The Great Unbiased Wetsuit Review Thread

[feralseppo]

I picked up an '08 5/4/3 Matuse thinking I'd be staying too warm on the early morning dawn patrols and for my runs up north (I'm in Malibu). First morning out in it was one of the colder days a couple of weeks ago with air temps in the mid 40s and everyone complaining about being cold out in the lineup. I think I was feeling the cold just as much as any one else.

The suit definitely is not any warmer than my 5 year old 4/3 or my 2 year old 3/2 Bong Solution Platinum. The day before I was easily as warm in the 3/2 with a 1/2 mil shirt underneath. But the big difference is the Bong is a no zip and I get no leakage. With the Matuse, every wave I go under its a massive influx of water down my back. Needless to say I sat out for 3 hours freezing my back off with a bunch of cold water that never left went away.

And I noticed for some reason the seam underneath the arm is not taped while the rest of the suit is. I'm still scratching my head about that. The seam that is not taped is already unraveling and I've only had the suit a couple weeks.

In my opinion, it's a decent suit for the $220 I paid for it. I'd be pissed if I dropped 5 bills.

 

[kool-aid]

I'm surprised to hear the news about the matuse suits.

I've been through a couple since they came out and they've all worked out for me.

I esp like my 08 5/4/3, to me its the perfect suit. It keeps me pretty warm on the days that are in the forties with gale force off shores. But its still really light and dries relatively fast in these parts. Its also really easy to get on and off, which is really important if you're on the go.

But i agree with the delicacy. Mine is also starting to have seams separate and one hole in the chest has opened. But only a few trickles of water get in so its not that bothersome.

From the wisdom on the board sounds like i'll get someone local to fix it.

My next suit will be a hooded drylock though. I've decided I like to be warm.

Also, i alternate between 3 and 5 mil booties. The 5's are new this year and it keeps you a lot warmer.

 

[Oceanslide]

I have been wearing a 4/3 Boz 'Comp' for the past month
or so (trading off with a 3/2 Xcel Infinity), mostly during
dawn sessions. I'll just go with positives and negatives
as I see 'em.

Positives:
- GREAT materials. Very stretchy/flexible/comfortable/range-of-motion.
Probably the most impressive materials I've had in any suit.
- Harry gives great customer service and I can drive to his
place if needed.
- Great price for what you get.
- Pretty warm, even with cold offshores in the a.m.
- Easy to get on/off
- Dries faster than my Xcel
- The leg key pocket is super convenient and easy.

Negatives:
- Fit seems to vary from suit to suit way more than with
other brands. I'd strongly recommend trying the suit on before buying. Mine fits pretty well, but it could be better.
- Neck closure, or lack of. This suit has a zipper that
goes all the way up to the top of the neck, with no velcro
closure across the neck, meaning if the cut doesn't fit
your neck perfectly, it will let in some water. This seems
to be the biggest complaint from others as well.
- Zipper seems to 'pull' down a bit in the back. Again,
this is probably more of a fit issue, but another user has
mentioned the same to me.
- Due to the water leaking into the neck, I do NOT like
wearing the suit while bodysurfing. End up getting flooded
way to easily and freezing my arse off. Not much of an
issue while surfing though.

Overall, I think it's a very good suit for the money and,
with the materials used, could be an outstanding suit if
the issues above are resolved and I could get a slightly
better fit (I'm in a Large...the LT had way too much
material in the torso).

 

[Q_Surf]

just recieved my box of boz today. 5/4 thermoboss hooded frontzip. i'm 6' 190lbs and the L fits me perfect. there is a small amount of loose neo material just in the armpit area that initially got my attention but i learned why it's there when i made paddling motions.

the (dry) boz is recognizably lighter and less bulky than the patagonia R4 that i just returned. i returned the R4 because i found a 1.5" cut/tear in the sharkskin neoprene near my hip (didn't notice it in the dim dressing room at the shop) and the suit had not even been surfed in yet. seems to me that the non-nylon covered sharkskin material is always the weak point of suits that have it.

i'm very happy to report the 5/4 boz is the most flexible and nonrestrictive suit ever i've had on - including 4/3's. (* though i have not pulled a matuse suit on higher than my lower torso). arm/shoulder rotation is much better than i've ever felt.

build quality seams really good - time will tell. hopefully it's warm and there are no neck flushing issues.

i'll add more review after i get it wet a few times.

 

[shshlens]

Surprised, also, to hear all the negatives on Matuse. I've got nothing but love for their product.

I'm still using my '07 4/3/2 to GREAT success. That is an outstanding suit. Heck, I used it today. I was sweating my a$$ off in it. That suit is like a 4/3, but stretchier.

My '08 is an above-average suit, but the older one is still by far the best & warmest. My '08 is not as warm -- it's more of a glorified 3/2, which is how I described it to a friend. It's akin to a really stretchy and comfy 3/2 with a bit of extra warmth.

I'm very happy with Matuse. Zero material issues. Zero zipper issues. Only slight seam issue is a minor underarm thing on the '08. The '07 is flawless. Maybe I got lucky... but I don't think that's the case. I can't wait to demo the new chest zips!

-ShShSh

 

[Blacks]

It is Friday and I've had a few drinks and I haven't re-read the basis of the original post in quite some time but a whole bunch of this post is silly if you are talking about cold water. There is only one wetsuit suited (pun intended) for actual "cold water" XCEL, XCEL, XCEL. Done. 'Nuff said. Not talking about cold water in Cali., Florida, etc. because I really don't feel that is cold water: it is, at best/worst, tepid water. I will, however, point out that their quality (Xcel) has gone downhill somewhat in the last couple of years (bought up by Billabong?). Still they are warmest/best suits for cold water without some battery pack. There is a growing group of people up here who feel that West suits are pretty solid. Matuse wetsuits are being used up here with varying opinions- warmth isn't justifying cost based on what I'm hearing most of the time.

Any folks in cold water locations want to chime in?

 

[paulgreusch]

My 08 Matuse Fullsuit has been solid. I usually destroy suits fairly quickly, and this one is holding up great. No problems whatsoever.
Sad to hear about all the quality issues people are having, sounds like they cut corners for 09?

 

[wildingb]

Only slight seam issue is a minor underarm thing on the '08. The '07 is flawless. Maybe I got lucky... but I don't think that's the case. I can't wait to demo the new chest zips!

-ShShSh

Is the minor underarm thing a split between the 4mm and 3mm parts of the suit? The whole seam, along the bottom of the back to under the arms, has split. Only the tape is preventing major water entry.

I found the LS suit tight for my chest and shoulders - i am 5'9" and 175. Do you mind mentioning if you are at the bottom or top of their suggested size ranges?

The tightness has got better as the person in the shop promised. Unfortunately that has coincided with the seam split.

 

[studog]

Only slight seam issue is a minor underarm thing on the '08. The '07 is flawless. Maybe I got lucky... but I don't think that's the case. I can't wait to demo the new chest zips!

-ShShSh

Is the minor underarm thing a split between the 4mm and 3mm parts of the suit? The whole seam, along the bottom of the back to under the arms, has split. Only the tape is preventing major water entry.

I found the LS suit tight for my chest and shoulders - i am 5'9" and 175. Do you mind mentioning if you are at the bottom or top of their suggested size ranges?

The tightness has got better as the person in the shop promised. Unfortunately that has coincided with the seam split.

a design flaw <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />
a weak point to place a horizontal seam across your rib cage <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" /> with all the paddling it's just a matter of time before it fails and breaks apart <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

any other companies use horizontal seams on the body? I’ll have to check my suit.
sounds like Matuse has to go back to the drawing board

 

[Woke AF]

Mine was bought as a Vintage 08. Size wise I fell right in the middle of their rec's. It was very tight in the chest at first but stretched out after a few sessions. I guess that stretch came from the seams.

Design flaw or I am thinking they are just saving $ on construction? I am now using a 4/3 Hotline that is 14 months old. I sent it one back because the seams failed on the chest panel after 4 weeks. Since than it has been in the garage for a good 8 months but has at least 5 months of use. The seams now show no wear.
I am thinking these companies are taking the position most of the users of their suits don't actually use them that much, so they can use cheaper glues or construction techniques. And then the ?% of actual surfers who burn through the suit, they will just deal with through warranty.

emailed the ceo of matuse, no response.

 

[silentbutdeadly]

Mine was bought as a Vintage 08. Size wise I fell right in the middle of their rec's. It was very tight in the chest at first but stretched out after a few sessions. I guess that stretch came from the seams.

Design flaw or I am thinking they are just saving $ on construction? I am now using a 4/3 Hotline that is 14 months old. I sent it one back because the seams failed on the chest panel after 4 weeks. Since than it has been in the garage for a good 8 months but has at least 5 months of use. The seams now show no wear.
I am thinking these companies are taking the position most of the users of their suits don't actually use them that much, so they can use cheaper glues or construction techniques. And then the ?% of actual surfers who burn through the suit, they will just deal with through warranty.

emailed the ceo of matuse, no response.

Please don't take offense but if the suit is too tight in the chest it doesn't fit you right and you should of bought something else. Where did you expect it to stretch? When the seams stretch beyond what they should, they come apart.

Believe me I've had my fair share of issues with wetsuits but I would never blame a seam failure on the Mfg. if the suit was admittedly too small.

 

[Woke AF]

Mine was bought as a Vintage 08. Size wise I fell right in the middle of their rec's. It was very tight in the chest at first but stretched out after a few sessions. I guess that stretch came from the seams.

Design flaw or I am thinking they are just saving $ on construction? I am now using a 4/3 Hotline that is 14 months old. I sent it one back because the seams failed on the chest panel after 4 weeks. Since than it has been in the garage for a good 8 months but has at least 5 months of use. The seams now show no wear.
I am thinking these companies are taking the position most of the users of their suits don't actually use them that much, so they can use cheaper glues or construction techniques. And then the ?% of actual surfers who burn through the suit, they will just deal with through warranty.

emailed the ceo of matuse, no response.

Please don't take offense but if the suit is too tight in the chest it doesn't fit you right and you should of bought something else. Where did you expect it to stretch? When the seams stretch beyond what they should, they come apart.

Believe me I've had my fair share of issues with wetsuits but I would never blame a seam failure on the Mfg. if the suit was admittedly too small.

I am not taking offense and I hope I am not coming off as a whining bitch. The salesman said the suit is supposed to fit tight and will stretch out over use.
The size range is 165-180 I weigh 170 and certainly do not have an abnormal size chest. They do not offer a recommended chest measurement. If the seams failed because of improper fit, maybe so, a good test will be if they fail again after they fix them.(and I will not send it back)

Anyway I am just stating my experience and purposely trying to stay away from my opinion(so much for that). Seam failures are not surprising to me but telling me a part of the material fails because of duck diving and is not covered under warranty is straight bshit. That issue kills it for me. If it was a $200 suit w/ these problems no big deal, move-on find something that works better.

They advertise and charge as a high-end premium suit. I was happy with what I understood I bought and the price I paid. The product I purchased did not perform as good as a suit at 2/3 the price IMO.

Also IMHO, the internets is a great resource for us to share our experiences concerning these issues good and bad.

Maybe the suit is just a lemon or I have moobs and am in denial, it happens but I would expect a lot better customer service.

 

[RickVTA]

I have an email from one of the Matuse guys telling me not to worry about an ill fitting suit because it will stretch to fit me after a couple uses. The suit I tried on was really tight in the chest and armpits.

I couldn't believe what I was reading and was really bummed that they would resort to absolute lies to sell product. He may as well told me the black suit would soon enough become white if that's what I wanted.

 

[silentbutdeadly]

Mine was bought as a Vintage 08. Size wise I fell right in the middle of their rec's. It was very tight in the chest at first but stretched out after a few sessions. I guess that stretch came from the seams.

Design flaw or I am thinking they are just saving $ on construction? I am now using a 4/3 Hotline that is 14 months old. I sent it one back because the seams failed on the chest panel after 4 weeks. Since than it has been in the garage for a good 8 months but has at least 5 months of use. The seams now show no wear.
I am thinking these companies are taking the position most of the users of their suits don't actually use them that much, so they can use cheaper glues or construction techniques. And then the ?% of actual surfers who burn through the suit, they will just deal with through warranty.

emailed the ceo of matuse, no response.

Please don't take offense but if the suit is too tight in the chest it doesn't fit you right and you should of bought something else. Where did you expect it to stretch? When the seams stretch beyond what they should, they come apart.

Believe me I've had my fair share of issues with wetsuits but I would never blame a seam failure on the Mfg. if the suit was admittedly too small.

I am not taking offense and I hope I am not coming off as a whining bitch. The salesman said the suit is supposed to fit tight and will stretch out over use.
The size range is 165-180 I weigh 170 and certainly do not have an abnormal size chest. They do not offer a recommended chest measurement. If the seams failed because of improper fit, maybe so, a good test will be if they fail again after they fix them.(and I will not send it back)

Anyway I am just stating my experience and purposely trying to stay away from my opinion(so much for that). Seam failures are not surprising to me but telling me a part of the material fails because of duck diving and is not covered under warranty is straight bshit. That issue kills it for me. If it was a $200 suit w/ these problems no big deal, move-on find something that works better.

They advertise and charge as a high-end premium suit. I was happy with what I understood I bought and the price I paid. The product I purchased did not perform as good as a suit at 2/3 the price IMO.

Also IMHO, the internets is a great resource for us to share our experiences concerning these issues good and bad.

Maybe the suit is just a lemon or I have moobs and am in denial, it happens but I would expect a lot better customer service.

Fair enough. Just something to consider and I am glad you did. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

 

[shshlens]

Only slight seam issue is a minor underarm thing on the '08. The '07 is flawless. Maybe I got lucky... but I don't think that's the case. I can't wait to demo the new chest zips!

-ShShSh

Is the minor underarm thing a split between the 4mm and 3mm parts of the suit? The whole seam, along the bottom of the back to under the arms, has split. Only the tape is preventing major water entry.

I found the LS suit tight for my chest and shoulders - i am 5'9" and 175. Do you mind mentioning if you are at the bottom or top of their suggested size ranges?

The tightness has got better as the person in the shop promised. Unfortunately that has coincided with the seam split.

I call it a minor underarm thing because it's not a seam split. It is literally just a couple drips of water and I can't figure out where it's coming in (although it is along a seam line). I feel it when I first get in, then it goes away pretty quickly. Mind you, this is my less warm of the 2 suits. The older one is far and away the best suit I've ever had.

As for the post that we're not talking about COLD water... you're right. For the wetsuits we deal with in most of CA, we're talking wintertime temps of between 45 at the low and 65 at the high. I do surf in 45 water temps, and the 4/3/2 Matuse with hood and booties keeps me happy.

As for RickVTA, your body type (that'd be somewhere between Quasimodo and Shaq) is ill suited for Matuse suits. Someone had to say it. I'm sorry buddy. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

-S

 

[RickVTA]

Only slight seam issue is a minor underarm thing on the '08. The '07 is flawless. Maybe I got lucky... but I don't think that's the case. I can't wait to demo the new chest zips!

-ShShSh

Is the minor underarm thing a split between the 4mm and 3mm parts of the suit? The whole seam, along the bottom of the back to under the arms, has split. Only the tape is preventing major water entry.

I found the LS suit tight for my chest and shoulders - i am 5'9" and 175. Do you mind mentioning if you are at the bottom or top of their suggested size ranges?

The tightness has got better as the person in the shop promised. Unfortunately that has coincided with the seam split.

I call it a minor underarm thing because it's not a seam split. It is literally just a couple drips of water and I can't figure out where it's coming in (although it is along a seam line). I feel it when I first get in, then it goes away pretty quickly. Mind you, this is my less warm of the 2 suits. The older one is far and away the best suit I've ever had.

As for the post that we're not talking about COLD water... you're right. For the wetsuits we deal with in most of CA, we're talking wintertime temps of between 45 at the low and 65 at the high. I do surf in 45 water temps, and the 4/3/2 Matuse with hood and booties keeps me happy.

As for RickVTA, your body type (that'd be somewhere between Quasimodo and Shaq) is ill suited for Matuse suits. Someone had to say it. I'm sorry buddy. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

-S

I'm not even Catholic, but am black from the waist down.

 

[shshlens]

Only slight seam issue is a minor underarm thing on the '08. The '07 is flawless. Maybe I got lucky... but I don't think that's the case. I can't wait to demo the new chest zips!

-ShShSh

Is the minor underarm thing a split between the 4mm and 3mm parts of the suit? The whole seam, along the bottom of the back to under the arms, has split. Only the tape is preventing major water entry.

I found the LS suit tight for my chest and shoulders - i am 5'9" and 175. Do you mind mentioning if you are at the bottom or top of their suggested size ranges?

The tightness has got better as the person in the shop promised. Unfortunately that has coincided with the seam split.

I call it a minor underarm thing because it's not a seam split. It is literally just a couple drips of water and I can't figure out where it's coming in (although it is along a seam line). I feel it when I first get in, then it goes away pretty quickly. Mind you, this is my less warm of the 2 suits. The older one is far and away the best suit I've ever had.

As for the post that we're not talking about COLD water... you're right. For the wetsuits we deal with in most of CA, we're talking wintertime temps of between 45 at the low and 65 at the high. I do surf in 45 water temps, and the 4/3/2 Matuse with hood and booties keeps me happy.

As for RickVTA, your body type (that'd be somewhere between Quasimodo and Shaq) is ill suited for Matuse suits. Someone had to say it. I'm sorry buddy. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

-S

I'm not even Catholic, but am black from the waist down.

Pretty much gave you that one on a silver platter, didn't I?

 

[shredthegnar]

I have an email from one of the Matuse guys telling me not to worry about an ill fitting suit because it will stretch to fit me after a couple uses. The suit I tried on was really tight in the chest and armpits.

I couldn't believe what I was reading and was really bummed that they would resort to absolute lies to sell product. He may as well told me the black suit would soon enough become white if that's what I wanted.

I have an '09 Matuse 3.2.2 I got for free from a buddy. It is a Medium. I am 5'9" 160 and the thing was tight as fvck around the chest when I first got it. Stretched out a bit and fits like a glove.

It isn't as warm as I thought it was going to be. I would get the 4.3.2 next time around. I'm in North OC, but dawn patrol it before work for most of my sessions.

If I was gonna buy a suit for a full pop, I'd go Patagonia next time and give it a try.

On another note, I haven't worn my Xcel 4.3 Chest Zip Drylock once this season. So I guess it is doing the trick.

 

[pwf]

Spring suit -bottom of the line 2mm short sleeve long pant Body Glove I love this suit. But that could be because it is for warmer water <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

Cool-Cold 06-07 Psycho 2 A little stiff when dry. pretty good once its been used once after the summer/fall. Durable. I really don't like the flush gaurd neoprene in the zen-zip closure. It gets stuck down my back when putting on my suit. A hassle if your alone.

Winter is 6/5/4 Xcell Infinity series. SUPER warm. Flex is nice. durable. The zipperless entry is a hassle to get OUT of. I liked the old style shoulder to shoulder chest zips from the 80's. My next suit will be that hotline model with the old style zip. Thats my only beef with this suit. Great suit, never been cold in it.

I've had a lot of suits. Started winter surfing in NJ in 1986-87 doubling up in 2 Oneil 3-2 ono's. So with that as a starting place modern suits are wonderful. I am hoping the heated vest (quicksilver) technology proves viable. At 41 I'm liking the cold less and less.

 

[originalsin]

Just wanted chime in on this thread.

I recently just bought a Hotline 5/4 Ultra Hot Combo Wetsuit and I could not be happier!

I surf in cold waters in the Pacific NW and wore almost exclusively O'Neill. Also, most of my suits have been back entry. The chest entry on the Hotline is WAY easier. The neoprene is super thick, softer and stretchier than the last O'Neill suit I bought(maybe last suit didn't have the new stretch material). But most importantly, I always found wetsuits too tight in the shoulders, I have broad shoulders. The Hotline XL Stocky size is awesome fit.

Take care, hope this helps out someone.

T.