Wetsuit selection help needed, no local shops to try before I buy.

Kaser1

Tom Curren status
May 3, 2004
10,271
262
83
Maine
Hellö erBBers!

Like the title says, not only can't I try on before I buy due to my remote location, but I have very little wetsuit experience over the past 11 yrs. I bought a Patagonia R5 for the winter here in Maine, but it's warming up and I'm beginning to cook.

Pre-Hawai'i my "go to" brands for suits were RipCurl for the fit (LT) and Patagonia for the wool liner/warmth (back in 2009).

Looking for a chest zip 4/3 that's not gonna break the bank but still get the job done. Any input would be appreciated, flame away :dancing: :cheers: :waving:
 
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One-Off

Tom Curren status
Jul 28, 2005
14,128
10,250
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33.8N - 118.4W
Go with what you know. Ripcurl ebomb is a good suit that is reasonably priced (they used to go on sale about this time of year, but with "supply chain" issues that's not happening). I've had a couple. They last 2 seasons for me (So Cal) and then I use them another year or two as a transition suit to summer. Right now I'm using one, fourth season, but the rubber is pretty stiff. I can tell because of how much harder is is to get on and off compared to my fresh Fbomb.
 
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NorthOC75

OTF status
Feb 5, 2010
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Feral. I have three so far and they are by far the best suits I've owned in the nearly 40 years I've been using wetsuits.
 

potato-nator

Phil Edwards status
Nov 10, 2015
6,066
1,283
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BassProShops have $99 3/2 fulls and $69 2/2 springiesOTR.
i bought the springie; haven't tried it yet...:shrug:
 

oeste858

Phil Edwards status
Sep 11, 2017
6,931
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San Diego, CA
If you know / like RC, I was satisfied with a Flashbomb+ a few years ago. Warm n flexible.

I’m on the Isurus zipperless train now. No reason to switch.
 
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Kaser1

Tom Curren status
May 3, 2004
10,271
262
83
Maine
If a RipCurl LT fit you before and your body has not changed you can order with confidence from the RipCurl lineup.
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
Is YOUR body the same as it was 10+ years ago? Well .. doubt mine is.

But my Patagucci is an LT and fits fine so that's good i guess.
 

silentbutdeadly

Duke status
Sep 26, 2005
33,499
23,098
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Tower 13
Feral has free returns if it doesn't fit well.

otherwise just buy the rip curl or patagucci that is your size.

I've had one feral and am planning on getting another. good suit
 

Kaser1

Tom Curren status
May 3, 2004
10,271
262
83
Maine
Just man up like 20Dub and skin it brah or maybe a short john? :shaka:
Ahh, no. water temps about 52 these days. I've packed on some extra fat with all the good food and drink, but not enough to keep me warmer for long.