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Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:49 am
by Jibbyboo
This is an appeal to any guys or girls who can shed some light on the following wetsuits as to which is best. I've never bought one before, and although they're not the priciest, I don't want to be shelling out nearly £70 for something rubbish.
Choices are:
G43G05 Billabong Wetsuits 2012 LAUNCH 'entry level' 3/2mm Flatlock Back-Zip Women's Summer Steamer

BILLABONG WMS LAUNCH 3/2 FL BACK ZIP 2012 - could be the same as the above but not 100% certain


ONEILL WMS REACTOR 3/2 FULL

Has to be one of the above, unless you can recommend one less than £70 size 10 that isn't horrifically garish.

Thanks in advance for ANY insight you can provide, even just between the brands.
J :)

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 4:04 am
by tony g
All the wetsuits you have listed have similar construction and value. If you could find a wetsuit that had glued and blind stitched seams within your price range then you would be getting more value for your money. Flat lock seams are breathable and do not seal out the water. Anyway...hope that helps. I know glued and blind stitched seams are more expensive, but sometimes you can find good deals out there if you look hard and watch for the deals.

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:05 am
by Jibbyboo
Hey Tony,

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into it and see if there's anything out there.

J

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 8:06 pm
by Hurricane
Worst case scenario try ebay or craigslist and look for a used one. I have a Ripcurl Fire Skin suit and it works pretty good for a low to middle cost wetsuit.

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 8:21 pm
by Jibbyboo
Tried eBay (full of nonsense) and UK doesn't have craigslist :(

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 10:13 pm
by Hurricane
Really? I can access the UKs classifieds from the US. I would post the link but I don't think it is allowed.

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 10:27 pm
by Jibbyboo
On eBay you mean?

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:42 pm
by Hurricane
Nope, on Craigslist actually except it has .co.uk at the end instead of .org

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 12:01 am
by Jibbyboo
Haha dude, I searched for wetsuit on uk Craigslist (yes it appears to exist! Sorry!) and got back:

Jan 8 - Used underwear, Pics plus alot more - clothing & accessories - by owner

Think that exhausts that option...

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:54 pm
by Rickyroughneck
If you buy a suit with flatlocked seams you can always waterproof it yourself. The main issue is making sure that it fits well.

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 1:08 pm
by Jibbyboo
How do you waterproof it? With liquid latex?

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:59 am
by JasonRain
All the wetsuits you have listed have similar construction and value.

_________________

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 1:03 am
by esonscar
Hey Jibbyboo, where are you going to surf this time of year in a 3/2 ?
I hope you have a good time!

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:38 am
by Jibbyboo
I went to Santa Barbara - surfed Leadbetter. Rincon a bit too territorial for me, but went down to look and the waves were amazing.

Borrowed a wetsuit in the end which was fine. Slightly gaping but kept me warm enough!

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:41 am
by surf patrol
What was the suit you borrowed? With the right fit you might have found what you've been looking for.

Re: Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

PostPosted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:46 am
by Jibbyboo
It was a man's suit borrowed from my friend's uncle! Not a surfing specific suit at all -he does sailing.