Hyperflex poly Fleece - Are they any good

[surf patrol]

I've just been updating the store and have added the Hyperflex Poly Fleece Long Sleeve Top
To quote the company blurb

New for 2006! Poly Fleece separates are the latest technological advance in wetsuits. Polyolefin is a fleece lined material that wicks away moisture while insulating your body. Since it is extremely lightweight and does not add bulk, items can be worn under wetsuits for the ultimate insulating layer! Time to retire your old Lycra rashguard, our Poly Tops provide the ultimate in rash & UV protection + the added benefit of warmth without bulk.

Now to me this seems a great idea for cold winter surfs but are they practical for surfing. Has anyone tried them out?

[grub]

Hmm, sounds a bit like the material within the Ripcurl Ultimate fireskin suits, if it works as well as my suit it is worth having... Ripcurls blurb: "FIRESKIN - The chest upper torso is lined with Fireskin fibre that wicks water away from the body and retains body heat.
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[surf patrol]

Hmm, sounds a bit like the material within the Ripcurl Ultimate fireskin suits

So is your Fireskin warmer than a regular suit of the same thickness?

[grub]

So is your Fireskin warmer than a regular suit of the same thickness?

I have only worn a 4x3 since moving to Portugal so can't compare against any real experience... In the shop they definatly do feel warmer, I have the Ultimate Fireskin so the entire torso (upper legs through to arms complete with batwing) has this "fireskin" material that reminds me of a cross between wool and tripe... but if you try the core on you can feel a noticable difference between the fireskined areas and the std. material. Used it so far in as cold as 11 degrees and was still warm for me, much colder I would need to invest in a new pair of booties and gloves... when I find a decent surf shop here in the North I want to get the snap in batwing hood; not sure if I need it but would be nice for the earlies...

In conclusion, Friends are using 4x3, 5x3, 5x4, and complaining about the cold, I feel toasty (apart from feet, hands and head) and I feel that water does bead away from the body through the small lines formed within the material... so yes I do think they are better than a std. suit.

[surf patrol]

Thanks for the info.
Next time I am in a surf shop I'll check the fireskins out of interest if I can find them.

[drowningbitbybit]

I've got a fireskin'd suit, as well as a fleece-lined rashie, and its lovely toastie warm

You definitely get a bit of extra insulation without having to add a couple of millimetres of muscle-sapping neoprene, so I'd say they're worth it.