Wetsuit purchase

masscj7 · Newbie Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 32 City: Holyoke

Hey guys,
Looking to buy my first wetsuit this spring. Hoping to get on the water with temps in the high 50's through the 60's. I've never purchased a suit before, so looking for insight into thickness, brands, pros and cons, probably looking for a full suit as the air temperatures up here will be relatively cool still, not like cool water, but significantly warmer air. Thanks for the insight.

TheHebrewHammer · Addict Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 526

Hey mate, I use a 5mm full body wetsuit (no hood, long sleeves/legs) for winter riding. It's allowed me to be relatively comfortable in air temps as cold as 48F (don't remember the water temp on that day, but it was significantly colder than the high 50s). Mine is a NeoSport and it was relatively inexpensive (about $160), but I don't know much about brands. The thicknesses run up to 7mm, and thicker suits are more expensive. For what you're describing, a 5mm would be perfect, and you would probably be fine with a 3mm suit if you can stand being a little colder. Definitely get a thick wetsuit because it will extend your season a ton. It's totally worth the price!

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Usually a 4/3 suit will do well in the low 50's. I've only ever bought the one suit I own and bought it used. I'd say stick with the major brands and you can't go wrong. I'm sure others will chime in with more specifics to lead you in the right direction.

tcaseymcclure · Criminal Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Posts: 85

what size are you looking for?

masscj7 · Newbie Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 32 City: Holyoke

Not sure as this is my first purchase. I'm 6' 220lb, but I think that I'd want a 5mm suit because as I get older, I seem to get cold a heck of alot more frequently!

cadunkle · Criminal Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 60 City: NJ

A 5mm full suit to ride in 60* water? I was trunking it last season in 50* water. I think 5mm will be a little warm in those toasty water temps you mentioned.

TheHebrewHammer · Addict Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 526

masscj7 · Newbie Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 32 City: Holyoke

I'll check out the price differences between the thinknesses. Someone said stick with the name brands, but is there a major difference, neoprene is neoprene, the only thing that I could think off that cheaper suits might not be as durable/stitching/holding together??

dalderman · Soul Rider Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 356 City: Carlsbad

I surf in temps down to 55* and use a 3/2 without an issue and you spend way more time sitting in the water surfing than wakeboarding.
When looking at a wetsuit you should definitely consider the seams and material because not all neoprene is the same. Some of it is much more stretchy than others. Regarding seams, remember that everytime there is a stitch there is also a hole. You want the seams to be glued and taped for maximum warmth. Something else to consider is the fit. I've tried many different brands - Rip Curl, Oneill, Billabong and Quiksilver and they all fit differently

masscj7 · Newbie Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 32 City: Holyoke

Great info Dalderman! Thanks. With all that's been said, anyone got a recommendations for a good suit, moderate price, and I'm a guy that has an athletic build, but got a case of the over 30 stomach softness coming in, I'm not one of those skinny as a rail youngsters anymore. So I guess I'm looking for a suit that's not going to be a world famous youtube video for me trying to get it on Mr. Green

dalderman · Soul Rider Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 356 City: Carlsbad

For something moderately priced with nice features, I would look at the Oneill Heat. If you don't mind paying a little more, the Oneill Psycho 2 is a great suit for the money.

neverwinter · Criminal Joined: 12 Aug 2010 Posts: 66

I purchased a 3/2 Jet Pilot suit last year for $99...best purchase of the season! Our lake hovers in the high 60's in the summer down to mid 40's in the winter and i've never had an issue with being too cold to ride!

Benji Mac · Newbie Joined: 02 Mar 2011 Posts: 34 City: Okinawa, Japan

I surf in a 3.2mm suit all year here and all year when i lived in NC, no problems but im not sure about the temps. I wonder though, the thicker you go, would it limit your flexibility at all? I know i tell a huge difference paddling out on surf when i have a suit on vs. when i don't, it seems like 3.2 vs. 5 or 6mm would be a huge diff as well and may hurt handle passes and things like that?