Ion Fuse Drysuit 2012 vs Ocean Rodeo Predator?

Two very different suits there in how they'll feel and perform. The ION is much more baggy and will be a b***** to swim in. While I haven't tried the ION myself, I've owned one of Ocean Rodeo's suits similar to it (Pyro Pro). They are very warm (bag style suits), as they allow for layering underneath, and are great for reducing windchill. They are also great for mobility above water. But they are HORRIBLE IN the water. They cling and bind while submerged and make swimming efficiently and quickly nearly impossible. Swimming for your gear in the surf zone is no treat in this style of drysuit, especially with the big, bucketing hood. Should the suit get nicked by the fin and fill with water you are in trouble quickly.

It's probably obvious that I'm not a fan of the ION style suit's functionality/safety, though it does look the goods.

The Predator drysuit wears much more like a traditional wetsuit even though it has a few pieces you need to align and finesse while putting it on. It is way more streamlined and functional, though it suffers the same weakness as the ION, namely the risk of flooding by a fin cut. Despite this fact, the Predator will likely perform much better both in and out of the water. A friend of mine wears his kiting and surfing and loves the dry feel, but does worry about the issue of having the suit get nicked and flooded in cold water.

IMHO, a wetsuit is still superior from a safety and performance point of view, especially in the surf. Bag suits for windsurfing in other than mellow conditions are a bad idea.