The Great Unbiased Wetsuit Review Thread

[Oceanslide]

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="" />

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" />

 

[chrisolden]

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="" />

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause2.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" />

 

[silentbutdeadly]

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="" />

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause2.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" />

Someone with Rice's phone number needs to call and give him a warning. He's gonna blow an O-Ring when he finally reads this.

 

[chrisolden]

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.

sorta curious...what's the water temp at "LA's coldest point"?
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

 

[lorcar]

lorcal, if i were you i'd stay away from the oniell psycho2 suits and go with the psycho1.

wow, how possible.
I would have thought that if the P2 has problems, the P1 is even worse, as it has just one single fluid seam

 

[nickpheous]

Yeah one fluid seam and glued and blindstitched. The p2 has no stitching. The fluid seams break down and separate from the neoprene panels. This was my experience with the knees and chest panels on both of my p2 suits.

 

[Homie]

I have a Xcel Infiniti X Zip Short Sleeve Fullsuit that I bought around the middle of June. The suit is unreal and the fit is super good. My only complaint is that a seam is already starting to bust and I have been super careful with this suit so it’s getting sent back to Xcel.

 

[lorcar]

Yeah one fluid seam and glued and blindstitched. The p2 has no stitching. The fluid seams break down and separate from the neoprene panels. This was my experience with the knees and chest panels on both of my p2 suits.

i went on Oneill website, but couldnt find that Ps1 has stitching

 

[nickpheous]

i saw that. i found more info on another site and it is GBS seams with 1 welded seam

Additional Features

FULL O'Neill WARRANTY!
Firewall Insulation
Z.E.N. Zip Entry/Closure
Krypto Knee Pads
Plasma Seals
100% Sealed
Crewneck
D-Tox Kneepad
Exterior Fluid Seam Weld
External Key Pocket
Firewall Insulating-Fiber Jersey
Fluid Seam Weld
Glued &amp; Blindstitched Seams ***
Lightweight &amp; Durable
Minimal Seam Design
Plasma Interior wrist &amp; ankle seals
Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones
Super Seal Neck
Ultraflex DS
Wind Resistant Glideskin
External Key Pocket
Ultraflex XDS
Exterior Fluid Seam Weld

 

[MATJOHNSON]

I just got a Hyperflex 5/4/3 Flow yesterday and I thihk is a very well made suite and the price is great as well $224 plus tax .

The suite fits really well and the seams are Glued , &amp; Taped and blind stiched. The honey comb fleece layering inside on the chest and in the hood feel really good and make the suite feel extra cozy. The cuffs around the ends of the sleeves and legs are really strechy and make I nice snug fit around boots and gloves. The 6 way strech in this thing is amazing the suite fits so well it almost like it my own skin. I havent had a chance to give it a water test yet but if its like any of my other Hyperflex suits it will be very warm and durable

They have a good warrenty and are based out of NJ so I like the fact I and supporting a local buisness. There facotry is like 45 min from my house so "if" I every had a issue I could just drive it to the facotry to get fixed rather than mail it.

 

[Shwuz]

Ok, I'm just about sold on the Hyperflex, I'm just wondering what the significant differences are between the "Amp" and the "Flow" models. It's about a $70 price difference, but the site isn't clear on why the Amp is that much better.

Any insight?

 

[MATJOHNSON]

Ok, I'm just about sold on the Hyperflex, I'm just wondering what the significant differences are between the "Amp" and the "Flow" models. It's about a $70 price difference, but the site isn't clear on why the Amp is that much better.

Any insight?

I dont know either? Flow use to be there top of the line model. There website say the same info for the Amp 5/4/3 &amp; Flow 5/4/3.

 

[Shwuz]

Well... What it looks like is, this year's "flow" is about equivilent to last year's "amp". So still a pretty solid suit for the price. Since I'm only in rubber for about 3-4 months of the year, I'll probably go for the Flow and save a few bucks.

Most importantly, it's going to be an improvement to the busted-ass $89 ripcurl I've been using for the last 6 years. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause2.gif" alt="" />

BTW~ Go here right now for the flow 3/2 on sale for only $129. http://www.wavejammer.com/wetsuits/fullsuits/fullsuits72.shtml They have every size but mine (xl). <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cussing.gif" alt="" />


Edit: I talked myself into going with the Amp. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/jam_on.gif" alt="" />

 

[Ifallalot]

I've been looking at the Hyperflexes for a 5/4/3 Hooded for dark winter mornings. All the good things I'm hearing looks like I'm going to pull the trigger. I guess there's no reason to think of something as "too cheap" huh?

 

[MATJOHNSON]

I've been looking at the Hyperflexes for a 5/4/3 Hooded for dark winter mornings. All the good things I'm hearing looks like I'm going to pull the trigger. I guess there's no reason to think of something as "too cheap" huh?

Just cause it 100 dollars less than a Rip Curl or Xcel suite dont let that make you think that Hyperflex's suite are cheaply made.
My whole wetsuit arsonal is Hyperflex. I got a Hyperflex Flow 3/2 that is 5 years old and is in Great shape, A hyperflex cyclone 4/3 which is 4 years old and is in great shape aswell execpt the lettering on the arms is coming off but I dont care. I got a AMP long sleeve 2mm top I got this fall and it fits great . I dont ride up in the back like most suits. Last but not least I got my FLow 5/4/3 yesterday I can wait to try out.
I have been out and have been talkin to guy who are pissed cause they have spent good money on Top brands and they fall apart after 1 season. Almost all of my suits are 4+ years old and all still perform like new . No tears , zipper failurs or blow out , or leaky seams.

I am sold on Hyperflex If they made a Beaver tail wetsuit they ALL my suits would be Hyperflex after christmas.(Getting a Vintage Soul Beaver Tail for Christmas)

 

[rice]

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="" />

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Puppy **** seems like it would warm you up.

Look;

1. All I did was comment that "well, yeah, of course" a guy with a 4/3 in SD was staying warm. Tell me truthfully, is there anyone wearing a 4/3 in SD that is NOT warm? That doesn't seem like much a statement.

2. CenCal/NorCal surfers are not more "core", or tougher, or less "pussy"; they just wear thicker wetsuits.

The prevailing wisdom has gone, roughly: SoCal = 3/2, Central/NorCal = 4/3, PNW = 5/4, and New England Winter = really, really thick. And as suits have gotten more warm and better constructed, even that is getting pushed down. I know a ton of guys (not me) here that wear 3/2's year round.

3. Though I love living here, I have always been super jealous of my SoCal brethren enjoying much warmer water, especially in SD. I am very surprised to find that this is not the case.



<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" />

 

[BryanLamb]

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="" />

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Puppy **** seems like it would warm you up.

Look;

1. All I did was comment that "well, yeah, of course" a guy with a 4/3 in SD was staying warm. Tell me truthfully, is there anyone wearing a 4/3 in SD that is NOT warm? That doesn't seem like much a statement.

2. CenCal/NorCal surfers are not more "core", or tougher, or less "pussy"; they just wear thicker wetsuits.

The prevailing wisdom has gone, roughly: SoCal = 3/2, Central/NorCal = 4/3, PNW = 5/4, and New England Winter = really, really thick. And as suits have gotten more warm and better constructed, even that is getting pushed down. I know a ton of guys (not me) here that wear 3/2's year round.

3. Though I love living here, I have always been super jealous of my SoCal brethren enjoying much warmer water, especially in SD. I am very surprised to find that this is not the case.



<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" />

All we need now is a chick to post that she wears a 4/3 in San Diego and we'll get to see rice hulk up.

 

[rice]

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

 

[lorcar]

after reading all these posts and other threads about wetsuits, it seems the most appreciated wetsuits here (w/o reaching the high price tag of matuse and patagonia) are: Boz, Hotline, Hyperflex, West and Xcel

 

[Homie]

Is anyone on here wearing a high end 2MM year round in SoCal? I used to wear a 4.3 during freezing East Coast winters, hopefully wetsuit gloves have gotten better because they didn't work well back then.