Wetsuit: Peak Energy 4/3
Weather: Melbourne chill
Build Quality: 7/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: Got it on sale
My Comments:
I've been using a 3/2 in Melbourne through winter for a while (4 yrs) and finally broke the zip the other week. Wanted to save money for new kites so had to find a cheap wetsuit to see out the winter. Found a Peak Energy Wettie 4/3 for $200- on sale. It is the bottom of the line but has glued seams and is taped in critical sections. I am 5'10" and 76kg (maybe a winter 78) - Large was the go. I was not going to pay $500+.
Used the wettie twice now in the bay - water temp is apparently 11-12 degrees at the moment.
Flex wise it's not too bad given the comparison to my old 3/2. Can feel the thicker rubber but flexibility for kiting feels OK. I surf once in a blue moon so winter paddling was not a consideration and didn't feel the need to pay for a fancy zip set up. The zip is straight back entry so there is some water entry (minimal I found). I also found the neck took a bit of adjusting to get comfy and snug. Even then there was a little irritation on one side of the neck. On really cold days will probably wear my fleecy lined rashie underneath to help with water coming in the zip.
I kited for approx 3 hrs last Sat without getting cold and had no booties ('kn hate 'em). I found there was minimal water up the leg and I took a few stacks and had to drag/relaunch.
Bang for buck - 10/10. Happy with the purchase and it has definitely made me a happier winter kiter. If I surfed I would get something better (mainly wrt the zip set up).
James
i think Rip Curl make peak. A 2008 peak wettie is comparable to a 2009 Rip Curl but you can ussually save about $200 off the rrp. I have been using peak forever and have never had any trouble with them.
I persoanally have a 10 year old rip curl classic 3/2 which is still going strong
, but one of my good mates who surfs alot bought a peak 3/2 a few months ago and reckons its heaps better than his old(7yr I think) quicksilver wettie. I know wetties have come along way in the last decade and you can spend some serious mullah if you want top shelf, but for bang for your buck it is pretty hard to go past the peak
i recently purchased a npx zealot 3mm semi dry and for 300 bucks am very happy.
come with ankle velcro straps the back of thleg has drainage holes for excess so you never get baloon legs. has the pull over head peice that stops the water comming in at the neck on big crashes.
is fully seam sealed.[don`t think i even felt wet for the first 10 minutes] and is very flexible.had to try 3 on before i got the right size and i was a full size up than other wetties i had tried.
I replaced my old RC 3/2 steamer (that mysteriously seemd to have shrunk a little each year 
) with a cheapo 3/2 Peak energy ($100 on sale) and have been super happy. I think the stitching o the Peak is very basic but it sure is toasty and comfy.
Wetties have become soooo flexible that you don't need to buy the super exxy ones to get a comfy number now - speshly if you are kiting or sailing and don't need mega easy shoulder rotation.
Most of the major brands can be bought at 40% off at end of season sales. My Rip Curl Fireskin Ultimate Elasto 4/3 cost $400. It's super comfy and warm as toast.
The big advantage of Rip Curl (especially in Melbourne) is the lifetime seam warranty and service available from Torquay. I've had several very professional repairs done and only had to pay once. One of the repairs replaced the whole upper portion of the suit (for free).
I bought a Radiator 3/2 suit. The reason for getting a new suit is that my 4/3 Fireskin takes a week to dry unless I put it in the washing machine on the spin-dry cycle.
I used the Radiator both days last weekend with a Radiator rubber vest underneath. It's adequate for Melbourne winter riding. It was sunny on Saturday but cold and a bit rainy on Sunday.
The Radiator was ok for a 3 hour session on Saturday (with a bit of standing on the beach during lulls) and just ok for an hour on the chilly Sunday arvo.
The suit is pretty warm but it flushes pretty badly during falls or duck diving or whatever. There's no tricky neck flap or zipper treatment. I ended up a bit cold around the shoulders. The RipCurl 4/3 is plenty toasty and warm for as long as I want to stay out.
The Radiator is super light, easy to get on and off and dries overnight just hanging in the garage. It's perfect as a mid-late Spring suit and adequate as a winter suit.
It's also quite cheap at $348 express delivered. A similar specced suit from a major manufacturer would be around $500.
The inside is shiny silver. It might be fun to wear it inside out to freak out all the fashion slaves on the beach.
Hey Guys,
Flying Objects (an Ozzie brand) make wetties (amongst other stuff) specifically for kiting/pole dancing. The Flux and Lava range are pretty much specced up to the max with all the goodies and top rubber. Sealed GBS seams and taped, ankle velcros, neck thingy, pocket down the zip with drainage holes etc etc $399 brand new RRP for a 3/2 and only $449 for 4/3. Pretty decent price!
I'm yet to put one on in the water, but to look at and compare them to top brands, they sure look and feel the goods but are a lot cheaper and are designed for our wind sports.
www.flyingobjects.com.au Take a look for yourself.
Yes I sell them [}:)] LOL
KH
I have been watching the site waiting for them to update it with the info about the new releases to see pics of the latest Flight Control Harness, looks good and if its anything like the old one super comfortable.......
The wetsuits look good was tossing up getting one last year but range was not very big will be looking forward to checking them out.......
Hi Guys,
The new FO Wetties are designed for stretch in the position we ride in. As we don't spend much time with our arms above our heads ie when paddling, then you can put warmer panels where you don't need the stretch so much.
The legs also have removeable velcro ankle straps to prevent water entry from spray off the board. No more Michelin man legs! Also have water exit holes in the back by base of zip to allow exit of water from between the outer and inner panel to keep you warmer.
Just a nice high quality suit for decent price.
We have some in stock for looksee, as well as Airborne and Windforce I'd suspect.
Cheers,
KH
hey Greg,
I got a radiator 1.5mm spring suit. Have ony strutted about the house in it so far. seems good enough and will suit well for colder summer days and late spring/autumn.
Last 2 years been in boardies and rashie all summer which can be a bit cold at times in melb.
