Hi there, I use 3 wetsuits with front/chest zippers. (not at the same time ; )
Because of the narrow opening (I'm not that well shaped in the chest area!) in the wetsuit, getting into and out the suit causes very much tension on the opened zipper beginning.
All of the getting into/out pull tension gets in one zipper teeth, the last closed zipper teeth in the slider.
The beloved hooded wintersuit (5/4/3) already lost that zip teeth.
Could save it and sewed it before it can reach the lost teeth but now the opening is more narrower.
Are there more who experienced this?
Do I something wrong?
I find pulling the wetsuit down on your hips before trying to get out helps and sometimes get help to get one elbow out. Still a pain in the neck.
Doesn't answer your question, but imo front zipper is not an improvement as it's just a pita to get in and out unless you like to dislocate your shoulder. It also ruins my hair ;)
I'm using back zippers again, nothing wrong with it. If yours is still within warranty, go back to the shop and let them fix it...?
Had a "top loader" wet suit once!
Great for keeping water out of neck, but otherwise an absolute f'ken nightmare, NEVER AGAIN!
Front zip is so much more comfortable. Size correctly and Wear a rash guard if you have difficulty getting out.
The biggest problem with a back zip is the bottom of the zipper gets clamped in place by your harness and really kills any flexibility it might otherwise have. -and it is already starting with a disadvantage compared to a front zip.
I was part way out of a top loader and got stuck. I thought I would need Firiebob to bring the Jaws of Life.
I tried on a bunch before buying one. Some were really hard to get in and out of. I ended up with a Neil Pryde Mission. Super easy to get into and out of.
I have one now. Crazy tight to get in and out of. I could probably go a size bigger to fix the problem, but then i'd have a loose wetsuit on.
I don't know how people get into them and it seems to take forever unless your a contorsionist ,I love my back zipper Aleeda wetsuits .
I remember the first times I tried on chest zip suits. It seemed almost impossible to get in and out, but fortunately, the sales person gave me some technique tips. I now have two that I use on a regular basis. For the 2 mm suit with super-flexible neoprene, getting in and out is just as easy as with a back zip. The 4 mm suit is a lot less flexible, but also a lot warmer than any similar back zip, and not really a problem to get in our out. I got one 3 mm back zip that I definitely would not get in and out of easily if it had a front zip - but that's because I bought is a bit small due to limited selection in the stores.
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..
I remember the first times I tried on chest zip suits. It seemed almost impossible to get in and out, but fortunately, the sales person gave me some technique tips....
Pray tell? I've got a 5/4 that I have an ongoing love/hate relationship. It's warm, very dry and is likely to do nasty things to my rotator cuffs. Help me love my suit.
My vote seconds the Neil pryde mission, best wetsuit I've ever owned, the zip opens completely (like a jacket0 so no loading on the last teeth.
Select to expand quoteIcelake said..
Will a lycra shirt/body/rashguard under the suit help for more slip?
Lycra rash guard helps break the vacuum seal, making it easier to get out.
I think either the suit is easy to get into and out of or it isn't. That's why I won't buy a wetsuit online.
Both my Xcel 3:2 Steamer and O'Neill 2mm Defender Springsuit have front zips and are easy to get in and out of.
