Comments for nwBroweather

Comment on Tis The Season by sman

sman — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:28:12 +0000

staying at home watching the internet instead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE85uTzlsvs&fe...

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by BasecampSF

BasecampSF — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:26:44 +0000

not sure if this offers anything.. but this my wetsuit experience…

I was told go to a place that sells a ton of them. they will look at you, and know what will fit you best. the fit is the most critical component of staying dry.

I did that. before picking suits off the rack, the guy at the store said O’Neills are hands down the best suits, but they don’t fit a lot of people the right way so they don’t work out for a lot of people. I guess some say it feels like they are being choked. For me, perfect fit. I have also heard great things about rip curl from the shops (that is what my wife wears.. )

At the time knowing nothing, I asked about price for value, this is how he broke it down (prices in terms of full MSRP):

< $300 - you will have a wet suit
> $300 – you will have a wet suit that will not leak cold water onto your bare skin
> $400ish+- you will have a wet suit you probably paid too much money for

I started with the Psycho 1 (4/3, standard down here) based on the stores recommendation. Suit was solid. Wore it out. I asked about Psycho 2, was told p2 is probably the best suit out there, but people also feel P1 is just as good… a lot of people like the overhead bat wing on the 2 I guess. opted for the 2 for my second suit, since then, it’s all I’ve had, been happy as can be.

All have held up great. I warrantied one p2 after about 1.5 years as the seams were leaking, they fixed it good as new, it’s in the regular rotation even on the coldest days.

As far as the psycho freak, I was told the upgrade in $’s does not justify it over the P2 by the store. I tried it on, a bit better (softer) rubber, but nothing incredible.

Also, since I have kept session stats along the way of sessions, I can say a wet suit lasts just about 150 wears before they start to break down fast. This is about the same I have heard at the shops, one season. (if you surf 3-5 days a week).

outside of warranty, we have a great shop that does wet suit repair in SC. super inexpensive and they do a great job.

last bit of food for thought… ..believe Xcel is based on the north shore. the water is warm there….

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by R---

R--- — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:29:39 +0000

That said been runin xcells for a decade now. I can always get the prior years Infinity for under $250 & they fit me really well. I have heard more complaints thou since Billawrong bought them. Ure issue sounds like a sizing issue, maybe to big/tall pulling apart? but wats the deal with the dry lock? A hundy more for a zipper? Gimmick?

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by drexnefex

drexnefex — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:06:32 +0000

that's a good point. i might need the XLT…
well, i have a friend who's a pussy. would always get cold before anyone else. dude got the Drylock 4/3 hooded and never got cold in the winter.

think Xcel is one of the only comps to make a hooded 4/3 too.

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by drexnefex

drexnefex — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:27:51 +0000

i have that same suit….it's brand farkin new.
living near 3/2 water would be pretty rad.

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by R---

R--- — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:24:24 +0000

Was pleanty warm in a 3 year old Infinity last night, granted Ive made one repair to it, had a weird tear in the hood. Water was warmish thou, so glad I went with my back up suit. Have another newer Infinty for colder water & air temps.

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by Preacher

Preacher — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:23:27 +0000

I am going on yr 3 with my rip curl f-bomb (3-2), and the seams are coming apart in various locations….I will look into warranty, but I would prolly go back to Oneill, and give the psycho 2 a try.

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by A-MAN

A-MAN — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:53:52 +0000

I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by drexnefex

drexnefex — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:18:07 +0000

i know a few dudes with the Patagonia suits. from what i've heard they're all happy.
surfed one time last winter with a guy in the R4 who said he was hot when i was a little cold in a new suit. i get the impression that Pat. R4 is too warm. i guess they just came out with a hooded R3 though they're hard to come by. waiting list or something. sounds like that'd be the way to go with Patagonia.

still, 6hundo for a wetsuit that WILL break is rough.

at least with a $600 surfboard you don't know if/when it will break…

Comment on Wetsuit Explosion by jah

jah — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:09:50 +0000

totally happy with the Rip Curl F-bomb 5/4/3….plus they warranty their seams and stitching for the life of the suit – I used mine hard for a year and a half and am currently getting the seam fixed on warranty or they will replace it.

the only gripe I have is up by the wrist….on a good duck dive water can slip past the "seal"…i ended up just using the velcro strap from my excel gloves to make it tighter and I had no problem since.

when i do win the lottery – i wanna try the Pattagucci