Hey North East riders. I'm actually from Jersey, but I figured you guys have the most experience with wetsuits for frigid waters. I'm looking for a wetsuit to take me through the winter. Any recommendations? I'm looking primarily for warmth and flexibility. The Oneill Psycho II looks like a sick suit, but I can't find any reviews for it, or any other suits on the internet. Any help is appreciated.
for the past few seasons i've been wearing a Quicksilver 6/5/4 ultimate elasto, and by now, im about fed up with it. although it was incredibly warm, it lacked in the mobility area. it was a zipperless entry system, which was a big mistake on my part. getting into the suit is fine, but getting out is a whole other story. a thick, tight, freezing wetsuit is not fun to get off when there's no easy exit. this thing was like a straight jacket. terrible experiences trying to get out of that thing.... it's quite different getting in and out of it dry at the store..... anyway, now i too am on the market for a new suit. im looking at the Oneill mutant, with the interchangable neck/hood. its a 5/4 and i think that it will be plenty warm. Oneill makes good suits, i have a cheap hammer that has lasted a long time, and my bro and my dad both have higher end 5/4 psychos. they like them a lot, and i personally like how they have a zipper entry system on a cold water suit. im sure you'd be happy with the psycho II, just make sure you go to your local shop and try a few on, see how they move, how easy they are to get in and out of. search on surfline, there was a video with reviews from all the big name wetsuit makers.
last winter on Block Island (south of RI east of Long Island) i made it through the whole winter with an Aleda 4/3 , 4mm boots and gloves and a 5mm hood. water temps got down to around 38 deg. I could last around 1 hour to an hour and a half
Some winters we get down around 38 deg water here in Jersey too. I've surfed in Jan, Feb and early Mar with my O'Neil Psycho 2 6/4 and 5 mil boots and gloves for about 2 hours. My toes go numb so I would recommend 7 mil boots, but my body stays pretty toasty and mobility is decent. My 4/3 Psycho 1 gets me through the end of Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr. I also have a Psycho 3/2. I much prefer the Psycho 2 over the 1. If you are going to buy the 1 look at the Heat or Mutant. More bang for your buck in features. The Psycho 1 is not worth it IMO. The Pshycho 2 is worth every penny for comfort and features. Make sure you go to a shop that has the full range of sizes not just S, M, L. Try the MS, MT, LS, LT to make sure your suit fits right. If it still doesn't feel right then try other brands. They are all cut differently based on different body types. I've heard nothing but good things about the Rip Curl F bomb but never owned one.
Coop, you live on Block Island? That is a sick location. Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'll be going with either the Psycho 2, or the Mutant. I'll be getting some 7mm boots too so I can stay nice and toasty throughout the whole winter.
Psycho Id suggest the psycho 2, i have had a 6/4 psycho 1 for 4 years now and the only reason i come out of the water during a frigid february snowstorm is becasue im too hot. its a great suit. i also reccoment the oneill 7mil boots
No question go with a new Rip Curl suite. Get a nice 5mil or better they are very flexable and if you get the fire skin you will be able to last for hours in that cold water. Another great thing about Rip Curl is that if you have an issue with there product you just send it back to them. They will either fix it or send you a new one for FREE!! How great it that. Rip Curls the best ya cant beat it.
check out the surfline 2007 wetsuit video review guide http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/photo_bamp.cfm?id=11628
