Neoprene nap

[Skulls Road]

No, not the short but sweet rest we all love to squeeze in. Nap as in the face or pile of the neoprene. When you run your fingers in either direction ( on the inside of your suit ) it will feel smooth then rough. Like a carpet.

Now that we got the definition out of the way, let me get down to my question.

I have an Xcel Infiniti X2 4/3 that I love. It's an amazing suit. Warm and comfortable. Well I've been pulling double sessions a lot lately and I got tired of getting back into a cold and damp wetsuit when it's 40 degrees and windy. So I decided to get a cheaper secondary wetsuit to bring along. I found an Oneill Superfreak FZ 4/3 on sale for $160. Tried it on today and it felt really itchy. I flipped it inside-out and compared it to my Xcel. It seems the Oneill suit has the nap going the wrong way. When I slide my hand down into the arms of the suit the neoprene grabs onto my skin. The Xcel has it going the right way so it feels silky smooth.

Anyone else experience this with their suit? Will it cause irritation in the long run? I'm considering returning it.

First post by the way. Thanks.

[jaffa1949]

I'm considering returning it.

First post by the way. Thanks.

Interesting First post I would return it there are various grades and types of wetsuit material and the inside finishes differ. If it rubs and abrades your skin in trying it on well imagine a 3 hour surf session and how you skin would be after. Bite the bullet take it back and post some more .......welcome!

[Lebowski]

It's your call of course. I have a Superfreak Fuze and think it's a great suit. Light, comfortable, warm, flexible and doesn't abrade my skin at all. Although I've never paid much attention to the 'nap' and never worn an Xcel.

[Skulls Road]

I was able to get my hands on another suit. It seems to be a manufacturing difference. Putting the two suits side by side you can immediately see the differences. The one that has the nap going the wrong way is a lot less shiny on the inside. The "firewall" on the chest and back is about 3 shades of red darker. It uses a different corner patch ( those circular and square patches on the inside of your suit ) and they seem to be made of different material. However, none of these compare to the biggest issue of all. The neoprene is noticeably thinner. At first I thought they sent me a 3/2 by accident but the item numbers match a 4/3. The only difference is one is WN4046 and the other is SM4046. I gather that is a designation for the factories from whence they came. Just a heads up, WN4046 is the better one.

[billie_morini]

Skulls,
please tell us how it surfs and whether it keeps you warm, please.
billie

[Skulls Road]

The manufacturing differences are putting me off the O'neill brand. I will most likely return both suits and go with another Xcel. I'll tough it out for a while and wait to see if there are any Christmas deals going down. In case anyone is wondering; my Xcel suit is the Infiniti X2 in a 4/3. My usual spots to surf are the Hook ( Pleasure Point ) in Santa Cruz or Linda Mar if the Hook is flat. So temp-wise you're looking at around 50-55 degrees F. The suit keeps me really warm. If the sun is shining it's down right toasty. The neck area gave me a rash upon first use, due to chaffing, but since then I've been using Belly Jelly lube and it's been great. The leg seals are one of my favorite parts of the suit. I use dipped booties and the lack of a top strap tended to let a lot of water in until I got the Xcel. If anyone is looking for a well made suit I highly recommend it. Look for sales because it tends to be pricey ( $300+ ).

[pandarturo]

I can get them relatively cheap if you can wait a few months and drive down to San Diego area! Lol

[billie_morini]

hi Skulls,
I used to live in NorCAL, surfed 38th St and Pleasure Point often, and parked in that little square lot by the Hook. Yup, chilly water, but it feels so good!

I promise that if you get an Xcel "drylock" chest-zip 4/3, you will be very happy with the quality and how warm it keeps you. My buddy has one and it is beautiful. Next best thing is what I use: Quiksilver Cyber 3 chest zip.

billie

[Skulls Road]

I thought about getting Drylock but I can't justify it. I don't get cold with my Infiniti. Even when it gets pretty frigid out in Pacifica at 7am. I think I just run hot. My girlfriend gets cold in her Infiniti all the time. I keep telling her to get a 5/4 hooded suit so I don't have to hear about it while I'm out in the water.

I do however have 3mm Drylock gloves and 5mm Hotline booties. That is key for me. Warm feet is a session extender.