the ol looking for good wettie thread

Does the Oneill 4x3 have taped seams ?

my ONeil Psycho lasted just year...for the price they should last at least two me thinks

Last winter my Psycho Freak started to fall apart after two surfs. Admittedly I bought it over a year before using it, but it had never even been taken out of the bag the lady put it in at the surf shop where I bought it. You could tell from the photos and details I emailed to O’Neill Australia that it was obviously still new. They just said warranty is only for 12 months so I would have to get repaired at my expense. It cost about $600, was only used twice (at the time I contacted them wanting it repaired) and they didn’t care enough to back their product. After a few weeks I replaced it with a Need Essentials wetsuit and I’m glad I did.

Had Psycho and Mutant from O'Neil, taped seams on both. Mutant 5/4 good for about 2 hours with water at 5C and wind chill -5C if you keep busy. Lasted a couple of years.

Have a 4/3 Vissla which is still going strong after a year of regular use, great quality for the price. For mid-winter Vicco I have a 5/4 Xcel Drylock which is insanely good (check Magicseaweed sales, mine was close to half price)

I have to add to this- had an O'Neill Psycho 3 4/3, bought on the strength of the online reviews. I reckon O'Neill must have somehow slipped their own reviews in there masquerading as satisfied customers. Worst wetsuit I've ever bought and one of the most expensive. Barely got a season out of it (and I only wear a 4/3 on the shoulder seasons, most of the time I'm in a 5 mil) before it literally self-destructed. I had a Billabong Solution Platinum, wish they'd bring that one back, that was perfect, comfortable, long lasting and warm. BTW, the O'Neill was nowhere near as warm as a 4/3 should be.

I now wear Patagonia R wetsuits and they're really good but a bit pricey.

BTW, not to totally bag out O'Neill, their Mutant booties are awesome, really warm and comfy. And on the flipside, barely get a season out of Patagonia R5 gloves, their gloves let them down but their wetties are top-notch.

You lot are making me cold just talking about these wetsuits.

Some 5 x 4 mm steamers on sale for $260
2mm peaked hood - $20

Surfing mid-winter in Vicco you really need internally taped and externally sealed seams. The xcel drylock is essentially water proof, you stay dry inside and the lining inside warms you up further with friction. My previous older model Patagonia 5/4 didn't have the external sealing and was seeping in water after a few months (new models have external sealing now). I don't mind the attached hood, you get use to it and you can still surf with it pulled off your head too

I got through Winter in 3/2 by needessentials. Cheapest youll find but really aint that bad. Ill probably get a fresh one for this winter. I also use there 2/2 for summer.

No worries with a built in hood, lessens flushing as well. Doesn't eliminate flushing but much better than a seperate hood and as mentioned above, if you get too warm you can pull the hood down. Having said that, a mate has a 5mm O'Neill with seperate hood or neck bits so it's interchangeable, best of both worlds.

I'm on to my third season in a Patagonia R4 with built in hood, our winters are long and very cold (snow on the beach cold, below zero windchills) and I'm pretty right with the exception of the coldest days. The only water getting in seems to be a couple of pin holes around the knees, so I reckon I'll buy another one of those. Had a pretty good run with this one. Also, no real issues with flex, I'd rather lose a tiny bit of flex rather than sacrifice warmth and longevity.

What I have learned from the north sea - some of the coldest waters out there:

O'Neill Psycho is fine, just look after it. I got three seasons out of mine. Rise your bloody wetsuits.

New Patagonia are odd sizing and so difficult to get in and out of I sold my near new one. And they do not 'eventually give more'. There are still issues with flexibility. However, they are strong and last.

Rip Curl - fall apart.

I now only wear Yamamoto neoprene. The difference in stretch and warmth is incredible. Not even the same ballpark. Thinner is warmer than thicker other neoprene. And it does not absorb water so stays light.

Best brands: Isurus , Feral, Seventh Wave.

Aye bit fresh at big o clif. Over the worst now though, beautiful this morning.

Vissla 7 seas 4/3 is worth considering

My Vissla 4/3 was super comfy, but flushed like crazy. Started falling apart after a year, too.

Whey Aye. Who you? lol.

I’ve been using Need wetsuits and boardies for the last few years. All good, no complaints but it’s only 3/2mm . I’d say the thicker ones are good value for money too.

I've used O'Neill Psychos for 10 years or more. I have two 4/3s and 3/2. I only use the 4/3s in the depth of winter and one must be 3-4 winters old now but still is good. I also have O'Neill summer suits that are so old I can't remember whether they are 3/2 or 2 mill but they still do the job. The 3/2 is new and is my first ever chest zip wettie, love it. I always rinse in cold water and dry in the shade. Oh, I get them for a real good price from overseas.

What sizing are the Need suits compared to the big brands, say will a large in a Needs be the same as a large Oneil suit?
cheers

Need are pretty much the same as other brands . I’ve always worn a large and my Need size L is perfect

The Need Essentials are good for the $ but no where near as warm as xcel, ripcurl high end models. Xcel revolt or drylock, Rip curl flashbomb, cant go wrong with either. Keep the receipt for warranty and you have nothing to worry about.
Attached hoods are a pest unless you are in tassie or something. Sepperate hood is the go for Vic on the colder winter days.

O'Neill are slightly larger in the chest.

Arzen are good value warm and flexible. They are doing a 4/3 now too.

Patagonia and Adelio are the goods. well built warm and most of all they last. they are both made of the limestone neoprene and it seems good 2-3 years in
i got sick of replacing leaky wetties every year.
a friend pointed out that the smooth skin neoprene wetsuits dont last as they get minor tears and nicks in them. the wetsuits made of all neoprene do last longer.
i like a removable good quality hood as i feel it gives me options

The Patagonia steamers look too warm for Sydney winters.

I wear Patagonia and I dont think they are too warm for Sydney winters. I have R1, R2 and R3 and are progressively worn according to the time of year. The R3 are for when the water drops and the wind is SW, yes they are tighter than the other brands but they use closed cell neoprene, they last and keep me warm

My body locks up if I get cold so I am happy being warm

Been through all the brands and worked in a surf shop and got to see what comes back and what doesnt

Needs are the best value for money now and I liked the look and feel of Adelio but havent worn one yet

Separate. For some reason many 5/4 have hoods attached. Get my Xcel 5/4's from Europe and on rare occasions wear a separate Quiksilver hoodie which has a "dickie' that tucks under nicely. Had the hoodie for a few years and still going strong. Wash and store your wetsuits in a plastic or mylar bag, stops the plasticizer evaporating when no in use for long periods and stay all soft and rubbery like new.
Have a Need essentials 4/3 now into 2nd season and going strong. Special chest and back section keeps very warm.

Well my dog chewed my 4/3 Vissla up the other day so good excuse for an upgrade. Ordered a Rip Curl E-bomb 5/4/3 for under $300aud delivered on MSW

I've been using an Isurus 232 for the last 3 winters in Sydney and the South Coast. I wanted to give a small scale wettie manufacturer a go and haven't regretted it. Its a quality suit, well made, light and dries quickly. It feels tight on, but good to paddle in. Best of all its showing minimal signs of wear or stretch and still keeps me warm!

'Wash and store your wetsuits in a plastic or mylar bag, stops the plasticizer evaporating when no in use for long periods and stay all soft and rubbery like new.'

How do you store your wetty 'surfing cronulla' ? What are the bags you have recommended for storage can you explain further?

Yes please some more info on that.

JK8, I wonder if you could comment on the fit/sizing of your Isurus?

I'm tempted to buy an I-Elite 43, but I fall between sizes at 6'1 x 175 (185 x 80kg). Curious to hear whether they run short/long/tight/whatev.

Look. First things first.

Gary clearly misunderstood the tone of this discussion from the forum topic.

Instead of finding someone looking for a good 'wettie' (who are a dime a dozen on CraigsList), he has stumbled across a vocal group of rubber enthusiasts; a much harder club to find and usually hidden deep in suburbia.

Today, friends of Gary, is a good day.

With the seasons changing, Gary is also considering squeezing into a bit of thicker rubber to keep himself warm (well, the covered parts anyway). Gets a bit chilly down in the dungeon.

He's never been a fan of the permanently attached hood. Aside from not being able to replace it if the cue-ball-muzzle gets stretched, it can be whipped over without prior discussion, making it hard for your partner to hear the safe word.

How pertinent G-Love, I've always wondered if you had a permanently attached hood or if the brit milah had got in there.

Google it :)

Anti-semites...

It's hard work finding a good suit. I'm not into paying $600 bucks for a wetsuit...
A mate of mine got an Arzen, I was impressed and got a 3:2 as well. It's got this airated panel on the front and back and its super warm and flexible.. And they do a 12 mth warranty so I can relax - $220. Thanks internet

I've got an Excel comp infinity 3/2 thats warm enough for the non windy days mid winter in Vicco and a couple or 4/3 Quicksilver Highlines...they usually last 2-3 winters...when one is getting near the end I just buy a new one of the ebay store when they are on sale..I found Patagonia suits to tight through the shoulders...my wife has a needs suit and she loves it

4/3 Need Essentials is holding up for 2nd year. Back/front seems to be 5mm and extra warm. 5/4 Xcel Axis from UK for $240 been great this winter though. 2nd year also, a few minor seam repairs and neck splits using by M Essentials Neoprene Glue which does the trick but had to import $30 for 60ml tube.. That Artflex wettie glue not even close, not recommended.

Anyone tried an Independant SurfCo wetty?

Yeah I got one.
a 4/3.
it's a very solid suit, built like a tank. That fuzzy interior stuff, all sealed seams. Good rubber, maybe not the most buttery but I haven't compared to other suits.

way, way too warm for here .....I rock it once or twice a year for dawn patrols.

I think would make a good vicco suit.

Yesterday was my 6 or 7th time in a Isurus wetsuit. Not 1 bad thing to say about it. Infact, its getting better the more I wear it, which is what they said when I bought it. Slowly moulding to my body the more I wear. Really warm and it's fine to get it and out of.

Pricey ! ..would want to be the greatest suit you have ever worn.

I can vouch for need essentials equipment. Been using a 4/3 all winter in Victoria and it still looks and functions as new.

I too can vouch for needs wetsuits, have 3/2 & 4/3 steamers, 2mm Springy, 2mm L/S vest and a singlet vest. All are still in great condition, the steamers are in their third season. Never had a problem with the fit, no rashes. Very happy camper!

BaSz
Sorry for not replying, didn't see comment. Just got new Specsavers, whole new world, last pair lost and been using a very old prescription. My god the spelling errors and typos looking back!
Mylar is best, long lasting and strong. Think they are mainly used to store suits or dress pants and jackets. Hard to find sadly.
The plastic bags that wetties come in, unless bought from a shop hanger, trim close to bottom if sealed and bonus has a label with size and brand.
Any large plastic bag that is not too thin will also do, just make sure the wettie is neatly folded and you can fold over to keep out as much air as possible. Will do at a pinch for storage.
Even a strong trash bag will certainly be better than nothing.