or whatever that 1/4-inch "too small" neck probably won't matter - the neck on most suits is very stretchy and comfy, but occasionally you do try one on that really strangles you.

 

consider a chest zip, the little bit getting in the seams is nothing compared to the bucket that can get poured down the neck of a back zip. My $00.02

 

I used to get xxxl Oneil but would still have to get 4 inches added to the legs and arms(I'm 6'5"). They quit doing it for me so I went Rip Curl for a proper fit. I agree with the front zip. the last suit had a built in hood. It had a "****ey" attached below the zipper that you pulled over front to back. I'd put on neoprene socks which allowed for my big feet to slide thru the legs.

 

you will be toasty warm even on the coldest days with that 4/3, glad you went to a local shop, hoped they helped you out ok, just in time starting to get chilly

 

Buying a suit from a local shop is better if you take it back under warranty. I used to mess up a wet suit. for a couple years in the early 80's we had access to the Barrier Island complex in Duck NC. The first thing they built after the gate was the inside heated pool and hot tub. We'd surf til we were frozen, then jump in the hot tub. Hot water seems to do weird stuff to neoprene. My legs balloned out and became unlaminated, and my buddy's blew out all together. took it back that spring with a confused look and had new legs installed.

 

i dont think neoprene and chlorine are best friends...lol

 

kid said enough, closed.

 

plus the water was 100+ degrees.

 

These are more effective. i use them while swimming and it makes the activity lot smoother and less tiring.

 

Fully agree with all the posters who were proponents of buying local at a shop you can count on for support with most issues as well as honest advice and good pricing if you show loyalty. Those posters are also right on about trying on every suit in person prior to ordering. Most certainly there are discrepancies from one manufacturer to the next on what they define as a given size.

However, I'm now seeing that XCEL (all I wear) can have variance from one model and thickness to the next. My 6/5 XLS is like body paint while the same size in a 3/2 from them is good on width and chest/waist/shoulders yet long in the arms and legs. The LS in the 3/2 is money in the bank for a perfect fit on me. Picked up a X-Zip 2 Comp the other day and I forget I even have it on. Coupled with the new 3mm Drylock boots and 1.5 Infiniti gloves, I'm as comfortable as it gets in both fit, lightness of gear (can feel the board FAR better than the 7mm boots), and complete temp regulation.

Went with a higher end 3/2 with glued/taped seams and chest entry. Also has the wrist and ankle seals. Suit is great and looks to be durable enough for daily use 6 months of the year for me.

FYI, if anyone's looking for a mint condition XCEL 3/2 back zip in size XLS I'll let it go for real cheap since I bought that before trying it on and the LS was what I needed to go with.

Great thread with lots of good points for wetsuit buying.

 

Most all suits come with a warranty but if you have the extra money and want a lighter suit with more flex look at a Billabong sgx Xero All you would need is a 3/2 and its 100% stretch unlike your BG. Would be just as warm with half the weight. As long as the water temp is above 45 I never touch my 4/3. I remember you saying before you were in your 60s and got cold easy and so do I but have never been cold in this suit. Just something to think on......

 

Is it better for a wetsuit to be stitched on the outside at the seams and inside be taped inside the whole wetsuit where all those stitches are? or for a wetsuit to be liquid sealed at the seams on outside of wetsuit and stiched on inside where those liquid sealed spots are?

 

The top-end suits of most major players have stitchless seams. Seams are glued only. Inside seams are taped with high-stretch tape (.5mm neoprene tape). Outside seams are liquid seal. This seems to be the most stretchy, durable, waterproof combination. Stitching creates thousands of little holes in the rubber, which become weak/leak points over time.