Winter Wetsuit

[Dantastic1985]

hi All,

I currently have a 2 yr old Gul 5/3 profile suit which I wear over a thermal long sleeved rashie and built in hood. Its pretty basic but so far has yet to leave me cold. Im thinking about getting a newer one for Jan/Feb next year when the water drops to 6ish degrees (North Sea Scarborough).

I have looked at some between £150-£300+. Is there that much difference in suit, i.e is a £150 5/4/3 chest zip suit half as good as a £300 5/4/3 chest zip suit?

Im hoping to spend around £200 but dont want to go overboard on a suit for £2-250 when £150 would have been fine.

Especially as my little £90 Gul Profile has kept me warm so far in as low as 8 degrees....

Cheers

Dan

[esonscar]

Dude . . . If your current suit is good enough as you say, why change ?!

[Dantastic1985]

I know what your saying. What I dont want though is to get in the sea in Jan and have to get out after 10 mins because it feels like Im dying! Plus it is 2 years old and the seam on one of my legs is deffo on its way out. I would also like a chest zip.

[Dantastic1985]

Guys any feed back on either an X Flex 5/4/3 chest zip or an E-bomb 5/4/3 chest zip?

[Wetstuff]

Dan, Have you had a chest zip? I've read where they are easy-entry/exit but not much fun to paddle with as the ends are too near your pits.

One of the most respected, high end brands in the U.S. is Matuse. They may be a little pricey but they have free Intl. shipping before 25 Dec. I got a 2mm full ..2011 inventory on sale for US$250. No free shipping on the discounted suits (look under 'Vintage'), but a $100 markdown easily covers it. The people who have them rave about them.

Jim

[Dantastic1985]

Hi mate,

Never tried a chest zip. Bought an xflex chest zip so well soon see how it goes!

[Rickyroughneck]

If you are willing to put in a bit of time and a few quid for materials, buy a litre of liquid latex, a paint brush and get your hands on a small needle + some thread.

Sew up any holes and paint the latex over where you sew. Decant the latex first and you might want to add some water too give you more time before it dries.

If your seams are leaky (even glued + blind stitched seams can get that way) then just paint over them several times with liquid latex and your suit will be water tight again.

It will look like a horse has jizzed over your wetsuit but if you aren't concerned with looks then it could save you many bob. Some people add black dye to the latex to make it blend in but that seems to me like too much effort.


Edit -> Another tip, if you are concerned with water entering through a back zip then get a can of silicone lubricant (it is water repellent), the stuff for bikes works well, the thicker the better. Spray it over the zip and it should make it more water tight.

[libeccio]

oneill mutant hooded 5.3 ...the best compromise between price and quality. Really warm...

[Dantastic1985]

Thought I'd feedback on my excel suit. Mega hot. 3 hours in the north Sea and im still warm.

[esonscar]

[surf patrol]

That's good going at this time of year.