Surfing Waves

I'm currently looking for a new wetsuit since my old RipCurl Dawn Patrol got one too many holes. The problem is that it was my first wetsuit and it's way too big (XL) - so I have little idea how a good wetsuit should fit.

I could get a sweet deal on a RipCurl Flashbomb, so I ordered an L and an MT. (I'm landlocked and don't have any shops around where I live.) I'm 183cm (6ft) and 79kg (174lbs) which puts me at the upper end of the MT and the lower end of the L according to the size charts.

Around the waist the L could be a bit tighter but neck, arms and legs fit perfectly. With the MT the fit around my waist is better, but man, it's super tight around the neck and wrists, and quite the struggle to get into. The first time I tried on the MT I couldn't get out without someone helping.

So my question is this: Does anyone own a recent Ripcurl Flashbomb and can tell me if the cuffs and neck stretch out much? Otherwise I would probably stick with the L and just live with a bit of flap around the belly while sitting on the board.

Something we all learned in science class, Heat expands / Cold contracts. When your try on a wetsuit in a surfshop or in your living room, you're probably more "expanded" than "contracted". And when you're in the cold ocean water, you'll probably be shrink down a bit. That said, water is also a lubricant.

You asked "if Rip Curl flash bombs stretch much", which the material does. You can fill you leg up with water to look like Popeyes arms. What doesn't give much is the sealant and seams at the ankle and wrist. ( I own a 3/2mm and 4/3mm F-Bomb Zipfree )

Two things I'll recommend.
1) Use a tiny plastic bag to stick your hand in and then push thru the arm, Same for your foot thru the legs.

2) Put the wetsuit on and then squat down super tight, wrapping your arms around your shins ( like doing a cannon ball into the pool ). If you can't get all the way down or you feel / hear stitches popping, it's too small.