Surfing Waves

Hi all, I want to start surfing again in March or possibly sooner. Water temps range average 40 degrees. I was looking into what mm thickness needed for certain temps, E.G. 39-46 degrees 6/5/4 suit, 44-55 deg 5/4/3 suit, and 53-60 deg 4/3 suit. However the O'Neil Mutant 4/3 claims it is good for 45 degrees and below. Does anyone have experience with this brand or suit? Also I wish to know how long I can wear this through out the seasons before I get overheated. If I could wear this till water temp reaches 64 degrees I would be very happy on saving money.

I did some research on the Oneil Mutant 4/3 Hood and mostly found it is for 47-60 degree water temperatures. So 47 degrees and ABOVE, I don't know where you're getting 45 degrees and Below ? If the average temp is 40, you better get a Mutant 5/4 which a "Water Temp Rating 40-45 degrees and up". Can you use a 5/4 in 60 degree water ? Nope. And if you do feel over-heated, just open the zips and let some water flush in.

Sadly it was local renowned surf shop who posted that information on their website . I think I will shop somewhere else that doesn't have inaccurate information. These places seem to be overpriced and give wrong suggestions about product. Thank you for your help. I was looking at the Superfreak 5/4 as well. My buddy claims that a separate hooded attachment is a bad idea. He was put in a dangerous situation because the hood piece flipped around. Has anyone experienced this?

I have been scanning sites and stores for good wetsuits but can't seem to find enough reviews about the product to know if its worth buying. Open suggestions on what people have bought in the past and why you enjoyed it would be helpful.

In the bike industry they had a Sport , Comp and Pro line of a particular model. Same for wetsuits. I think Ripcurls lower end is the Dawn Patrol and upper end is the F-bomb. Xcel, Quiksilver, O'Neil all have their 3 level range. My advice, un-like in surfboards, is to get the best you can afford. But no matter what you get, if you have boney elbows and butt like I have, you're gonna go thru them.
( an a little industry secret --------- most namebrand wetsuits ( except Ripcurl ) are all made in the same factory. It's funny when people say Xcel isn't made as well as Quiksilver, since they're both built at the same place. Though Customer service , bells and whistles differ.

waikikikichan wrote:( an a little industry secret --------- most namebrand wetsuits ( except Ripcurl ) are all made in the same factory. It's funny when people say Xcel isn't made as well as Quiksilver, since they're both built at the same place. Though Customer service , bells and whistles differ.

Sheico - here is a good article about it http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesasia/ ... 94d21169db

although that article only hints at it, one of the things they do to differentiate is to create a new technology and then auction it to the various wetsuit companies with a guaranteed exclusive period (the article mention the flash bomb technology). So even though the same place makes the suits, the suits can have different 'bells and whistles'. That said, the differences between suits in the same grade isnt huge in general (but the differences between grades can be significant)

Great read! If Sheico is manufacturing the best suits in the world and they have contracts with most top line brands I shouldn't stress about which brand to go with. I honestly could care less about brand names. I want to pay for the suit that best benefits me, not because a Pro-surfer uses that brand so it must be good.

Make sure to try it on before you buy, whichever the brand it is. Each brand has a different body shape that they model after. An Iil fitting wetsuit can't keep you warm no matter what bells and whistles it comes with. Personally, Oneill doesn't fit me but works great on my teens. Also, at 45 degree I think I'd definitely need a 5/4 w/ hood since I get chilly easily. Brrrr

illegalsmile wrote:Great read! If Sheico is manufacturing the best suits in the world and they have contracts with most top line brands I shouldn't stress about which brand to go with. I honestly could care less about brand names. I want to pay for the suit that best benefits me, not because a Pro-surfer uses that brand so it must be good.

Don't worry about brand, worry about fit. I have to say, however, that trying on wetsuits is probably one of the things I hate about as much as moving, finding a new job, or the absolute worst torture of them all . . . calling the AT&T customer service line. If you can afford it, think about getting a custom fit wetsuit.

The only thing left to decide is re attachable hood or attached hood. Any experiences between the two?

I've heard about Sheico. They were next to my second home where I've surfed for over a year. Their own branded wetsuit were really cheap but I didn't buy them. Because why would I buy some cheap non branded Taiwanese stuff when I can buy premium branded wetsuit. Just like how I have a gopro and nearly bought a surf watch. You gotta look like a surfer if you can't surf well.....

Back then I was so ignorant.. Not like I surf any better now.

I've had built in hoods before but never a convertible. You mention previously that a friend got into a problem, what was it ? As for me on my 4/3mm, if it's really windy, I use a inner 0.5mm insotherm vest with attached hood.

waikikikichan wrote:I've had built in hoods before but never a convertible. You mention previously that a friend got into a problem, what was it ? As for me on my 4/3mm, if it's really windy, I use a inner 0.5mm insotherm vest with attached hood.

I have not heard back from him yet on what the exact issue was with his convertible hood . I wound up getting a 5/4 Dawn patrol and 5 mil flashbomb booties/gloves. Only issue is I gotta lean out, I'm to bulky! Thought I would be a size large but I could barely fit into a XL. I am right in between XL and XLT. Easier to lose some pounds than gain 10 pounds of muscle.