Rip Curl Flash Bomb MT or LT

[vertex]

Hi guys,

it is time to replace my old xcel drylock 3/2 MT. I have decided to give rip curl a try (just want to test another brand). Went yesterday to my surf shop of choice and bought a flash bomb 3/2 MT. I tried a MT and LT. The sales guy recommended to go with the MT (best fit for him). He said the LT would have too bulgy under my arm pits. I felt fine in both wetsuits. Slightly better in the LT. However, followed his advice and bought the MT

Tried on again at home and realized that the suit felt very tight around my shoulders...pulling down...very tight around the neck

Here are my measurements.

188cm (6.2')
77KG (169.4lbs)
waiste 83cm (32.7inch)
chest 97cm (38.2inch)

According to the rip curl size chart. Height - LT, Waiste+Chest+Weight MT

I heard that the xcels are more for bigger guys.

Anybody here with similar measurements and a rip curl suit who can give some advice? Will my MT wetsuit stretch in water and fit better.

I can still swap my wetsuit against a different size.

Cheers

[dtc]

For what its worth, I'm basically the same height and waist size as you, but slightly bigger chest, and Xcel was the only wetsuit that fitted me around the shoulders. I couldnt even get the flash bomb on (front zip); O'Neill was the only other make that came close - and I tried 7 or 8 suits (billabong, peak etc). Although if you compare all the size charts, in theory all of the suits should fit (I ended up with an XL).

So my experience is that Xcel is for 'bigger' guys (chest/shoulders) and rip curl is for the guys who can wear skinny jeans and slim cut shirts.

That said, the top line suits do stretch a bit. I dont think there is a huge difference in quality or warmth etc between the equivalent suits of the top companies, so if Xcel fits you then its probably easiest to just stick with that brand.

[vertex]

thansk for the reply. What do you think..how much will the suit (flash bomb) stretch in water?

[dtc]

I'm not sure the suits stretch too much in the water. If its really uncomfortable on land, then its not going to be much better in the water