My last/current wetsuit is an O?Neill Psycho 3 3/2.
It's OK, but I didn't use it much and 2 years in the seam glue started cracking and falling off, now 4 years old panels have started separating (bung hole area).
I'm considering:
C Skins Wired
Rip Curl Flash Bomb
Any views or recommendations?
To my thinking, a $200 suit and a $500 suit are the same but the latter is way warmer and more flexy.
So for me a cheapie is fine as in WA winter, esp windsurfing (not paddling) the $200 ish 3x2 is fine.
I am amazed people spend $500 every second year :-0 but if you need the warm and happy with seams disintegrating, up to u.
So depends if u wanna be warm or roasted? And a PP vest underneath adds a lot, as does a hood / beanie
West and Ripcurl have always been good to me with lifetime warranty on seams but then West was destroyed by idiot new owner (don't get me started)
The materials are all good so I reckon in order-
seam warranty
and then how warm do u need?
then a price based decision
In your list I lean to Ripcurl simply cos with mine I have been able to speak to a real person in australia, post it to them, have them fix it and get it back. In today's world of online "bargains" that service is sadly lacking and u might actually buy from a "surf" company and it turns out to be Fui Hwa Wang Co
Steer clear of Adrenalin Wetsuits....tried ordering one as I thought I would go with a cheapish $150 west suit that was Ozzie owned. Order took over 1 month before I looked into it and the supplier had not bothered sending or notifying me because they had not received it from the wholesaler even though it was listed on their website as being in stock. When I got in touch with Adrenalin, the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing and although they had the order they had not bothered sending it to the retailer....blah blah blah. Excuses the customer doesn't want to hear. Anyway, a long story cut as short as possible, a new retailer then came on board and offered to send the same wetsuit but in a different colour however now the price had jumped by $20.
Now I have the wetsuit and have used it for 4 months and it is not only badly fitting (loose around the lower back), it is also falling apart (and I consistently wash my wetsuits in fresh water). Usually my wetsuits last a good few year.
Wouldn't buy one again. 
Also have a Mystic wetsuit...brilliant. But....every time I wear it the rubber smell of the wetsuit permeates my skin and any clothes I put on once I change out of it. Have to have a decent shower and wash clothes after. 
Really surprised about above post on adrenalin wetsuit, I bought mine via longreef surf co on eBay new @ 77 dollars delivered. 4&3 I think it is. Best fittitting wetsuit I have ever had. Got it two. Business days from order.
Quality looks good to me and in nsw central coast not that cold most of the time. But of course I only just got it so can't put hand on heart about durability. For 77 dollars one per season, which I doubt would happen. Compared to a 3 year O'Neil yr almost even, but u only got two.
edit just looked them up on eBay, looks like 3/2. And for larger sizes they have gone up to 89 dollars
I used to West bcos they were usually the cheapest and appeared just as good. But then I talked myself into trying other brands. Still buy West for the Mrs though ;)
Haven't been impressed with O'Neill, the technobutter neoprene is fine but the seam glue cracking for a $500 wetty is unacceptable.
The reason I like the flashbomb is the fleecy lining... how many times have we struggled to get a damp wetsuit on? The flashbomb supposedly eliminates this issue, but if it falls apart after 4 years with very low use, I'm not handing over my money.
Btw I love my "MATUSE 2103 2MM LS FRONT ZIP JACKET - BLACK" it's been used easy 10x as much as the O'neill and it looks new... maybe a little faded.
Got a Quicksilver Synchro 4/3 off eBay.au and am pretty impressed with it. The new breeds of neoprene are rather nice. I'm using it in around 7 degrees air, and the water is so cold I wish I could have been bothered bending down to put booties on but but the time my feet go numb, I'm ready to finish the session anyway. My arms get cold first, my body is perfectly warm.
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
Select to expand quoteKamikuza said..
Got a Quicksilver Synchro 4/3 off eBay.au and am pretty impressed with it. The new breeds of neoprene are rather nice. I'm using it in around 7 degrees air, and the water is so cold I wish I could have been bothered bending down to put booties on but but the time my feet go numb, I'm ready to finish the session anyway. My arms get cold first, my body is perfectly warm.
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
That's your body's natural response to protecting vital organs, not your wetsuit
if your up for a cold water session try dipping feet in cold water prior to session
was an old wives diving trick as an army diver, plenty of hot tea too, 6/8 cups, constant supply of warm water
as for wetsuits you carnt go past the mystic star
pisses on all your fancy brands in quality and performance, it's their base model too
Xcel wetsuits are superb. Great fit, great quality, nice lining and mine is nearly two years old and still looks nearly new. I don't think I'll buy anything else but Xcel in the future having had a few.
i have also got a Billabong wetsuit (6 years old but should have gone in the bin 5.5 years ago as it's **** and lost its shape instantly), O'Neill (3 years old - bit of discolour but nothing structural) and a 1 year old mystic. I agree with the comment above about Mystic (it stinks - kind of like a cheap super-market style wetsuit) but the neck is too lose so it flushes water each type you get a dunking.
In the last 10 years I've had:
Excels x 3, only last one season each and then neck rubber and seams started letting go but were a good fit.
Ripcurl Flashbomb lasted 1.5 seasons, but warmest and most comfortable by far i've ever had
Oneill ok to start with but feels like it stretched around the legs still going after 2 seasons but haven't worn it as much
Need 4x3 just got at end of last winter when I started feeling old, seems to be ok
Select to expand quoteBuster fin said..
Needessentials.
Mine is going good almost a year later.
Select to expand quoteMikeyG said..
Xcel wetsuits are superb. Great fit, great quality, nice lining and mine is nearly two years old and still looks nearly new. I don't think I'll buy anything else but Xcel in the future having had a few.
i have also got a Billabong wetsuit (6 years old but should have gone in the bin 5.5 years ago as it's **** and lost its shape instantly), O'Neill (3 years old - bit of discolour but nothing structural) and a 1 year old mystic. I agree with the comment above about Mystic (it stinks - kind of like a cheap super-market style wetsuit) but the neck is too lose so it flushes water each type you get a dunking.
Mines less than a year old
lost seal around neck
zipper is sticky, seams coming apart, use it for kiting not surfing
Select to expand quotecauncy said..Kamikuza said..
Got a Quicksilver Synchro 4/3 off eBay.au and am pretty impressed with it. The new breeds of neoprene are rather nice. I'm using it in around 7 degrees air, and the water is so cold I wish I could have been bothered bending down to put booties on but but the time my feet go numb, I'm ready to finish the session anyway. My arms get cold first, my body is perfectly warm.
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
That's your body's natural response to protecting vital organs, not your wetsuit
if your up for a cold water session try dipping feet in cold water prior to session
was an old wives diving trick as an army diver, plenty of hot tea too, 6/8 cups, constant supply of warm water
as for wetsuits you carnt go past the mystic star
pisses on all your fancy brands in quality and performance, it's their base model too
Wanted a Mystic suit but nobody shipped to Japan :( or even Australia, which is how I got the Quicksilver.
It's not a hypothermic response, cos I'm not wearing gloves or boots and those bits are cold but not COLD. I think it's just wind chill on wet arms out in the breeze doing nothing. Really notice it coming in to the beach and standing around in the wind.
I'd rather freeze to death than drink tea ;)
Select to expand quoteKamikuza said..cauncy said..Kamikuza said..
Got a Quicksilver Synchro 4/3 off eBay.au and am pretty impressed with it. The new breeds of neoprene are rather nice. I'm using it in around 7 degrees air, and the water is so cold I wish I could have been bothered bending down to put booties on but but the time my feet go numb, I'm ready to finish the session anyway. My arms get cold first, my body is perfectly warm.
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
That's your body's natural response to protecting vital organs, not your wetsuit
if your up for a cold water session try dipping feet in cold water prior to session
was an old wives diving trick as an army diver, plenty of hot tea too, 6/8 cups, constant supply of warm water
as for wetsuits you carnt go past the mystic star
pisses on all your fancy brands in quality and performance, it's their base model too
Wanted a Mystic suit but nobody shipped to Japan :( or even Australia, which is how I got the Quicksilver.
It's not a hypothermic response, cos I'm not wearing gloves or boots and those bits are cold but not COLD. I think it's just wind chill on wet arms out in the breeze doing nothing. Really notice it coming in to the beach and standing around in the wind.
I'd rather freeze to death than drink tea ;)
Kamikuzu, you should try 7th wave. Those cuzzibros do a good winter suit. The question is whether you can justify it when you can get a 5.5 oniell cheap as from Uncle Sam.
Select to expand quoteKamikuza said..cauncy said..Kamikuza said..
Got a Quicksilver Synchro 4/3 off eBay.au and am pretty impressed with it. The new breeds of neoprene are rather nice. I'm using it in around 7 degrees air, and the water is so cold I wish I could have been bothered bending down to put booties on but but the time my feet go numb, I'm ready to finish the session anyway. My arms get cold first, my body is perfectly warm.
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
That's your body's natural response to protecting vital organs, not your wetsuit
if your up for a cold water session try dipping feet in cold water prior to session
was an old wives diving trick as an army diver, plenty of hot tea too, 6/8 cups, constant supply of warm water
as for wetsuits you carnt go past the mystic star
pisses on all your fancy brands in quality and performance, it's their base model too
Wanted a Mystic suit but nobody shipped to Japan :( or even Australia, which is how I got the Quicksilver.
It's not a hypothermic response, cos I'm not wearing gloves or boots and those bits are cold but not COLD. I think it's just wind chill on wet arms out in the breeze doing nothing. Really notice it coming in to the beach and standing around in the wind.
I'd rather freeze to death than drink tea ;)
King of watersports for mystic wetsuits
charlie ships free to rest of world if purchase over 100 quid
whatever you do don't get a chest zip. Had one fail on me and I bought the same one and it did the same thing. Might try some vaseline or something.
Select to expand quotedrewpweiner said..
whatever you do don't get a chest zip. Had one fail on me and I bought the same one and it did the same thing. Might try some vaseline or something.
Brand? I've not seen or heard of that before...
Select to expand quoteBuster fin said..Kamikuza said..cauncy said..Kamikuza said..
Got a Quicksilver Synchro 4/3 off eBay.au and am pretty impressed with it. The new breeds of neoprene are rather nice. I'm using it in around 7 degrees air, and the water is so cold I wish I could have been bothered bending down to put booties on but but the time my feet go numb, I'm ready to finish the session anyway. My arms get cold first, my body is perfectly warm.
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
That's your body's natural response to protecting vital organs, not your wetsuit
if your up for a cold water session try dipping feet in cold water prior to session
was an old wives diving trick as an army diver, plenty of hot tea too, 6/8 cups, constant supply of warm water
as for wetsuits you carnt go past the mystic star
pisses on all your fancy brands in quality and performance, it's their base model too
Wanted a Mystic suit but nobody shipped to Japan :( or even Australia, which is how I got the Quicksilver.
It's not a hypothermic response, cos I'm not wearing gloves or boots and those bits are cold but not COLD. I think it's just wind chill on wet arms out in the breeze doing nothing. Really notice it coming in to the beach and standing around in the wind.
I'd rather freeze to death than drink tea ;)
Kamikuzu, you should try 7th wave. Those cuzzibros do a good winter suit. The question is whether you can justify it when you can get a 5.5 oniell cheap as from Uncle Sam.
Yeah their prices are bit eye-watering. I can get custom suits here for about the same money...! The Syncro was AU$200 IIRC.
Select to expand quotecauncy said..Kamikuza said..cauncy said..Kamikuza said..
Got a Quicksilver Synchro 4/3 off eBay.au and am pretty impressed with it. The new breeds of neoprene are rather nice. I'm using it in around 7 degrees air, and the water is so cold I wish I could have been bothered bending down to put booties on but but the time my feet go numb, I'm ready to finish the session anyway. My arms get cold first, my body is perfectly warm.
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
That's your body's natural response to protecting vital organs, not your wetsuit
if your up for a cold water session try dipping feet in cold water prior to session
was an old wives diving trick as an army diver, plenty of hot tea too, 6/8 cups, constant supply of warm water
as for wetsuits you carnt go past the mystic star
pisses on all your fancy brands in quality and performance, it's their base model too
Wanted a Mystic suit but nobody shipped to Japan :( or even Australia, which is how I got the Quicksilver.
It's not a hypothermic response, cos I'm not wearing gloves or boots and those bits are cold but not COLD. I think it's just wind chill on wet arms out in the breeze doing nothing. Really notice it coming in to the beach and standing around in the wind.
I'd rather freeze to death than drink tea ;)
King of watersports for mystic wetsuits
charlie ships free to rest of world if purchase over 100 quid
Next time! Thanks for that, I'll probably bug you for the name again...
Select to expand quotedrewpweiner said..
whatever you do don't get a chest zip. Had one fail on me and I bought the same one and it did the same thing. Might try some vaseline or something.
I'm done with back zips. The stupid velcro strap never seals the neck properly, even on the rare occasion when it stays stuck down and isn't flapping about scratching my neck. I can cope with thinner suits in colder water, so long as I'm not getting a blast of it down the back of my neck...!
Select to expand quoteTowny said..
Patagonia wetsuits, A good company with morals
You mean marketing
Select to expand quoteKamikuza said..
By seam glue, do you mean that thick stripe on the outside? I think I've read that no proper brands use that because it's not necessary if the seam is done the right (more expensive) way...
Inside...
Outside...
I've had nothing but joy using rip curl wetsuits for 30years. Quality and miles ahead in my humble experience...
And used a hot n dry dry suit for cold winter sessions with thermals underneath and didn't get the chills ever, but used rip curl gloves,booties and head skin to keep the chill factor out!
Select to expand quoteFly on da wall said..
I've had nothing but joy using rip curl wetsuits for 30years. Quality and miles ahead in my humble experience...
And used a hot n dry dry suit for cold winter sessions with thermals underneath and didn't get the chills ever, but used rip curl gloves,booties and head skin to keep the chill factor out!
I had a wonderful RC custom made, but when I took it in for repairs, they wouldn't touch it because they said it was a knock off!
Boots, gloves and a hood would feel warm without a wettie.
Went with a 2017 Flash Bomb 4/3 chest zip. But this time I've gone a size too big.
Sales assistant thinks I'm a medium, I think I struggled to get in the large.
I'm going big and thick (4mm vs 3mm), I figure I'm going to be hot in a 4mm so being big I can flush easy.
If I'm not stretching it, it should last longer.
I can get my fat ass through chest without breaking in to a sweat.
So easy on, easy off, easy junk relocation... makes me happy.
=======================================
As usual after I buy something I discover a better option:https://needessentials.com/collections/wetusits/products/4-3-hood-chest-zip?variant=30846027026
Local, $240 + $15pp
Select to expand quoteBuster fin said..drewpweiner said..
whatever you do don't get a chest zip. Had one fail on me and I bought the same one and it did the same thing. Might try some vaseline or something.
Brand? I've not seen or heard of that before...
ripcurl, bought last year too under 30 sessions, everything else is top notch tho, just go zipless
After using Limestone-based neoprene for over 4 years, my custom fitted wetsuit from 7TILL8 just keeps on performing as new. The seams on the arm had seen better days (considering multiple seasons of getting in/out suit) but after making that phone call to the shop, they immediately stitched it, re-glued and taped up at no extra cost, including the shipping! Unknowingly, since I had bought their suit, the guys at 7TILL8 considered me a lifelong customer. In return, they have exceptional quality service and accommodated a free tune up for my next surf season sessions. What other wetsuit company does this?!
If you're looking for the best neoprene on the market alongside custom fit, I deeply encourage this product and service to anyone & everyone! 7TILL8 guys know what they're up against, and they still continue to provide legendary service that is unheard of.
For those who wish to expand the life of other brands...https://7till8.com/products/repairs-and-alterations
I just retired a 9 year old Rip Curl Fireskin 4/3. It was still in excellent condition but my newer Flashbomb E3 was warmer and dried much quicker. I bought a new Flashbomb with the E5 material and it is considerably warmer than the E3. I am very pleased with it.
The E3 suit is still in great condition coming up to 5 years old.
I very much prefer chest zip suits over back zip. All the back zip suits have various shonky flappy arrangements to try and keep the water out, and a bit of velcro that sticks to everything and can cause damage over time. I hate velcro on wetsuits.
I also have a Rip Curl 3/2 zipless suit for the less cold months. I am mightily impressed by that suit. It's light and comfortable and very warm for weight. It would be fine for surfing through a Vicco winter. Not so good for foiling where you get a lot of flushing and wind chill.
Select to expand quotedrewpweiner said..
whatever you do don't get a chest zip. Had one fail on me and I bought the same one and it did the same thing. Might try some vaseline or something.
What sort of zip slider did it have? One the separates at the open end, or one that sits at the narrow end.
Most chest zip suits have the slider at the open end. If the slider is at the narrow end then there's a risk that you would strain the slider every time you put your arm in the sleeve at the zip end.
