Wetsuit decision discussion for the Winter lads

[jago25_98]

I got first proper wetsuit to buy, though I've bought 2 in the past I've outgrown one every 2 years due to bodybuilding.

So even more than usual I have to get the best possible deal.

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What is better:

1) A wetsuit that fits brilliantly because it's custom made

or

2) A wetsuit that may fit quite well but is definately good?

I've noticed people buying online without even trying them on. It's often £100+ cheaper than in the shops.
I purely want my money to go as far as possible - that means not spending silly money (frankly £200+) on a suit and yet also not getting something that doesn't fit or breaks quick.

Which wetsuit give you the most super-stretch neoprene for the money?

I've noticed you can get custom suits made in the U.S for off-the-peg UK prices so it's clear that suits are a little on the expensive side.

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What I believe I've found so far in my research for those interested:

- I feel the most important new feature is the ultra-stretchy new neoprene. There are other features but I rekon this is the most important.

- you got to make sure it doesn't pull on your neck like the one I have at the moment; your breathing is vital in surfing
- likewise you don't want it pulling on your chest

- ...and no loose lumber slack around your lower back
- and to be sure the legs aren't going to ride up

- I haven't been impressed with durability. There is a certain type of neoprene that is a joke and yet is sometimes used on £150ish suits - it's slicker as part of the neoprene rather than a smooth surface glued on.

Questions to figure out:

1) Is a 3mm suit with boots,gloves and hood enough for winter?

2) Can you wear a 5/7mm suit in the summer in UK conditions?

3) Let's not be an idiot consumer and think `How am I gona repair this when it breaks?`

4) Where are the online reviews? Even curve magazine didn't give ratings so it was really just an advert.

Lots to think about!

[drowningbitbybit]

What is better:
1) A wetsuit that fits brilliantly because it's custom made or
2) A wetsuit that may fit quite well but is definately good?

Doesnt matter whether its custom or off the peg - it has to fit perfectly to be any use in winter.

I've noticed people buying online without even trying them on. It's often £100+ cheaper than in the shops.

Only do this if you've tried the exact same suit on in a shop. Sizes of different manufacturers vary hugely.

I purely want my money to go as far as possible - that means not spending silly money (frankly £200+) on a suit and yet also not getting something that doesn't fit or breaks quick.

Spending the cash on a winter wetsuit isnt silly money. You pays your money, you takes your choice.
A 'cheap' wetsuit will leave you frozen and miserable in a very short space of time. £200 will pay for a decent suit. You can get some top-spec suits a bit cheaper, but not much.

Which wetsuit give you the most super-stretch neoprene for the money?

I find the rip-curl elasto suits pretty good in that respect (cue dozens of people disagreeing!)

I've noticed you can get custom suits made in the U.S for off-the-peg UK prices so it's clear that suits are a little on the expensive side.

Snugg do custom suits for not too much money.

1) Is a 3mm suit with boots,gloves and hood enough for winter?

No.

2) Can you wear a 5/7mm suit in the summer in UK conditions?

No.

3) Let's not be an idiot consumer and think `How am I gona repair this when it breaks?

`

Wetsuits are disposable. Obviously you want them to last as long as possible, and they can be made to last several seasons, but generally I'd expect to replace the suit every one-two years depending on how often you surf.

The single most important thing is fit, so if you cant afford a custom then you need to be in a shop trying out the suits and seeing which one fits you best.

[surf patrol]

Getting a good wetsuit is essential for cold water - stump up and pay money for a good one. You'll really feel the benefit in those mid winter months.
You should get more than two seasons out of a good quality wettie if you look after it - even if you are surfing every day throughout winter (you wish ).

Totally agree with drowningbitbybit that if you are buying an off the rack suit off the net you must know your exact size. Try them on in the shop and make a note of the size you are after - then get it cheap online.

[PapaW]

Try lots on in the shops checking for a flush fit on the chest and the lower back (when lying down) thats the main places to ensure a good fit.

Then find the one you want and look online to save money! :)

If your lanky and skinny like me then you'll find most will bag on the chest. Got round this with one of the all elastomax suits in size small. still not a perfect fit as it starts to ride up after an ahour of surfing. so I'll be going back to a custom suit when this ones dead.