Winter Surfing Wetsuit

NorthwestRider · Posted: Sep 17, 2008 7:27 am Post subject: Winter Surfing Wetsuit

So.. I've finally got in to surfing and I'm looking to but a good wetsuit for the winter. I can't decide between the O'neill Psycho 1 and the Mutant. Both in 4/3. Has any one had experience with either of these suits? I'm leaning toward the Psycho 1 right now. I plan on using it for wakeboarding too, but mostly just for surfing.

Jester · Posted: Sep 17, 2008 7:49 am Post subject:

Both are very good suits, you'll be about equally warm and mobile. Personally, I hate the Fly Zip design of the Mutant 'cuz I can never get the damn thing off of me, but I'm in the minority. When zipperless wetsuits were cool everybody (except me apparently) learned how to climb in & outta the neck of a wetsuit easily.

I would say go for the cheaper one 'cuz they have comparable features.

NorthwestRider · Posted: Sep 17, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

Ok. Yeah thats what I'm worried about with the mutant but I always see tons of kids using them. I'm probably going to get the Psycho and buy a hood later. But I'm going to talk to one of my good surf friends tomorrow and see what he thinks too. Do you think 4/3 will be enough for winter surfing? Thanks for your help!

Jester · Posted: Sep 17, 2008 11:35 pm Post subject:

I'm telling you, all the kids can slide right in & outta the freakin' neck of these suits! I nearly dislocated my shoulder gettin' the damn thing off. Getting in was easy, but I banged every wall in the changing room getting out. And it wasn't even wet!

Keep in mind though, I haven't actually tried on a Mutant suit. I tested a similar design by Hotline called the Fly Zip a while ago and I couldn't work it. Suits nowadays are way more flexible and stretchy than back then so it should be easier to climb in & out.

As far as I know, Washington and Oregon winters require a 5/4, if not a 6/5. We're wearing 4/3's down here in SC during the winter, I know the water's not equally warm up there.

NorthwestRider · Posted: Sep 18, 2008 7:19 am Post subject:

Dang it, I really didn't want to have to buy a 5/4.... but I figured I would.
Hmmmm, well I'm looking and it seems the Psycho 1 only comes in 4/3 or 3/2. So if I need a 5/4 then I guess I'll be getting the Mutant then. Well I guess that settles it. The only thing is is on O'neills website it rates the Psycho 1 for "frigid" temperature but it's only a 4/3? hmmmm.

Jester · Posted: Sep 18, 2008 8:43 am Post subject:

O'neill is a California based company, so "frigid" is probably based on our standards.

Bubb Rubb this cold water stuff, I'm moving back to So Cal after I graduate!

NorthwestRider · Posted: Sep 20, 2008 5:54 pm Post subject:

Sweet well I talked to my surf friend and I got a 4/3 Psycho w/ a hood from him and a pair of Psycho booties so I'm set! I'm going surfing tomorrow morning to test it out.