Had a random conversation years ago with an ex big-name wetsuit guy. He basically said wetsuits today aren't warm because the numbers are all bullshit. He said when the really stretchy suits started coming out surfers loved it - and it basically became a race to get the stretchiest feeling suit. The result was they all just made them thinner and less substantial. The stitches and glue have nothing to really bind to and they end up leaking. fast.
This is correct.
I remember Hurley had a superstretch "3/2" on the market not too long ago that was one step above a rashguard. I remember picking it up and trying it on in a shop (super comfy) and scratching my head..."Are they seriously claiming this is a 3/2!?" That winter I saw so many people shivering in that suit.
If you get to check out a real Japanese suit - they generally feel thicker and the rubber is denser (or something like that). I think this the actual 'mm' measurement (the way its supposed to be) and combined with better quality materials, you get a much warmer suit. The seams also stay watertight, with just stitches and glue, no bullshit tape. They'll use it occasionally in high wear areas but that's about it.
With Japanese suits the fact the neoprene is actually the needed thickness is one of the reasons why they are so warm. Somehow the major brands were able to push a "less neoprene is more" marketing campaign. I think it created a false perception you can't have a neoprene that is normal thickness AND still has great flex.
That being said, I don't think it's necessary for every suit. My cyber is definitely my best suit but the normal ones still work pretty well for warmer temps (55+).
I agree. If you don't surf a lot and/or do short sessions your big brand suit is probably going to last you a winter or two no problem.
On the other hand if you surf a lot in the winter and do long sessions the big brand suit that was fine in November is going to have you shivering by the time the water temps are coldest around here (March/April). Good luck making it through those long period lulls or NW windswell upwellings.
And the QC on some of the big brands just plain sucks.