Cold Water Gear - HELP!

[kookRachelle]

Hi guys,

I am injured and plan to head out again in late September/early October here in NYC. I was told that the water is typically low 60s around this time. I have a shortie and separate L/S top/capris for Summer, I have a full 3/2mm as well. Even the full 3/2mm is okay for me and not too hot in 75 degree water.

I was thinking a 5/4mm for October weather even though some say a 4/3mm. Even Xcel's temperature charts say 4/3mm in water that's 50-60 degrees. Is the difference really that big? I'd love to have the option to go out in December as well (possibly, if I'm nuts) and not have to buy yet another suit.

I'm also looking at booties (5mm split toe) and gloves (3mm 5 fingers). For the 5/4mm wetsuit I was thinking of this one that is hooded with a front zip (I heard less flushing).

This is what I'm considering... it's a bit expensive I think for $367 total - or is this typical? My 3/2mm full suit was $130:
https://www.xcelwetsuits.com/shop/product/surf/womens-infiniti-tdc-hooded-54?color=BLX&size=6
https://www.xcelwetsuits.com/shop/product/surf/youth-womens-infiniti-split-toe-3mm?color=BGR&size=6
https://www.xcelwetsuits.com/shop/product/surf/5mm-drylock-5-finger?color=BLK&size=XXS

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

[BaNZ]

http://magicseaweed.com/Long-Island-West-Surfing/276/

The sea temperature dips between Oct/Nov. I remember I was wearing 4/3 and also 5/3 during that time. Yes 5mm and 4mm makes a huge difference. Gloves, hoodies and boots is a must. Go to surfdome and check out the wetsuits. The more expensive ones are more flexible but I don't see why paying that much money when you will soon be buying a wetsuit for all temperature.

I got 6, 5,4,3, and 2mm wetsuits. Also a shorty and a shorty john. Once you're hooked, you're really hooked and there's no stopping. Actually I haven't taken the 6mm out as it is way too cold during the winter in NYC. I've been out when it was snowing and 5mm was manageable.

[kookRachelle]

Great, thanks!

Would a wetsuit with a hood be better than a separate? Would turtle/lobster gloves or mittens be better than the 5 finger variety? I cycle and know the lobster gloves are amazing but I worry about troubles handling my board if I opt for these since I'm a newbie.

Great website, thank you!!

What's your opinion on O'Neill vs Xcel, etc. Or is it all basically the same and just preference? My 3/2mm is an O'Neill but Xcel seems like great quality.

[BoMan]

I wear a 5/4 Rip Curl back zip in the winter when the water hovers around 50 degrees and it’s kept me comfortable for up to 3 hours. The only feature to add in my next suit will be a flush guard like the one pictured.

More things to consider:

Backzips can limit the stretch along your back (zippers cannot flex) which may affect your paddling and maneuverability. The chest zip takes that zipper and puts it on an area of the wetsuit where stretch is less important. This is a not factor for me because I ride with a quiet upper body.

Getting a good fit is important and I notice the Xcel site does not allow returns or exchanges. Consider a source that has a flexible policy or a surf shop that will allow you to try them on before you buy.

[kookRachelle]

Excellent, thank you! I am actually in the market for the front zip 100% because of the less flushing. Didn't know about the paddling thing but makes perfect sense. My 3/2 is a back zip whereas my separate top is a front zip and I don't notice much of a difference, but they are both thinner.

I'll check out the surf shop I bought my board at, but didn't see anything thicker there the last time I went. I saw the XCEL wetsuit other places online with free shipping return policies but they are a good $150-200 more expensive.

Lastly, what do you think of the attached vs. separate hood and the 5 finger vs. 2 or 3 finger gloves. I would think the attached hood would keep more water out - is that true?

Good point on XCEL's website. I do know I'm a consistent and perfect size 6 in Roxy and O'Neill, though I suppose I could have just gotten lucky.

[BaNZ]

I bought a separate hood. Reason for this is because you can mix match the hood with other wetsuits. But I kinda wished I bought an attached one, cos sometimes it comes loose and the water goes back down your neck and it's the coldest thing ever. Also I forget to bring my hood sometimes!

For gloves, I would get 5 finger. I got a web one and I can't even paddle due to too much resistantce. It just felt very odd and I feel like I'm paddling slow. Also having your fingers helps getting out of wetsuit and carrying things.

[saltydog]

Is your 3/2 flat lock stitched or sealed seam? That would make a huge difference in warmness. I can only stand down to 65 degree in my oneill flat lock suit partly it's one size too big for me. I have a 4/3 xcel infiniti chest zip that I can wear down to 54 degree with 3mm booties alone. It gets too warm once the water temp hits around 58 degree. My entry level oneill 4/3 suit is too cold around 60 degree. That one doesn't have good seal but moreover it doesn't fit my body shape right even in the correct size so too loose in some areas while too tight in others that are tearing at the seam prematurely. So the construction of the wetsuit affects the level comfort temp-wise. Another important point is the fit. Each brand is cut differently due to the dirrefent body shapes they model after. Xcel and probably rip curl fit me well with as a short and wider upper body shape of mine. If you can try them on before purchasing that would be the best.There isn't a lot of discussions on the fit issues of women's wetsuits on the web but here is one:
http://venusgoesgidget.com/2013/05/the-great-wetsuit-survey/ Most widely sold brands have similar bells and whistles on the suits.

As for the hoods, I only have detached ones but if I need a 5/4 I'd just go with the attached hood mostly because very likely I'd go for another xcel suit and the one I'd get only come as a attached hood. I imagine it'd be warmer as well.

[kookRachelle]

Is your 3/2 flat lock stitched or sealed seam? That would make a huge difference in warmness. I can only stand down to 65 degree in my oneill flat lock suit partly it's one size too big for me. I have a 4/3 xcel infiniti chest zip that I can wear down to 54 degree with 3mm booties alone. It gets too warm once the water temp hits around 58 degree. My entry level oneill 4/3 suit is too cold around 60 degree. That one doesn't have good seal but moreover it doesn't fit my body shape right even in the correct size so too loose in some areas while too tight in others that are tearing at the seam prematurely. So the construction of the wetsuit affects the level comfort temp-wise. Another important point is the fit. Each brand is cut differently due to the dirrefent body shapes they model after. Xcel and probably rip curl fit me well with as a short and wider upper body shape of mine. If you can try them on before purchasing that would be the best.There isn't a lot of discussions on the fit issues of women's wetsuits on the web but here is one:
http://venusgoesgidget.com/2013/05/the-great-wetsuit-survey/ Most widely sold brands have similar bells and whistles on the suits.

As for the hoods, I only have detached ones but if I need a 5/4 I'd just go with the attached hood mostly because very likely I'd go for another xcel suit and the one I'd get only come as a attached hood. I imagine it'd be warmer as well.

Amazing resource, thanks!

It doesn't have anything on XCEL but it looks like Roxy and O'Neill are both good for bigger chests, and O'Neill for athletic bodies (I'm a bit of both). That would explain them fitting me perfectly! I looked at XCEL again and they do offer returns "economy shipping" so that's a plus. We shall see. I really like this suit but fit is paramount. The hood and chest zip are key.

My O'Neill 3/2 is flat locked stitch and I've only experienced water in the 70s thus far in terms of surfing, so I hope I can get as much as possible out of a 5/4. I am seeing they make thicker ones - that's kind of nuts!

Thanks again for your help - it's good to get a female's perspective!

[kookRachelle]

I bought a separate hood. Reason for this is because you can mix match the hood with other wetsuits. But I kinda wished I bought an attached one, cos sometimes it comes loose and the water goes back down your neck and it's the coldest thing ever. Also I forget to bring my hood sometimes!

For gloves, I would get 5 finger. I got a web one and I can't even paddle due to too much resistantce. It just felt very odd and I feel like I'm paddling slow. Also having your fingers helps getting out of wetsuit and carrying things.

Makes sense on the hood and gloves, thanks! I'm always forgetting and dropping things!