So, the wife stoked me out and got me the Oneill Psycho Freak 3.5 Mill last christmas. Since I had the baby coming and now she is here, I am really only surfing about 3 times per week, 4 max. So my suit did not take its normal 7 days per week beating.... So, the Psycho Freak held up very nicely. Still in perfect condition going into this winter.... So, 2 months ago, I brought my 3 year old Quiksilver Cell into my local shop and had them mail it back to Quiky for re-seal and repairs on the back panel.... Long story short, they lost my suit, and now Quiksilver called me and they are sending me a brand new 4/3 Cyhper.... So here is my question: As far as managing your wetsuit.... What do you guys think the best plan of action is? a) Continue using my 3.5 mil every day through the winter, and store the new Cyhper in my closet somewhere... And just keep rocking the Psycho Freak until the wheels fall off in a year or 2.... or b) Break out the new cypher as well, so every session is cycling into a dry suit, giving the other suit time to dry and stay OUT of the water.... What do you think the best course of action is to PRESERVE both suits and get the most life out of them both? I will obviously go to the 3/2 etc in the spring, but in San Diego, I am usually in my 4 mils about 7-8 months of the year.... Advice?
Rotate them. I do this, with fresh water rinse after each session and my suits last for years. They need activity to stay "flexible".
Thats what I was thinking. I know the old suits that I retire into my dry, dark closets crack and become crap after 6 months or so.... but that is because I completely stopped using it. I took out my 4 year old cell 5 the other day. It was in pretty solid condition when I retired it... And when I stretched it out, you could feel the threads and seems just popping... Thanks for the tip.... So a fresh water rinse, then hang up in a dark closet... I have a Patio with a storage closet... The air around here is always dry, but I think if I rinse it out in the shower after each sess and let it hang up in there for a few days before its taken out again, that may be the call.
b. is a good option. i do that with my 5 mms. the washing and drying is the key. i rinse mine and dry both outside and inside. nothing like always having a dry suit in winter.
If you really wanna get fancy you could use wetsuit shampoo too. I usually rinse off my suit with fresh water then dunk it in a 5 gallon bucket with the shampoo then hang it up to dry in my shower. That helps with the smell too especially booties
I would rotate as well. Rinse them and alternate. Once you get to that new suit in 2 years it will be old technology and you will want something new then. I have the 5/4/3 cypher and I like it a lot.
i was wondering how long it would take... ...for a "your a pv$$y 'cause you get cold" response. aspersions aside, i have two oneill psycho 4/3's that i rotate simply because the drying time seems so long. i also agree that by the time 2 years passes, there will be a new way to step up. enjoy the dry suit each time.
haha, EVERYBODY wears a 4/3 in SD now. Even when it's 65 degrees. Zach, a 3/2 works fine up to 58 degrees, as long as you're sporting some 2 or 3 mil booties when it gets around 62. But it's your noggin....wear what suits you (no pun intended). I'd probably rock the 4/3 on those cold-azz mornings with stiff offshores. Just rinse the suckers regularly, no need for all the fancy shampoos and conditioners. You're probably gonna just go with a new model after 3 winters, anyways.
Op B you lucky MF. I do the same now and usually keep my suit on until I get home where I take it off in the shower. I get clean and so does the suit.
theres really no need to buy "wetsuit shampoo".... I just rinse mine out in the shower with water, but you could use regular soap or shampoo too.
I feel terrible for Zach. How do you manage only surfing 3-4 times per week with the newborn? We'll all say a prayer for you....haha. I only wish i had it that bad. unfortunately i've only been out ~10x all year due to a very busy work schedule, kids, travel to the beach. i really hope you count your lucky stars ever single day that you have it this good! i'm looking to double my sessions this year with a potential trip out to S. Orange county / N. SD county in Nov. You ever surf up in N. San Diego or do you stay South?
I have a question, typically up to how long will the manufacturer honor the wetsuit repair guarantee? My 3 y/o xcel 3/2 has some seams that have separated, but I don't have the receipt anymore, or anything else that documents when and where I bought the suit.
Yeah. San Diego has not gotten warm water in 3 years. It maxed out a 68-69 the past two summer, which to me is 3 mil country. Its still not warm... Then in the winter, when you are out in deep ass water on the cliffs and the water is 56- 57 degrees, yes I am absolutely in a 4 mil... I say this all the time. With todays wetsuit technology, my 4 mils feel like 2 mils. They are so flexible etc, there is no reason for me NOT to wear them.... I am warm and comfy every day of the year.... And that keeps me out as long as I want. And I rock the 4 mil all winter with no booties ever unless im at certain reefs.... that 4 mil keeps my core perfect. Thats just me though.... I also didnt trunk it at all this summer. 2 and 3 mil in august.
