Buying a wetsuit - talk to a numpty.

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Buying a wetsuit - talk to a numpty.

61 posts & 33 voices | Started 11 months ago by deadlydarcy | Latest reply from spaddywaddy

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deadlydarcy - Member

I know there are many surfers here.

Don't really want to have to hire them any more, but I know very little about them. Looking at prices, they vary wildly from £30 to super expensive. It would be for occasional body boarding/surfing/bit of sea kayaking etc. I'm not planning on doing anything in early spring/late autumn and certainly won't be going anywhere near the sea in winter

What do more expensive ones offer that cheaper ones don't? Isn't neoprene the same no matter what the brand?

I wouldn't be spending any more than around the £100 mark I suppose. I'm not that committed a watersports guy but would like my own wetsuit to take to the seaside in case the mood takes me when I'm there.

Posted 11 months ago #
jam bo - Member

fit and flexibility.

I bought a new wetsuit last summer and was amazed at how far technology has moved on since I last bought one. this thing is paper thin, super flexible and really warm.

Cost me just over £100 for a West Lotus 3/2 in a sale.

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

3/2

Embarrassingly, I've seen these figures in the ads and know not what they mean

EDIT: Oh, are they thicknesses?

Posted 11 months ago #
simon_g - Member

Thickness. If there's more than one thickness, it'll usually be thicker on the torso (3mm in that case) than on the extremities (2mm).

Worth a look in Decathlon if you have one nearby. I got one for warm weather diving, the odd bit of wakeboarding or kayaking and general arsing about in the water for about £50 and it's doing me fine.

Posted 11 months ago #
jam bo - Member

3mm on the chest/body. 2mm on the arms/legs.

I've been wearing that since the beginning of april. Bit nippy but bearable. I'll wear it until the end of october.

Posted 11 months ago #
aracer - Member

fit and flexibility.

That, multi thicknesses, and not all neoprene is the same.

If it's for summer occasional use only, cheap should be fine.

Posted 11 months ago #
philconsequence - Member

i'm not a wetsuit owner so i cant comment on that part, but i imagine its not the cheapest thing to buy.... but one thing i'd consider is size and if you're on a diet or anything? i dont know if wetsuits are stretchy if you put on or lose weight?

i could spend loads replacing my riding gear that doesnt fit anymore, but have had to be sensible and tell myself to wait until i'm down to my target!

Posted 11 months ago #
headfirst - Member

My decathlon shortie (short sleeved arms and short-length legs) has done me proud for summer windsurfing and surfing for about 5 years. Something similar would suit (no pun intended) your needs. A 3/2 will do the job.

Its only worth spending serious money on a good winter wetsuit.

EDIT: damn my slow typing, by the time I'm finished everyone else has weighed in with the same points and I look like a repetitve numpty!!

Posted 11 months ago #
bravohotel8er - Member

Does anyone else wear a 5/3 year round?

Can't be bothered with owning two wetsuits.

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

That, multi thicknesses, and not all neoprene is the same.
If it's for summer occasional use only, cheap should be fine.

What are the differences aracer? By "cheap" what would you say? Any brands to go for? Are there cheap brands that are as good but without the name?

Its only worth spending serious money on a good winter wetsuit.

I like the sound of this

Posted 11 months ago #
sharkbait - Member

As said above, the more you pay generally the better the fit and the more flexible the neoprene.
The theory behind a wetsuit is that it lets a small amount of water in which is then heated by your body and it generally stays there. So, you want a good [tight] fit so you don't have water flowing in and out of the suit - which is cold. The latest neoprenes are very flexible and help get good fit.
Another thing to look at is the stitching - normal/cheap stitching goes straight through the neoprene and allows water to flow in and out (so again, cold) while blind stitching does not penetrate right through the neoprene so theres less places for water to get in.
Zips: the longer the zip the more water can get in. I bought a suit about 12 months ago which is very flexible and does not have a zip at all - you climb in though the neck which seems odd but is very comfy and warmer.
You get what you pay for up to a point (after that advertising/sponsorship takes over).

DD: if you're looking at summer use only I'd go with a 3/2 shortie (short arms and legs). and defo try before you buy - nothing worse than a badly fitting wetsuit.

Posted 11 months ago #
rocketman - Member

Does anyone else wear a 5/3 year round?
Have a 5/3 Ripcurl steamer from a few years ago and once you're in the sea it's fine no matter what time of year. Rather warm for walking to/from the sea tho.

Also have an Xcel 4/3 which is better in every way except ultimate warmth.

OP: more panels = better fit/flexibility but requires more stitching and more gluing and more ££££

Posted 11 months ago #
headfirst - Member

As said twice now (pay attention lad!) get thee to thine nearest decathlon!

I would definitely NOT buy online btw, as a good fit is essential. An ill-fitting wetsuit is worse than no wetsuit at all.

Posted 11 months ago #
scruff - Member

I wear my winter suit in the summer after my summer suit fell apart. If you get too hot you can undo the zip a bit. The sea's still cold in April.

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

get thee to thine nearest decathlon!

Ok, ok!!

Posted 11 months ago #
bigsurfer - Member

A 3/2 wetsuit or a shorty (short arms and legs) are what you are after. I would recomend a 3/2 for the boadyboarding / surfing and messing about in the sea but a shorty might be better for kayaking as it will give you much more freedom of arm movement for rowing. Either will probably be fine.

Fit is the most important thing and each brand has a slightly different size and shape so you will just have to try a few on first. As for Sea temperature from now until November a 3/2 will be fine the sea temperature is a good few months behind the air temperature peaks in September and and stays nice and warm all autumn by comparison it is at its coldest in March.

More money normaly gets more panels and more superstretchy neoprene which has made all wetsuits much more flexible.

Posted 11 months ago #
joemarshall - Member

Expensive wetsuits can also be specialised towards particular uses, eg. swimming ones, which are pretty expensive (worst thing is winter swimming suits, think 400 quid upwards) .

Posted 11 months ago #
jackoinmoss - Member

I would stay away from decathlon if you are really keen and intend to use it allot.

Spending a bit more will mean you only have to buy once.

Have a look on Magic seaweed (they have a surf forum as well) often have good sales.

If you are using it on the coast pay a visit to a specialist shop and try some on. Fit is the really important thing as tons of water sloshing around wont keep you warm nor will to tight and a good shop will help you with this.

Also check second skin and snug if you want to buy British. You can also get there suits repaired instead of having to buy a new one.

Posted 11 months ago #
Creg - Member

I use a 5/3 year round but then its needed surfing in the North East.

If you have a budget of circa £100 then you can't go wrong with a Ripcurl Classic. I have had 3 of them and each one has been brilliant. Its only with my latest suit that I changed to C-Skins as I was surfing more at the time through the winter so wanted something warmer (now use a C-Skins Session 5/3 and its toasty warm)

If you can get to a surf shop then you might be able to pick up one of last years suits at a knock down price. You can also be assured that shop staff will give you the best help in finding a suit that will fit you perfectly. Also have a look at Alder wetsuits and Tiki, both make great suits.

Also be aware that different manufacturers have different fitting styles. I can fit into a M Ripcurl, but need a ML in C-Skins and Alder suits. Bear it in mind if you head into a shop, try one on and then go elsewhere and buy a different suit in the same size.

Posted 11 months ago #
sweepy - Member

winter steamer year round here in Scotland too, Lomo are good value

Posted 11 months ago #
bikebouy - Member

Whooooo can I... please...

So 3/2 deffo thickness, 3mm body (normally coated neo) with 2mm arms/legs.

Right, so you now know about thickness.. 5/3 5mm body, 3mm arms/legs. And so on..

I ain't dissing Decathalon (they'reshi*e) you need to go for someone like GUL or RipCurl and stiched/bonded seams. Make sure the body part of the suit is proper neo' and not just coated crap. It's all about keeping you warm see, wetsuits actually let in water then the body warms the water layer up between you and the suit, once warm it'll keep you that way provided you move around a bit.
It's the not moving around bit you need to worry about, so the standing on the beach/to from the car etc. bits where you'll get cold. You'll deffo get somethign good from GUL for less that £100.00 of yours.

I kite all year and have a 3/2 full arms/legs for summer and 5/3 semi steamer for winter. The water temp during summer is very often bloomin cold so layer up with a thermal rashie under..

Splish Splosh.

Posted 11 months ago #
magowen100 - Member

Thing to look out for in a wetsuit:
Fit is more important than cost - it needs to be tight. I'm usually a medium but in most makes I downsize to a medium short so it's a bit tighter fit but that does mean the stiching tends to go in the stressed areas (gooch/kness/elbows).
Nylon is more hardwearing than lycra - if you're an occasional user and abuser of the wetsuit get a nylon lined one. Its not as flexible as lycra but much harder wearing (my last nylon coated suit lasted over 10yrs).
If you want to test the suit grab the arm and close it off at the shoulder and then blow into the wrist hole. The slower the air leaks out the slower the nice warm water will leak so the better it is.
I've always used a winter suit but I'm a skinny runt so don't have a lot of fat to keep me warm. My recommendation would be a 5/3 as if you're ever too warm in the summer you just grab the neck seal and scoop some water in to cool off. Also the old adage is that it's better to be too hot than too cold plus last years winter suits will be on sale now for silly money.
Finally go to the local shops and try out lots of suits before buying online if thats what you decide to do.
I have the 09 version of this suit and it's fantastic - a news years day dip off the local harbour and my body wasn't cold at all. My head was though!
EDIT: If you have the money then go for one with a zip 'barrier'. It's a piece of neoprene that goes behind the zip (which lets in water) and different companies call it different things but it really helps in keeping you warm.
2nd EDIT: If you try on in a shop ask for two plastic bags for your feet. It makes it loads easier to get in (I always perspire a bit in the changing room and it makes it a pain to get a suit on and off, especially if you're try on loads).

Posted 11 months ago #
sharkbait - Member

I'm usually a medium but in most makes I downsize to a medium short so it's a bit tighter fit

Not really advisable or required with a good fit.

~~Nylon~~ Double lined is more hardwearing than ~~lycra~~ Smoothskin

FTFY there.

Double lined means it has nylon bonded to both the inside and outside - it's not as flexible or warm as the water held by the outer layer of nylon evaporates and cools the suit down. Smoothskin does not hold any water and is therefore warmer.
If you're doing something that involves friction (i.e. lying on a board) you may be better of with a double lined suit as it would probably last longer without getting nicks.
More expensive suits will have a combination of smoothskin and double lined on wear points such as knees and anywhere you're likely to grap the suit to pull it on (i.e. below the knee)

If you have the money then go for one with a zip 'barrier'

In 30 years I've never seen a suit without this flap. If you manage to find one don't even try it on as it will be crap.

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

Great advice there. Thanks all for the tips. The link from magowen looks to have some good value stuff there so cheers for that.

Posted 11 months ago #
barnsleymitch - Member

deadly - what size are you? I've got a rip curl e-bomb (5/3) that I've only used a couple of times, and since we moved back to Yorkshire is now just gathering dust. It's an XL, by the way.

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

XL everywhere but height mate

Posted 11 months ago #
barnsleymitch - Member

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

Short and chubbers I'm afraid! Looking for a Small/Wide is going to be fun

Posted 11 months ago #
The Pilot - Member

I've got a tri one. Use it mostly for swimming outdoors but it's good for surfing too. I'd really recommend a tri one if you want to do any swimming in it.
I've got this one:
http://www.blueseventy.com/products/detail/sprint/
Find it fab, nice and warm, really bouyant, not restrictive at all and it costs around £100 too.
One last thing, they should be borderline uncomfortably tight when you try them on.

Posted 11 months ago #
headfirst - Member

Ok, first off I refer you to my earlier post. If the decathlon sceptics can offer up amy first hand experience to back up their view please present it. I have always owned at least one wetsuit since I was 11, I'm 40 soon.
Don't ask for plastic bags when trying it on you'll look like a dick, just keep your so@cks on.

And to everybody, READ THE OP! He wants a summer suit for occasional use, he's not aiming to get barrelled at thurso mid Feb!

Posted 11 months ago #
B.A.Nana - Member

Does anyone else wear a 5/3 year round?

I wear a 5/3 steamer all year round, although I do have posing rubber for sunny days. Unfortunately, where we ski is a bit exposed and we have to do alot of standing around in wetsuits and driving the boat.

DD You def need to try before you buy and like everyone says it must be quite snug to work properly, particularly at the neck,cuffs, ankles. It should be a little bit difficult to get on. What sort of suit to go for is a bit personal, but like others say, either a 3/2 shorty or 3/2 full suit depending how badly you feel the cold and/or whether you'll be standing around in it alot. I guess it will also depend on where you are going, north or south

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

Are the ones without zips an absolute nightmare to get on and off? I have a small battle every time I take a zipped one off

Posted 11 months ago #
BillMC - Member

I've used a shortie in the summer (abroad) for years and I find it less tiring when paddling than a steamer. However British waters you might find a bit chilly with a short suit.

Posted 11 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

I'm not really considering a shorty tbh. It's got to be full body.

Posted 11 months ago #
magowen100 - Member

Not really advisable or required with a good fit.

The problem is that a good fit in the warmth of a changing room can be very different from the fit in cooler temperature of the sea. I've also had cheaper wetsuits stretch in the first few weeks of use - one (a Sola) stretch so badly it was useless. Though this isn't much of an issue with the better quality neoprene used now.

In 30 years I've never seen a suit without this flap.

Talking about something completely different - I obviously should have made myself clearer.
Some wetsuits have a totally enclosed flap across the back of 1-2mm neoprene so any water that leaks in stays away from the body. The Gul vortex I linked to does as do a few other makes; one of the manufacturers calls it a 'batwing'. The little 5cm zip flap that is found on all cheaper wetsuits was not what I meant and if it didn't have that then yes run a mile....

Don't ask for plastic bags when trying it on you'll look like a dick, just keep your so@cks on.

If you're worried about looking a dick in the privacy of your own changing room you got issues....

Posted 11 months ago #

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