Best bargain brand wetsuit?

[One-Off]

I wasn't planning on buying a cheap wetsuit, but when I went shopping I came across a Ripcurl 3/4 MT for $150. It was a back zip. I hadn't had a back zip in ages but the price was right and it fit perfect. It does trickle a little cold water down the back the first few ducks but then I don't notice it. I'm on my second season (although both seasons were cut short by injuries) and it still looks good. I usually get three seasons out of a suit, so this one was a bargain.

Stocked. $500 wetsuits are over rated (for So Cal).

 

[000]

ive been freezing in an excel, seams leak so badly. its a taped 4:3

 

[PRCD]

ive been freezing in an excel, seams leak so badly. its a taped 4:3

I think it's the new "eco" glues. Water is the universal solvent. If the brand is only going to rely on glued seams, they better be something that's glued with rocket fuel.

 

[rowjimmytour]

I think it's the new "eco" glues. Water is the universal solvent. If the brand is only going to rely on glued seams, they better be something that's glued with rocket fuel.

The O'neill h20 solvent seam glue seems to be holding up great on my 3mm hyperfreak comp suit after 2 winters no leaks.

 

[sdsrfr]

It’s usually not the glue itself but the neoprene right next to the glue that wears thin from the stiffer adjacent glue seam

 

[PRCD]

The O'neill h20 solvent seam glue seems to be holding up great on my 3mm hyperfreak comp suit after 2 winters no leaks.

seems like they're just using more glue:

• Technobutter 3x Fully Taped Seams, the lightest, stretchiest neoprene seam tape ever. 0.5MM split-neoprene applied to triple glued seams with water-based glue to keep you dry and loose.

More is better than less with a water-based glue.