Hi all. Just wondering what everyone has got and how happy you are with them.
I have had a run of wetsuits that I'm not happy with and want to get some real unbiased opinion.
I know this is only subjective but you work with what you've got.
My last two:
Excel 2011 model 3x2 lasted one year then neck rubber fell apart 7/10 flex, 5/10 warmth
Excel 2012 Xzip 3x2 lasted 8 months then started to come apart at the seams on the chest, 8/10 for flex, 5/10 warmth

3/2 RIPCURL EBOMB 2011 model excellent for my purposes really flexible chest zip and warm for local waters 2+ hour surfs

check out DEXTER SURF for reasonable rates or ebay for even better deals from US ( mine was $220 as opposed to shop $350+)

I've got a 4/3 Ripcurl E Bomb and a 3/2 E Bomb Pro, both chest zips.

Had no problems with either of them. The 4/3 is super warm, and they both have enough flex not to hinder my paddle.

To be honest I haven't had any experience with other brands, but then again Ripcurl have always done the job so I've not needed to look at anything else.

Grevas said..
funny to hear that about Excel suits I have had both mine for 2+years and sold them for 4 years with no combacks

I wear and sell both oneil and excel I would have to rate both about even but excel slightly better stretch

I also give breezer's 15% off both brands

Yeah I could just be unlucky- have been pretty good washing with fresh water after every surf etc.

I found that rinsing with warm water isnt good for the seams, mine cracked like hard plastic after 6 months. It was a RC and they replaced the first one but didnt bother with the second as it took three weeks to get the first one back.

Ive got an Oneil front zip now and its pretty good. Front zip is the way to go, much better imo

Bought my Excel xzip 2 last winter, still going fine & the warmest wettie I've ever had. I'm happy with mine, but I'd be pissed if the seams started coming apart that quick. You should be able to claim the warranty no probs after 8 months Grevas....BTW I never wash mine, just hang it in the garage out of the sun.

I bought a $150 Westsuit Enforcer 3/2 over 6 years ago and only now its showing a few signs of deterioration.Good budget wetsuit but i do get a bit cold in it after a while.
Also picked up 2 springsuits in Kmart,on special for $4 each this morning.Don't think they will be that good but for $4 I couldn't say no.

when i bought my current steamer (4 years ago) I tried on half a dozen brands and found that many didnt fit quite 'right' so I guess fit is an individual thing. Im tall 6'3" and found the necks and underarm areas on lots of brands were way too restrictive. Ended up getting a peak 3/2 fully seam sealed at an end of season runout for about $200 (was a $400+ suit). Really happy with it, surf 3-4 times a week in winter and its still going strong.

just got an O'neil chest zip, good wettie but getting into the farken thing is a process, also noticed yesterday that when I trail a hand into the face of the wave the water gets in. Used to only buy RC but had a Dawn Patrol that fell apart after a year, the E-bomb was OK but also only lasted a year and a bit.

What does someone here work for the bong? If so don't give reds just fix your products,if not you must be a retard and cannot voice an opinion because all you do is fail. Yeeeew

Xcel infinity chest zip 3/2 too warm for me but I AM a phat phu$&er and already have a bit of padding.

Surprised by the lack of Westsuits mentioned. Local company if your West Australian which most of the crew on here are. Always a lot of talk about supporting local yet most seem to be wearing overseas suits. Understand there not made here anymore but they still employ locals and run by locals. Each to there own and that's fine but there good suits. I wear the Lotus and buy a new one every couple of years because I can but there normally still OK after that time. Couple of months ago I had a count and had 5 in the shed so I gave 3 away to local groms, so the oldest suit was 9 years old and still going. Why do I only buy Westsuits. I prefer a back zip and they are one of the few company's that still do a good one. There size L fits me like a glove. There warm, local company and you can generally get them for a good price. Before it's put out there I'm a mechanical fitter with no affiliation with the surf industry, just voicing an opinion.

DJMWA said..

katana said..

funny to hear that about Excel suits I have had both mine for 2+years and sold them for 4 years with no combacks
I wear and sell both oneil and excel I would have to rate both about even but excel slightly better stretch
I also give breezer's 15% off both brands

Yeah same as me, best fitting wetsuit I have ever had too (infinity x-zip2) (they have every possible size range you could think of.) I'm pretty good with rinsing it and keeping it out of the sun though. Wetsuit before that was an Oneil psycho and the seams just fully deteriorated on me after 1 season, crook.

I had a psychofreak that did the same, cracked on all the seams that were single lined after one winter so they replaced it and then that one had one tiny hole at the end of winter with a few minor cracks on the seams , I sent it in hoping to get a repair and was willing to pay, but they gave me another newie with 12 months warranty. Can't fault that, they changed the design too , no more single line panels hopefully this one will last as Ive probably worn my welcome out. New one is very warm and comfortable, 3.5/2.5

Had a westsuit once, bit like a straight jacket.

Ripcurl dawn patrol 3/2 . Is 3 years old and still in pretty good nick. Good wettie but I want to replace it with a 2/2 short arm chest zip for summer

Mostly wear my xcel drylock 4/3 chest zip. So warm, feels great. Is about a year old now and still feels close to brand new. Highly recommend them

Also just on rip curl service.. My brother in law has a 3 year old ebomb that the back zip tore completely away from the wetsuit. He took it in and they repaired it for $15. I thought that was pretty good service considering it was well out of warranty and really looked like it just needed to be thrown out

^^^^
Interesting point.. I'm taller and maybe thinner, and the ebomb was a great fit 6'1" ish and 80 kgs.. but how Shams B-I-L's ebomb lasted 3 years is beyond me,, ??

I got a quicksilver 3.5/3/2 chest zip at the beginning of last winter. was 300 reduced from 650.
By far the warmest wettie ive ever owned. Nice and stretchy and has accommodated the weight gain since I bought it.

Only issues is that its a little hard to get out of, and the seals on the inside are looking a little cracked after a year, however the outside seals are still going strong and no leaks yet. I dont think the zip locks in at the end but it doesnt slip.

remarc said..

Surprised by the lack of Westsuits mentioned. Local company if your West Australian which most of the crew on here are. Always a lot of talk about supporting local yet most seem to be wearing overseas suits. Understand there not made here anymore but they still employ locals and run by locals.

That's a good point.

My understanding is that West is since mid-2011 owned by a WA small business.