The Great Unbiased Wetsuit Review Thread

lorcar · Oct 19, 2009

Do yourself a favor and find a dealer that carries West wetsuits. Try a medium, son.

thanks a lot. I was indeed also considering the West as I read greatest reviews (as for the Xcel). Would you suggest chestzip or backzip?
Also, you say "M" size...looking at their website I think I have the usual problem: my weight is just at the lower bound of the range for this size (70-77 Kg). And I fear it will be abundant or not tight enough. I had this problem in Brazil: I bought this
http://www.truzz.com.br/product_info.php?products_id=85
fantastic neoprene, M size seemed to fit well, the S was too tight and the shop obviously didn't carry the MS, that would have been perfect. It is a bit loose in the water, and it keeps coming up, so i was a bit upset.
On the contrary, the Xcel MS is perfect on the weight range, but short in height.... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bawling.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bawling.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bawling.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

lorcar · Oct 19, 2009

...looking at their website I think I have the usual problem

actually this is not true: at first I went on the Italian West website, but checking their catalogue and international site it seems the M is perfect. How weird... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

studog · Oct 20, 2009

surflie has their 2009 wetsuit guide
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/2009-wetsuit-preview-buyers-guide_30884/1/

not sure what to make of all it. lot of buzz words and fancy names by each company for the same design and materials.

RickVTA · Oct 20, 2009

I bought the Boz Comp 3.5 2.5 last year with the INCA rubber. By far the warmest lightest suit I've ever had.

goldenarmes · Oct 20, 2009

I bought the Boz Comp 3.5 2.5 last year with the INCA rubber. By far the warmest lightest suit I've ever had.

couldnt agree more. they dont get much love because of the too good to be true prices and anti hype. they make performance suits that LAST.

are they pretty? no.

all that slick skin stuff wears out and cracks (micro cracks) and allows the cold in. Boz suits have titanium panels on both sides of the suit for more protection.

the funny thing is boz was using what matuse is currently using like 5 years ago....and moved away from the limestone for a reason.

i'll take function over fashion everytime. the matuse suits are easily the best looking suits on the market and im sure work great for 1 season but i just cant justify the $$$

ShiverMeTimbers · Oct 20, 2009

update on my new Hotline PhoenixX 3/2 purchase. Ordered it right before my Oz/NZ trip. I wore it in Sydney and south, but could have gotten away with a 2mm short arm fullsuit. Maybe not. The PhoenixX is warmer than I thought it would be. Great fit, stretch, and felt only minor irritation after surfing for 2 hours. I had minor flushing in the neck but that's probably because my neck is thinner than most people my size. In NZ I could have worn it, but opted for my 4/3 because I wasn't sure how cold it would be.

For $200 on sale, I think this suit will get me through the winter and next spring/summer just fine. I should be gainfully employed by then and will likely purchase another 3/2 next fall.

My Xcel 4/3 infiniti drylock continues to work well, despite my scrawny neck flushing almost every time I duck dive. I probably need to have it tailored, and once that happens the suit will be fine for the rest of this winter.

My O'neil 3/2 Psycho II leaves a solid black ring of rubber around my neck every time I wear it. I have to use baby oil to remove the black ring. Other than that, the suit has held up OK.

Pressley · Oct 20, 2009

Do yourself a favor and find a dealer that carries West wetsuits. Try a medium, son.

Click to expand...

thanks a lot. I was indeed also considering the West as I read greatest reviews (as for the Xcel). Would you suggest chestzip or backzip?
Also, you say "M" size...looking at their website I think I have the usual problem: my weight is just at the lower bound of the range for this size (70-77 Kg). And I fear it will be abundant or not tight enough. I had this problem in Brazil: I bought this
http://www.truzz.com.br/product_info.php?products_id=85
fantastic neoprene, M size seemed to fit well, the S was too tight and the shop obviously didn't carry the MS, that would have been perfect. It is a bit loose in the water, and it keeps coming up, so i was a bit upset.
On the contrary, the Xcel MS is perfect on the weight range, but short in height.... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bawling.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bawling.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bawling.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I went chest zip, but then again, I always go chest zip. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/socrazy.gif" alt="" />

RickVTA · Oct 20, 2009

I bought the Boz Comp 3.5 2.5 last year with the INCA rubber. By far the warmest lightest suit I've ever had.

Click to expand...

couldnt agree more. they dont get much love because of the too good to be true prices and anti hype. they make performance suits that LAST.

are they pretty? no.

all that slick skin stuff wears out and cracks (micro cracks) and allows the cold in. Boz suits have titanium panels on both sides of the suit for more protection.

the funny thing is boz was using what matuse is currently using like 5 years ago....and moved away from the limestone for a reason.

i'll take function over fashion everytime. the matuse suits are easily the best looking suits on the market and im sure work great for 1 season but i just cant justify the $$$

Click to expand...

I forgot to mention Boz as a possibility. Harry showed me the new comp suits about 6 months ago when I picked up a farmer john from him and the fullsuit seemed like it weighed as much as a vest <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

The only thing holding me back from Boz is the zipper. The damn thing just digs into the neck. Once that's changed (if it does change) I'm on it.

I know he'll make a front zip but even he says they won't last as long. Maybe he'll come up with a Drylock type front zip that would work. I hope he does, cause he'd get my business. He respects Xcels so hopfully....

After my first session in the Boz I had a sore spot on the back of my neck from the zipper. Since then I made sure the neck seal was pulled up past where the zipper ends and I've never felt it again.

Another plus is the amount of size combinations BOZ has. You're sure to get a suit that fits great. The new rubber is so flexible you don't even feel the suit when it is dry. Really smooth and light.

sdsurfrat · Oct 20, 2009

I love my OG Matuse 4/3/2, almost the whole upper body is gucci smooth skin rubber. That suit is in nearly perfect condition and ready to go into it's third season.
Only downside with this one is loose fitting ankles.
Superwarm, ultraflexible, soaks up little to no water.

I did get another 4/3/2 Matuse last year. This one is the vintage 4/3/2 still left if they have your size. Fantastic suit. Has less smoothie rubber. (and the 2009/2010 4/3/2 has even less smoothie than this..) For Socal these suits provide me with the motivational level to charge any early morning session and know I will be super warm and comfy during the coldest winter months. I'm set with 4/3/2's for this season.

The Matuse 3/2's rock also. Just got a vintage 3/2 as a freshie but have not worn it yet. Still wearing the 2Mil SSFull Matuse they rock, again my OG is the nicest one. The SSFull I got last year is nowhere near as nice as the OG. (not as much Hydrosilk) I did get the weird neck rash but only with my 3/2 and it was gone in a week. Maybe it was the velcro rubbing and I was not used to the neck closure I'm thinking..

I've pretty much tried out all the wetsuit brands.
Overall I would not use anything else.

Oceanslide · Oct 20, 2009

Have a Matuse 2 mil shortsleave full ("Vintage")and have
worn it quite a bit now. REALLY comfy suit, no issues with
any neck rash like a few have mentioned. A tiny bit of
leaking through the zipper, but not a big deal as I wouldn't
wear it in super cold water anyway. I really like it and
wouldn't mind trying a fullsuit.

Have a newish Xcel Infinity chest zip 3/2 that is also
really comfy, but going from the Matuse 2 mil to that, it
feels really thick and cumbersome, even though the Xcel is
very soft and smooth. A couple drips coming through the
seem in the arse already without too many sessions, plus
the neck, right where the taped seems end, is already
starting to come apart a bit. Will send it in if it gets
worse. My biggest complaint about Xcels is that they take
FOREVER to dry and really soak up water and become heavy
when compared to the Matuse, which is incredibly light
even when soaking wet.

My next suit will be a Boz 4/3 back-zip. Haven't decided
on the Thermoboz or Comp, but the materials are super nice
that I saw, Harry is a class act, and the price (for what
you get) can't be beat.
One question for those of you that
have one...do they dry faster than most other suits (ie:
soak up less water)?

rocferd · Oct 20, 2009

I bought the Boz Comp 3.5 2.5 last year with the INCA rubber. By far the warmest lightest suit I've ever had.

Click to expand...

couldnt agree more. they dont get much love because of the too good to be true prices and anti hype. they make performance suits that LAST.

are they pretty? no.

all that slick skin stuff wears out and cracks (micro cracks) and allows the cold in. Boz suits have titanium panels on both sides of the suit for more protection.

the funny thing is boz was using what matuse is currently using like 5 years ago....and moved away from the limestone for a reason.

i'll take function over fashion everytime. the matuse suits are easily the best looking suits on the market and im sure work great for 1 season but i just cant justify the $$$

Like I've mentioned before in previous threads, I really have no need or much desire to wear anything other than Boz suits. They fit me well, are as warm/flexible as I need a suit to be, and are priced excellent. I really don't understand any of the complaints about leaks and flushing, as they seem to have no affect on the warmth provided. I recall someone from the East Coast mentioning how his Boz suite leaked more than other popular brand suits he owned, but yet was as warm or warmer. Maybe if I didn't live in San Diego, I would wear other suits. Being able to go to Harry's house and check suits out makes things very convenient. As long as the quality of the suits do not decline, I will continue to be a loyal customer. However, I am curious about Axxe & Cyber suits, but their price is a bit of an obstacle; for the price of their suits, I would rather get a new board. Wait, almost 2 new boards in some cases.

tacos · Oct 20, 2009

I have 3/2 Hotline phoenix. I got it back in November and so far I like it. The durability isn't what they are cracked up to be. The stitching around the neck entry (not a seam) started to come undone right away and it feels like it is starting to leak a bit in the butt.

That said, the material is super flexible. I tried on o'neils, quicksivlers, Xcels and a few others before getting this suit and by far it is the most comfortable. And it has kept me warm enough on those offshore 55 degree dawn patrol sessions. Not having any slick skin, thecold offshore winds can be a bit tough. And the wrist and ankles use the old rubber that seems to absorb the water. And there is no antiflushing rubber in those areas either like the other high end suits.

Overall, fit and comfort is a 10, durabililty would be an 8. Warmth I'd say is probably an 8 as well. I like it but I am concerned that it will be a leaky bastard by next winter. Time will tell.

Click to expand...

Hotline released the original "Phoenix" suit a little bit too early. The neck stitching is a common problem. In fact, all unsold Phoenix suits from surf shops were returned so they could resolve this problem.

The "PhoenixX" (two x's) is the solution. It's a great suit, with Hotline's legendary durability. They loosened up the cut in the calves & thighs a touch, put in a different material in the forearms, and fixed the stitching in the neck. They really shot themselves in the foot by releasing the first gen. "phoenix" before solving those problems.

So, if anyone out there has a "Phoenix" suit, take it back to your surf shop and see if they can contact Hotline for you to either fix it or get you a "PhoenixX." You'll know which one you have by the lettering on the cuff -- there is an extra "X" on the newer suits.

As for the Freebird, I haven't used one but have heard good things from those who have. It's a price-point suit, but totally taped and front zip. That's pretty damn nice.

I'm still a Hotline fan, but this new Matuse suit I have continues to blow me away. Amazing product, from my perspective. If they made a front zip Matuse, I'd be done. So far, so good. But I'm only one season in. We'll see about durability.

-ShShSh

Click to expand...

I know i'm quoting a post that's a bit dated (1/24/08 or something. )

Anyways ShShSh if you're reading this, is the seat or "butt" leak part of the problem that Phoenix has?

The seat seam of my Phoenix leaks pretty bad. I just assumed (without actually checking) that I had a PhoenixX, but I just looked and it's a regular Phoenix.

bumping this out of curiosity.

rocferd · Oct 20, 2009

My next suit will be a Boz 4/3 back-zip. Haven't decided
on the Thermoboz or Comp, but the materials are super nice
that I saw, Harry is a class act, and the price (for what
you get) can't be beat.
One question for those of you that
have one...do they dry faster than most other suits (ie:
soak up less water)? [/quote]

The 4/3 Thermoboss I picked up this past Jan. seems to dry much faster than my older Thermoboss suits. I don't know how it compares to other brands though, because I've exclusively worn Boz suits for the last four years.

lorcar · Oct 28, 2009

so at the end today I was able to try on two different wetsuits I never tried before: the Lotus West chestzip 4.3, size M, and the Oneill Psycho2 backzip 3.2 size M as well.
The West left me (5'11'', 155lb - 181cm, 70kg) with a lot of "empty" space on my belly and back, so I figured out these
2 little sacks would become full of cold water! Entering the wetsuit was a nightmare. I had to call the guy to help me enter my right arm, as I was too scared to break the wetsuit apart. It was really a mess, much more difficult than entering the Ripcurl Ebomb Chestzip I tried few weeks ago. And getting out was difficult as well. The guy said it's just a matter of getting used to it, but I didn't think it was practical, and I wonder how long can the material last when you have to pull it so much just to enter and exit it. Nothing to say about the neoprene, really flexible.

Entering the well-renowned Oneill Psycho 2 was a cup of tea compared to the West. I found the material very flexible as well but at the same time I found it difficult to make it move over the skin: I dont know how to explain this feeling,
but it was as if it was too tight to pull it along. I mean, I had to work a bit harder to pull it above my legs and arms. I liked feeling my wrists and ankles really really sealed, I felt like no water can flush in from there. I was surprised to see such a short zip, but this is the zen zipless system after all. Also the neck was a surprise: definitely shorter than other wetsuits, and gusseted:
although you can close it as you want using the velcro making it looser or tighter, i didn't feel it very protected so I guess you have to make the batwing coming out a bit or use a lycra.

At the end I think I would like to try the West 3.2 MS, but also will read some more review of the Oneill Psyco 2.

Also, the price of the West was not at all much cheaper than the Oneill, just few euros.

fabulus88 · Oct 28, 2009

I purchased the Rip Curl F-Bomb 3/2 Chest Zip earlier this year on sale and have just now worn it twice and I HATE it. I'm 6'3 225 and the legs are sooo tight especially in the seem that runs above the knee, that I can't stand it. I have exclusively worn Quiksilver wetsuits for probably the last 8 years, and I only bought this one because of the price. The overall fit of the rest of the suit is good, and the top half is super flexy, but I don't think I can get past the fit on the bottom half.

Not sure what the market for used suits is, but I'm probably going to have to try and sell this thing. Back to the drawing board I guess...

San Gabriel Valley local · Oct 28, 2009

I bought an O'Neill Psycho 2 3/2 last fall and when new, it was warm, flexible, did not flush, and did not trickle. The fluid seams split several times, in the same and different spots, however, and it was in for warranty repairs 3 times, for about 7-8 weeks. It's been a little over a year now and it's springing leaks all over mostly where the fluid seams are coming apart but also where the external fabric is tearing. I'm really careful with my wetsuits, and this one has fallen apart faster, with less use, than any I've had in almost 30 years of surfing. It smells worse too. For me it's an A in design, B- for customer service/warranty repairs, and D- for materials/construction.

nickpheous · Oct 28, 2009

lorcal, if i were you i'd stay away from the oniell psycho2 suits and go with the psycho1. i had the same problems with mine P2 as sangabrielvalleylocal. unbelievably poor suit due mostly to the double fluid seams and lack of stitching. the psycho 1 is lighter, less expensive and more durable than the 2. just my opinion. i have 4/3 and 3/2 psycho 1 suits that are 5 years old and in better condition than my 1 year old P2 3/2 and 4/3. i would have bought new ones a while back but for some retarded reason oniell doesn't offer P1's in xls anymore <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Heavyfooted · Oct 29, 2009

Just used my 5/4/3 Matuse today at LA's coldest point. Strong offshore winds and long waits for the swingers from the North swell. After 3 hours, I never overheated or got cold. Not leaks, tho a drop would get in my neck from time to time. No big deal. The suit is so light in and out of the water and it's very easy to paddle in. The torso is a little stiff due to the 5mm rubber and batwing, no biggie. I'll just say this is the best coldwater suit I've ever used.

5/4/3 in S. California? WTF? You are a sliver of a man and your heart pumps puppy ****. Man up. Central coast guys would be trunking it.

(Just beating rice to the punch) <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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