in desperate need of help on wetsuit choice!

[sebastiansurfer]

i surf on the gulf coast of florida where its around 65 F or 18 C
but also on the east coast where it is around 55 F or 13 C

im looking at the rip curl

Rip Curl Classic 4/3

or the billabong
Billabong Revolution 4/3



which would you say is more durable?
and as for stretchyness and warmth,which will perform better?
please reply asap
thanks a million

[RJD]

The one that fits best.

[sebastiansurfer]

i cant try them on though
i have to go with what i see

[drowningbitbybit]

Dont buy one til you've tried them on. Full stop.

[sebastiansurfer]

gotcha
i found a place that could get me a billabong if i didnt like their rip curl
what would you guys say looks more durable?

[RJD]

You realy want a 4/3 for those conditions though?

I usualy leave my 4/3 untill its less than 12 or so, prolly get into my 3/2 when its 10-11+ (with boots, and possibly rash vest on underneath).

[sebastiansurfer]

im not completely sure
cause those are the average temperatures
and by rash vest u just mean average rash guard?

[RJD]

more like a neoprene top.

Out water temps go from 18-20 in summer to 7-8 in winter or so I usualy change over at around 10-11 degrees.

[myate]

here in the n-west of ireland, at best its 14 degrees in summer, early autumn and it's a 3/2 and I never feel the cold. In winter then it drops to as low as 6 ( I think) then its 5/3 or 5/4.
I'd go with a 3/2 more flexibility and if you feel a chill, get a rashie or thermal rashie for underneath.

[sebastiansurfer]

good point
this is another rip curl but its a 3/2 and seems to be just as good as a 4/3

3/2mm Men's Core Fireskin

[essex sucks]

i just got a ripcurl core but a 5/3 as its cold here and its a good suit but yeah go try them on first see how they fit

[sebastiansurfer]

will do

[Sillysausage]

does it have to be one of those makes for a certain reason?

[sebastiansurfer]

they seem to be the best priced and highest quality
plus most of my friends and surf shops reccomentd them
but im definately open to whatever
whichevers warmest and most durable i want

[sebastiansurfer]

would a 4/3 be too thick for these temps ?
im nervous about goin from the 3/2 to a 4/3 higher quality?
they say there for around 45-50 degrees F so idk how itd be in 65 degree weather?

[Sillysausage]

it's up to you if you want a 4/3 or 3/2 depending on how you feel the cold. i can put up with a 3/2 in pretty cold weather and water but it's nice and warm in the thicker suit. the 3/2 is more likely to be more durable and therefore easyer to paddle in.

i think you should have a look at xcel suits as well as this is the best suit i've had so far and the suit is really warm and durable. although the other makes are well known and have some good reviews as well as bad ones the same as all makes.

[sebastiansurfer]

ill take a looksee

[jon.biarritz]

I bought a Rip Curl E3 E-Bomb 4/3 for 280 euros a month ago and really didn't like the way it feels. So much so that I ended up buying another 4/3 two weeks later, a Body Glove Vapor 4/3 in the same price range (except I got a deal and paid 240 euros instead of 290) that I like much better, way more comfortable and it even looks cooler. I still have that Rip Curl but don't use it....

The top of the line Excel, Body Glove and O'Neill suits are what other surfers I know who have lots of suits pretty much recommend. My impression is that the Thai-made suits are much better than the Chinese-made ones. Usually the more expensive models in each brand are Thai and the lower-end ones are Chinese.