I can't imagine a wetsuit rating done with Consumer Reports's sort of thoroughness. That item from Wetsuit Wearhouse comes across well. Cleanline's wetsuit guide is also useful. They've done a good job of getting webfeet into the surf.
Matuse's triathlon wetsuit (the Dojo 4.5/2.1/1.5 backzip with a slick neoprene exterior) seems to have been popular enough to stay in their lineup. It isn't suitable for use with a board, but works for swimming, provided you won't get beaten up by shorebreak. For me, it was good to get a slightly oddball XLS size. Tri brands seem to cater to taller, skinnier people.
Another issue might be wetsuit lining. XCEL straddles linings with Comp models that have thin, presumably slick lining for light weight and stretch, Drylock fuzzy fabric insulation for warmth. Matuse and Feral stick to thin, slick linings (I think Isurus and Buell, too). Feral's website explains their views. I was impressed by their 3/2 backzip, light, thin, easy to get in and out, non-leaky, and warm, so recently followed up with a 4/3/2. Feral's equal in the closet is a Hurley experiment. During the Nike era, they offered a wildly expensive made-in-Japan suit, thin-slick lining. I jumped on a sale price, then waited to lose enough weight for it to fit. This winter was wonderful. Hurley did experiments with surfwear: boardshort construction, thin wind-shielding "rash guards", underwear for wetsuits, and Nike technology. We've lost some of that. Vissla and little Hotline have pioneered easier-to-use chest entries. Seam bonding might possibly replace sewing? Combining stretchy neoprene with non-stretch stitches has long been a problem.
As a person who's surfed the Pacific in a 3/2, I always questioned if there was a way to make warmer wetsuit without going much thicker like they use for the arctic waters (or double layering). Thicker or double layer just felt too restricting.
But after surfing Hawaii in boardshorts, it made me not want to go back to colder waters. 😂
Thanks John! Growing up in Florida, I'll never feel warm out on the West Coast. If it weren't for the shock hazard, I'd be modding some electric blankets with a battery pack.
SCUBA people use battery-powered heating elements with wetsuits. Someone was just advertising one purportedly suitable for surfers. I'm not aware that the guys who did a film on surfing the Pribilof islands used anything of the sort. https://blog.wetsuitwearhouse.com/what-are-heated-wetsuits/
Thanks for pointing that out David, I remember seeing those years ago but totally forgot. I'd still rather go with the tested dry suit, but some days I really do crave the warmth this could give.
I can't imagine a wetsuit rating done with Consumer Reports's sort of thoroughness. That item from Wetsuit Wearhouse comes across well. Cleanline's wetsuit guide is also useful. They've done a good job of getting webfeet into the surf.
Matuse's triathlon wetsuit (the Dojo 4.5/2.1/1.5 backzip with a slick neoprene exterior) seems to have been popular enough to stay in their lineup. It isn't suitable for use with a board, but works for swimming, provided you won't get beaten up by shorebreak. For me, it was good to get a slightly oddball XLS size. Tri brands seem to cater to taller, skinnier people.
Another issue might be wetsuit lining. XCEL straddles linings with Comp models that have thin, presumably slick lining for light weight and stretch, Drylock fuzzy fabric insulation for warmth. Matuse and Feral stick to thin, slick linings (I think Isurus and Buell, too). Feral's website explains their views. I was impressed by their 3/2 backzip, light, thin, easy to get in and out, non-leaky, and warm, so recently followed up with a 4/3/2. Feral's equal in the closet is a Hurley experiment. During the Nike era, they offered a wildly expensive made-in-Japan suit, thin-slick lining. I jumped on a sale price, then waited to lose enough weight for it to fit. This winter was wonderful. Hurley did experiments with surfwear: boardshort construction, thin wind-shielding "rash guards", underwear for wetsuits, and Nike technology. We've lost some of that. Vissla and little Hotline have pioneered easier-to-use chest entries. Seam bonding might possibly replace sewing? Combining stretchy neoprene with non-stretch stitches has long been a problem.
Damn good read.
As a person who's surfed the Pacific in a 3/2, I always questioned if there was a way to make warmer wetsuit without going much thicker like they use for the arctic waters (or double layering). Thicker or double layer just felt too restricting.
But after surfing Hawaii in boardshorts, it made me not want to go back to colder waters. 😂
Thanks John! Growing up in Florida, I'll never feel warm out on the West Coast. If it weren't for the shock hazard, I'd be modding some electric blankets with a battery pack.
SCUBA people use battery-powered heating elements with wetsuits. Someone was just advertising one purportedly suitable for surfers. I'm not aware that the guys who did a film on surfing the Pribilof islands used anything of the sort. https://blog.wetsuitwearhouse.com/what-are-heated-wetsuits/
Thanks for pointing that out David, I remember seeing those years ago but totally forgot. I'd still rather go with the tested dry suit, but some days I really do crave the warmth this could give.
I lived on the east coast (Fla/Va) for almost 6 years. I went in the water once - got a foot infection and said never again. 😂