Recommendation for a wetsuit

[nuuuuuu1]

Hi,
i'm looking to but a new wetsuit. my older one was flash-bomb 2015 3/2 chest zip and i was very happy with it.
i am now considering buy a new one which is the same or switch to billabong furnace carbon X 3/2 chest zip.

does any one tell which is better in his opinion and why ?
i am also open for new recommendations..

Cheers !

[waikikikichan]

Both Ripcurl and Billabong are made in the same wetsuit factory - Sheico. Fit might be a tad different, so if you liked Ripcurl, stay with them. I also have the Flashbomb, it's amazing how much faster it dries and lighter to pack back home.

[billie_morini]

Both Ripcurl and Billabong are made in the same wetsuit factory - Sheico. Fit might be a tad different, so if you liked Ripcurl, stay with them. I also have the Flashbomb, it's amazing how much faster it dries and lighter to pack back home.

Dang, Waiki, You are a venerable encyclopedia!

[malattia]

[...] I also have the Flashbomb, it's amazing how much faster it dries and lighter to pack back home.

Interesting. I have a Flashbomb too (4/3). It's my first wetsuit and have been thinking that it doesn't dry quickly at all. But then again, I don't really have any actual reference to compare to except those suits that I rented.

[waikikikichan]

Dang, Waiki, You are a venerable encyclopedia!

No, not really. But I do have Asperger's Syndrome, "High-Functioning" Autism.

[dtc]

Dang, Waiki, You are a venerable encyclopedia!

Billie

you should do a google search on 'sheico' - its quite an amazing story

[LostAtSea]

I've been hearing good things about these suits.

https://www.needessentialsusa.com/

Their deal is that they do no marketing (to enable them to sell at a lower price) - just word of mouth. Their suits have no logos either. However they are made to the same specs and in the same factories as the high end suits.

My next suit will be one of these.

[saltydog]

The quality and function of those 2 are probably pretty similar, but the fit can be different. Try them on and get the one that fits your body shape better.

[waikikikichan]

Oneill wetsuits fit really good, front or backwards.

Screenshot 2017-07-18 at 4.25.05 PM.png (637.3 KiB) Viewed 2056 times

How did he put the zipper on by himself ? And if his buddy helped him, then that's two kooks.

[saltydog]

Haha. Man, the wetsuits these days are so flexible. I guess he didn't get a clue from the knee pads? At least he isn't carrying a surfboard with fins on backwards at the same time!

[billie_morini]

Dang, Waiki, You are a venerable encyclopedia!

Billie

you should do a google search on 'sheico' - its quite an amazing story

dtc,
many thanks. I found the history story about Sheico in Forbes magazine to be as interesting as you promised. The link for all to see is provided below. I sure wish I was smart like the founder and his prodigy.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesasia/2014/08/27/taiwans-sheico-group-dominate-in-water-sports/#3ca6d4b23d40

[billie_morini]

Haha. Man, the wetsuits these days are so flexible. I guess he didn't get a clue from the knee pads? At least he isn't carrying a surfboard with fins on backwards at the same time!

Salty,
I saw a backward wetsuit one time. I was on the Condor Express out of the Santa Barbara harbor one day. You and other forum mates may have heard this regularly takes people whale watching; to hike the Channel Islands; and to take scuba, snorkelers, SUPs, and kayakers out to the Channel Island bays. I was on board to either hike the island or SUP some coves. A large group was suiting up to engage in something other. A fit woman in late 50's / early 60's surfaced on deck with a backward wetsuit. It kinda made sense because she never wore one in her life. Her group guide quietly explained it to her and she received the information with a big laugh. A few minutes later, she appeared "right way around." It was a pleasant, light hearted moment, even though the knee pads originally were on the back of her knees.

[RinkyDink]

So I was talking to the clerk at the Rip Curl outlet near me and she tells me I can pick out my suit a week before their blow out sale of last year's models, put the suit on hold for a week or two before the sale, and then come in and buy it on the day of the sale. That sounded like a good plan. I haven't gone in to try on wetsuits yet, but I have noticed that a lot of wetsuits are moving to zipless entry/exit systems. Anybody, have experiene with these zipless (velcro or something) wetsuits. Are they similar chest zip wetsuits? Are they easy to get out of?

[waikikikichan]

I have noticed that a lot of wetsuits are moving to zipless entry/exit systems. Anybody, have experiene with these zipless (velcro or something) wetsuits. Are they similar chest zip wetsuits? Are they easy to get out of?

I have the Ripcurl F-bomb zipfree and a Hurley Fusion chest zip. It is harder to get in and out of the zipfree. But the freedom of movement ( especially in your back ) is way way much better than a Back Zip.

[Oldie]

I have an E Bomb 3/2 zipfree and am very happy with it. No problem at all in getting in or out.

[RinkyDink]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try the zipless and see whether I like it. I find I don't really get cold in a 4/3 around here so I'm not too worried about the ability of the suit to keep me warm. What I'm focused on is finding a wetsuit with the least amount of hassle. I'm leaning toward finding a back zip because my shoulder is tired of the Houdini strait-jacket routine after every surf session.

[waikikikichan]

Looks like you'll be stuck with the lower end Dawn Patrol series if you need a back zip.

[RinkyDink]

Looks like you'll be stuck with the lower end Dawn Patrol series if you need a back zip.

Yeah, I'll have to see what's available and find the best compromise. I might love the zipless. We'll see.

[saltydog]

A fit woman in late 50's / early 60's surfaced on deck with a backward wetsuit. It kinda made sense because she never wore one in her life.

I suppose a wetsuit looks more like a flight suit than a dress

[jaffa1949]

Both Ripcurl and Billabong are made in the same wetsuit factory - Sheico. Fit might be a tad different, so if you liked Ripcurl, stay with them. I also have the Flashbomb, it's amazing how much faster it dries and lighter to pack back home.

Dang, Waiki, You are a venerable encyclopedia!

Are you saying he is a Funk and Wagnells? BILLY!