Hello
I own a prolimit assault 5/3 neoprene wetsuit, that i've been kitesurfing with for two summers. Here's a few pictures of how it looks today:
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It is possible to repair these tears using neoprene glue, but just one session is enough to make them appear again, especially around the knees. The wetsuit is to tight in that area, and whenever i bend my knees, the neoprene is subjected to stress which it apparently can't handle. Also, when bending the back, as is apparent in picture 3, the stress becomes too much. To a lesser extent the same is also true at the back of the shoulders. The shape of my body probably has a part in the cause of why the wetsuit breaks so easily, i have quite big calves, and i can feel that the neoprene is stretched a lot there (this might be an issue limited to prolimit brand wetsuits). Another reason probably is that the wetsuit is single layer, which is less durable than double layer. I also use the wetsuit a lot, try to kitesurf often, and go for long sessions.
For a new wetsuit, I want a dual layer model. I also want it to be extremely warm, i kite in northern Europe, and i don't think it is to hot to kite in an 5/3 wetsuit in the middle of summer, with 20 degrees in the water.
Suggestions?
I've had mystic wetsuits for years, currently have a 5/3 double lined for4 yrs no wear and tear on the suit, but I've changed the velcro around the neck and ankle but they come free replacement , to be honest they are too warm for here but help me with injury prevention, as your in Europe check out king of watersports , you'll struggle to get a better deal , huge range of all brands with free insured, tracked ,freight.
I have tried on Mystic wetsuits and I must say they are the best bang for your buck, only problem was they did not have my size so I settled for excel which is just as good!
One thing that you cant help is the pinch/crimp factor on your belly harness, unfortunately depends on your belly but at the end of the day metal plus fat belly equals pinch tear that's the only place I have any issues.......
My ' radiator' 3/2 steamer wetty is going in to its 8th season
lost some of the elasticness around the throat area and the internal silver thermal coating is pretty much worn off, so I've cut off the legs and now I just wear it as my summer suit for long down winders. But condition wise , she looks as good as! definitely nothing like the one in those above photos!!!
I bought a brand new, same again wetsuit last season.( about $420)
These suits are super comfy and warm for kiting . They reckon the 3mm is as warm as a 5mm of other suits so its nice and thin and flexy for kiting.
These guys sell online a lot now, but also got an outlet in Fremantle, WA
I recommend these to anyone.
+1 for the Radiator 3/2 ... sort of. It's a bit agricultural compared to a top of the line wettie from a major manufacturer. But they're pretty robust and warm and they dry very quickly. I am wearing a polypropylene top under mine and it was warm as toast during the cold snap we had in Melbourne.
I've been using my Radiator as my main wettie since 2009. I've also got a Rip Curl Fireskin 4/3 I have had since 2005. It is still like new but it takes a week to dry in winter.
My vote would be for a 5/3 Ripcurl Fbomb! Really warm (and the inside drys in 15mins so no more putting on a wet wetty)and super stretchy so I highly doubt you would get any tears like that. Only recently bought one so cant say for sure on durability by my Ripcurl Ebomb is showing hardly any wear after 2 seasons 
Select to expand quotedoycle said..
My vote would be for a 5/3 Ripcurl Fbomb! Really warm (and the inside drys in 15mins so no more putting on a wet wetty)and super stretchy so I highly doubt you would get any tears like that. Only recently bought one so cant say for sure on durability by my Ripcurl Ebomb is showing hardly any wear after 2 seasons
Fbomb are a really nice wetsuit but $$$$..........
Go Mystic
They are designed for kitesurfing so anything else is second best really.
1st problem is the smoothy on the legs, this material is not durable in certain area's :( kneeling or hitting the board against your legs will make this stuff fall to pieces.
we sell West and they are very warm flexible and durable, they are made from limestone which is eco friendly and lasts a lot longer than your standard neoprene superstretch.
Ive got an O'Neil reactor springy thats 15 years or so old and still going. Bought a new sealed O'Neil steamer thats falling to bits after a season.
Anyone know who stocks Mystic in Perth? Easy to buy online but a wetty is something that I'm inclined to buy local as doubt I could be sure of sizing...
Select to expand quoteEmanjay said...
Ive got an O'Neil reactor springy thats 15 years or so old and still going. Bought a new sealed O'Neil steamer thats falling to bits after a season.
Anyone know who stocks Mystic in Perth? Easy to buy online but a wetty is something that I'm inclined to buy local as doubt I could be sure of sizing...
Select to expand quoteEmanjay said...
Ive got an O'Neil reactor springy thats 15 years or so old and still going. Bought a new sealed O'Neil steamer thats falling to bits after a season.
Anyone know who stocks Mystic in Perth? Easy to buy online but a wetty is something that I'm inclined to buy local as doubt I could be sure of sizing...
Check out the site I mentioned, you'd be hard pressed to get it wrong with the size chart they have
Select to expand quotenogbob said..
Hello
I own a prolimit assault 5/3 neoprene wetsuit, that i've been kitesurfing with for two summers. Here's a few pictures of how it looks today.......
Suggestions?
I've a prolimit 3/2 and it is dying the same death. Splits everywhere. I purchased it second hand so not sure how it was treated before me.
I try and wash it down and dry it out of the sun... Hmmm may be time to get rid of it.
On a different note:
Hey, does anyone want to buy a used prolimit 3/2 wet suit? Great condition and only one careful owner.
Rip Curl 4/3 FLASHBOMB. Easily the best suit ever made. The hype is true. I've been riding in one all winter, warmer than my last EBOMB 4/3, always dry on the inside, and they have more streach now with S4.
Getting any other suit is a waste of money, FLASHBOMB is the go.
All other major wetsuit companies will be trying to work out how they can release a similar version.
www.ripcurl.com.au/?flashbomb
Watch the 'advantage' video
everyone is going to say the wettie they use is the best thing . Each to their own
My ION wetsuit has been going strong for many seasons now but i am sure there are plenty of different brands out there that do the same thing
