Wetsuit for South Bay (SoCal)

[b123]

I'm probably going to go pickup a new wetsuit, the question is, should I go 3/2 or 4/3. I'm almost always going to be just in Manhattan Beach, and would really like to just have one wetsuit. Thanks for the help.

[b123]

Anyone?

[oldgrom]

Bro right now I'd say a 4/3 unless you like the cold. also keep in mind you can cool a warm suit down by flushing, but cant heat up a cold suit!!

[HBCSurf]

That's not an easy answer and depends on a lot of factors...

A really good 3/2 is pretty warm and MB water temp is like 55 right now? For me, that's a 3/2 chest zip. I wore my 3/2 chest zip the other day in 51 water and was quite comfrotable. I have a 1mm jacket I wear underneath when it's really cold here (<30 air temp <50 water).

You're going to get a lot more months of use from a 3/2 than a 4/3 there. But this is only my opinion.

If you can get into a chest zip, the Mutant or the F-Bombs are nice warm suits and a 3/2 will be good for all but the coldest days there. If you can't get into a chest zip, then a 4/3 might be the way to go.

The temps and suits are what work for me, your mileage may vary.

[b123]

If you don't mind me asking, why do you prefer the chest zip over the back zip?

Also, I know I have to try on a couple while I'm there to make sure I've got a good fit, but are there any particular models that you guys really like or that I should stay away from?

(Thanks for the responses so far, guys)

[billie_morini]

b123,
the reason many surfers prefer the chest zip is because very little water enters the suit. The result is that you stay warmer than with a back zipper (which lets much more water into the suit). Many chest zip suits are more flexible than back zip suits because they can be made with less seams due to how the fabric shapes can be cut. Before I forget, they are so much warmer than back zip suits that many surfers can use a 3/2 chest zip in the same conditions that others need a 4/3 back zip. You can imagine when this is possible, the suit is thinner (which leads to more flex and stretch). Because chest zip suits were the kind of new technology thing, they are often made with the stretchiest of neoprene, too. They are definitely cool, but often cost more than back zip suits.

Before any flaming begins, I'll say there are some amazing back zipper suits these days that include welts and seals, as well as, drains. They work amazingly well. They are definitely cool, too, but are not inexpensive

If you decide to get a chest zip suit in new condition, you may find it very difficult to put on for the first 4 to 12 times. They seem to fit more snuggly and take some practice. Try the plastic bag trick. This is where you put plastic bags on your feet and hands when putting the suit on. You'll find your limbs slide right through!

[rcd]

I have been using chest zip suits for years now because of one major factor.......no velcro (in my xcels & hotlines). Velcro is evil to neoprene and will chew it up in no time.

Always be good to your suit and give it a fresh water bath after a surf......it will last 10 times longer.

[b123]

If anyone was wondering, I ended up picking up a 3/2 xcel infiniti (chest zip)

[Sillysausage]

Don't the newer suits have material that velcro doesn't damage? my summer suit seems to have something where the velcro only sticks to the part its meant to.

[rcd]

It's only on the outside that the neoprene is snag-free. The inside around the shoulders etc. will pill from the velco and start to break down the neoprene.

[billie_morini]

b123,
now that you have a 3/2 xcel infiniti (chest zip), you have to give us a report (please).
billie

[b123]

So far, so good. As of now, all I have to compare it to is an old, relatively cheaper body glove suit. I might be going out tomorrow, so I'll try to give a better report.

[SouthBay]

So far, so good. As of now, all I have to compare it to is an old, relatively cheaper body glove suit. I might be going out tomorrow, so I'll try to give a better report.

you surf the pier?

[b123]

all around. why?