Vissla Wetsuits

[haar]

Who's had a Vissla and what do you think?

I like xcel (I know a lot of people who don't) and held one up with a Vissla and if they didn't have the logos you would think they were the same brand made in the same factory. The Xcel was $150 more.

 

[Hdip]

They probably are made in the same factory.

Here's an australian podcast wetsuit review episode, that speaks very highly of them.

https://lippedsurferspodcast.libsyn.com/2019-wetsuit-guide

 

[haar]

Awesome, thanks for the link

 

[grg]

banger suit for the price

 

[Bman76]

I have used them - excellent value. Better than Need. Mine have lasted two seasons.

 

[retodd]

I like mine. Main thing 4 me is it fits like xcel . not as warm but it was half the price

Would buy again

The new line looks great

https://www.vissla.com/shop/shop/north-seas-4-3-full-suit/

 

[rgruber]

I have a 4/3 Vissla and it's fine, I bought it because I was traveling and it was cold and I needed a 4/3 immediately, but my 4/3 Xcels are both warmer and more flexible. Mostly more flexible. The Vissla feels much more constricting.

For the money it's OK. I wear a 4/3 so much though that I'd rather wait for the Xcel Drylocks to go on sale over the summer.

 

[sozzle]

Had a vissla north seas hooded 5.5/4.5 last winter, it was warmer than the last decade plus of xcels ive had fresh suit every winter), it also lasted the whole season compared to xcels shîtting their seams after 6-8weeks.

It did have a few weird flush issues but still, I literally didn’t get cold once, I think it might be the little drain holes on the chest letting water in occasionally.

My grom’s vissla suits have been warmer than his past xcels also.

Will buy again this winter for sure.

 

[jkb]

Here's an article that explains where almost all of the bigger brand wetsuits are made.

https://stabmag.com/news/every-wetsuit-youve-ever-owned-was-made-by-these-guys/

 

[rgruber]

Key point is that although they make the materials they customize each:

"What’s amazing, is that Sheico contract-manufactures for various top brands but manages to customise components so that each can have its own look and feel"

So the idea that because it's made in the same factory that it's the same suit for less money isn't necessarily 100% accurate.

You can make a Chevy and a Cadillac on the same line but the choice of materials etc is going to define the brand.

In any case the Vissla I have doesn't really hold a candle to the Xcel but for the money, I wouldn't expect it to.

 

[haar]

For the money it's OK. I wear a 4/3 so much though that I'd rather wait for the Xcel Drylocks to go on sale over the summer.

Where are you that you're wearing a 4/3 so much?

 

[tedshred5]

The Clymb is having a sale on Xcel wetsuits right now

Been using Infiniti Comps as my go to 4/3 for 6 years now, only needed 2 of them over this time period

Might bite the bullet and buy a Feral 4/3 for this winter

 

[haar]

Had a vissla north seas hooded 5.5/4.5 last winter, it was warmer than the last decade plus of xcels ive had fresh suit every winter), it also lasted the whole season compared to xcels shîtting their seams after 6-8weeks.

Can I assume you surf more than a few times a week and don't care for your suit by rinsing it after every surf since you get a new one each year?

I say that because I have to make my suits last a few seasons so I dunk it in fresh water after every surf, surf maybe twice a week in the winter and 2-4 times a week in the summer and my last Xcel Drylock lasted me 4 winters and still has life with the seams still going strong. My only issue was I wore out the wrist seal and that's where water is flushing in.

 

[ChaseTMP]

I've been pretty happy with my Vissla suits. I have: 7 Seas 3/2 that's lasted two seasons, North Seas 4/3 that looks perfect for another season, 7 Seas 2/2 SS that's on its second season and a 1mm LS jacket on its second season.

No issues with anything. The only thing maybe worth mentioning is the fuzzy liner on the full suits can be a tad bid itchy every once in a while.

I've been getting them through a shop hookup which makes the price even better, but I wouldn't hesitate to pay MSRP. My 2017 Xcel Drylock's armpit seams blew-out in one season and the smoothy collar had several fingernail half-moon cuts which is a testament to how fragile that material they're using is, since my nails are always super short. Xcel was very good about the warranty repair.

 

[rgruber]

New York.

Usually late October through beginning of January (when there is a good amount of swell and I'm surfing a lot) and then again in April/May when the water hasn't warmed up much yet.

The 4/3 Hooded Drylock is maybe the best suit I've ever bought. Great for days where cold offshores chill you out quickly but it's bombing. In a warm year can wear into real winter.

My 4/3s and 5/4s usually last a few seasons. But I'm walking straight into my shower and taking them off and it's too cold to dry them outside.

For the money it's OK. I wear a 4/3 so much though that I'd rather wait for the Xcel Drylocks to go on sale over the summer.

Where are you that you're wearing a 4/3 so much?

 

[sozzle]

Had a vissla north seas hooded 5.5/4.5 last winter, it was warmer than the last decade plus of xcels ive had fresh suit every winter), it also lasted the whole season compared to xcels shîtting their seams after 6-8weeks.

Can I assume you surf more than a few times a week and don't care for your suit by rinsing it after every surf since you get a new one each year?

I say that because I have to make my suits last a few seasons so I dunk it in fresh water after every surf, surf maybe twice a week in the winter and 2-4 times a week in the summer and my last Xcel Drylock lasted me 4 winters and still has life with the seams still going strong. My only issue was I wore out the wrist seal and that's where water is flushing in.

Pretty careful with them, rinsed in warm fresh water after every session and drip dryed in a warm room in the winter, most of the crew I surf with have fresh xcel suits that are leaking after 2 months every winter if there’s consistent waves,

This may well be a winter 5/4 suit issue though as my thinner summer xcels do actually last several seasons,

 

[oeste858]

3/2 7Seas fullsuit was great value for price. Highly recommend.
4/3 North Seas had some QC issues and design quirks. Not very flexible either. Would skip that "premium" line for the price

 

[haar]

Yeah, I wear a 3/2 almost all year unless I'm wearing a top so that's prob it. When I lived in NJ my 5/4's lasted a season or two also. I think because they are not as flexible/ stretchy it's harder on the seams is my guess.

 

[rgruber]

Think also depends on level of suit within manufacturers line. I have nothing bad to say about Xcel Drylocks but I hated the two Revolts I had. The rumor was they were prior years Drylock tech but I found them to be much worse suits. Not as warm, fell apart faster, etc.

 

[chilly1]

A little off the track of this subject but when do the new model suits start coming to market? Specifically Rip Curl and Isurus? I am in the market but don't want to purchase just to have the new ones come in right after.

More on topic, I had an excel drylock and it was very stiff especially compared to Rip Curl Flashbomb. Have an Isurus 4/3 hooded front zip which is in the middle of the RC and Excel flexibility wise but by far the warmest 4/3 I have ever worn and pretty sure the best quality (likely last a few seasons)-still I am considering getting the all 3 mill zipless/hooded Isurus (different material from 4/3) or 4/3 RC heatseeker zipfree to enjoy better flex. Never tried Visla but always thought it would be very flexible from less stitching.