Matuse VS. Body Glove - Wetsuits

[CHarvey]

I have been looking to get a new wetsuit recently and since I have had the same wetsuit for the past 11 years I am having a hard time deciding on which wetsuit to get. I have narrowed it down to either the Matuse Hoplite wetsuit or the Body Glove Eco suit. Both are as Eco friendly as a wetsuit can be but when I spoke with the owner of a surf shop in Point Loma he advised against the Body Glove suit. He said he had one for 3 months and then it just fell apart on him. So I thought I would see if you all have any experience with either suit and could give me feed back.

A little info: I surf everyday there are waves for at least 2 hours minimum sometimes 4 hours or more on weekends if the swell is pumping. So I would like to get a wetsuit that can hold up to that.

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

[Broosta]

I've never heard of Matuse wetsuits and I have never worn a Bodyglove suit before so can't really help you on a choice out of these 2 but I would probs go for the bigger name suit as they have a proven track record. So I would give my vote to bodyglove out of those 2.

Why have you to choose from those 2? I use have Xcel and they do seem to be on the ball at the moment. Have you looked at Xcel wetsuits?

[isaluteyou]

i have friends who swear by their xcell wetsuits but personally i swear by the ripcurl ebomb fair enough after 6 months it broke down on me but twas replaced with a new one easy as pie. cant comment on bodyglove as i only have a spring suit from them which is pretty good - even though i never use it

what break in san diego do you usually surf?

[SarahM]

So you were asking about the ECO...

I actually work for Body Glove and i can tell you that it is the most ECO friendly wetsuit on the market. The Matuse is a great suit, but I'm not such a fan of the wool. As far as a warranty, Body Glove wetsuits come with practically lifetime warranties. Bummed the guy from the surf shop got a lame suit, but we would for sure take care of it for him if he returned the suit to the warehouse.

Just some more info for you decision!!!

[CHarvey]

Thanks Sarah, ISU, and Broosta. The reason I have narrowed it down to the two I mentioned is because both suits are more ECO friendly then the normal wetsuit. Just me trying to help make a difference. The reason I started looking at matuse is because it is a local based company here in San Diego. But if Body Glove has a lifetime warranty then I may go with them. Will have to do more research.

ISALUTEYOU: I live and surf in Mission Beach just south of Santa Clara. Whats your twenty? Roger dodger, over and out charlie fox.

[drowningbitbybit]

In the past five years or so, Ive had two winter wetsuits - first of all I had a cheap-ish Body Glove suit. After three years, it was beginning to look a little worn, so I splashed out on a top-end RipCurl...

...which fell apart in a month. It was repaired by RipCurl (not replaced like they originally said they would). While it was being repaired I went back to my BodyGlove. By the time I got the ripcurl wetsuit back, it was time to go back into a 3mm summer suit. Next winter, the RipCurl fell apart within a month of use

I could have got it repaired again, but frankly couldnt be bothered with it anymore. It went in the bin.

The BodyGlove came out again, and made it through yet another winter!

Ive no need for a winter suit anymore, so Ive left the BodyGlove at my mums in case I ever feel like a dip in UK seas... although I'll be using the 5mm in UK summer now

[Johno]

Got to agree with dbbb rip curl wetys fall apart, loved mine when i first got it but since i,ve had to glue all the seams as they were coming apart,

Surfed byron bay yesterday in just boardies he he who needs a wety

[CHarvey]

The wet suit I have right now is a ripcurl and it has lasted me 12 years roughly. The neck is starting to fall apart finally and it leaks pretty bad but all the seams are still holding overall. Just now I am looking to get an ECO suit and Body Glove/Matuse are the only ones making them that I can afford.

[SarahM]

Hey Harvey,

The exact warranty is this....lifetime warranty on construction and limited one year warranty on materials. So if anything happens to you your suit you just send it back to the warehouse and we take care of it. If you want to know more about the ECO to compare to the Matuse go to www.bodyglove.com we have a ton of info.

Sarah

[CHarvey]

Thanks Sarah.

[bwiley]

I've had the Matuse 4/3/2 since just before Thanksgiving, so can give some thoughts on it. Can't say anything about the ECO, haven't surfed in it and it might be great. As far as perspective, I'm in the water about 300 days/yr., last fullsuit was RipCurl F-Bomb (loved it, abused it), had the PsychoII alongside that (loved it too, but the cut just doesn't work quite as well for my body - a personal thing).

Now, my two cents on the Matuse after having worn it for over two months in one of the coldest winters (water temps) we've had in San Diego county in years and through several great swells..
Good stuff:
Essentially for a 3/2 (the 4 is all on the chest and lower back so no paddle impact), it's the warmest, lightest and most flexible suit I've ever owned. Overall I love it and I actually found this thread because I'm now out trying to figure out how much the Matuse 2/2 Short Sleeve fullsuit and the spring suit are going to cost me because I'm definitely going to buy both. Somebody earlier in the thread said something about not liking wool - but I think that's the Patagonia. Nothing in the Matuse looks or feels like wool - I honestly don't think it has any. Anyway, in 54 degree water I find myself hopping into the water for a good flush to cool off after a few good waves - over 60 days of surfing and I've gotten downright hot in it every single time. By the way, that's why I'm looking for the Matuse 2/2 short sleeve fullsuit - I'm a little worried that the suit might be too warm once the temps get into the low/mid 60's. It's true what they say about the lack of water absorption and the lighter weight. I hang that thing in the garage and three hours later it is dry - while my booties are still wet the next day.
Bad stuff: There's this farmer john contraption inside that works very well but that I absolutely know is going to be the first material to rip because it is just so thin and flimsy. Hasn't torn yet, but I'm treating it uber-gentle every time I suit up. We all need a good key pocket in our fullsuit, and the Matuse just has one of those loop cords like in your trunks that is located inside the back of the suit near the back zipper - which means you can't get to your car key when your standing there in the cold next to your door until you unzip - not good.
Overall: I love the material. Feels great, lighter and more flexible than anything I've owned and I've pretty much owned anything I felt like trying out. I'm out trying to buy two more suits they make right now, that should say it. I wish they made booties and headgear.

[pkbum]

I have a quicksilver wetsuit that I have been using for 8 month, long lasting durability!

[Como651]

I have the Matuse hoplite 4/3. Best wetsuit I’ve ever owned and I’ve tried a lot. It is the warmest for its thickness. Feels as warm as a 6 mm of traditional neoprene. Compatible to my Quick Silver synchro 5/4/3 but thinner and even more form fitting. I spend 4 hours snorkeling in Minnesota rivers with it and don’t get cold. Its also very durable. No rips or tears and I’ve been using it for years. It’s also my go to wetsuit for cliff jumping. Warm enough for Lake Superior jumping. I have not used a Body Glove but I have a hard time thinking it would beat out the Matuse. My buddy uses a Matuse Dante 4/3 with hood and says it’s the best he’s ever owned. I would definitely go definitely go with Matuse over any other brand based on my experience.