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Help Buying Wetsuit

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jerad
Posts: 3236 - Karma: 47
I need some help picking out a wetsuit. I know very little about surfing (I've gone 3 times, just moved to Northern California), and really like it. I've been renting boards and wetsuits though, and that is getting expensive so I decided it's time to buy my own shit since I'd like to go more often. I found these two wetsuits online, and was wondering if anybody could tell me if they were worth buying or if they're complete pieces of shit. They seem like a great deal for a 4/3 mm wetsuit, I'm just hoping these are older suits and are out of style.

So, if you know anything about wetsuits, let me know if either of these are worth buying, thank you!

http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=11899&Click=310393

http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/19357.htm
Jun 14 2010 2:01AM
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kstanz
Posts: 3058 - Karma: 477
just go to costco and get some cheap ones. thats what i do
Jun 14 2010 2:44AM
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George.
Posts: 239 - Karma: 11
This.

I surf all the time... a wet suit will act like a wet suit.

/thread
Jun 14 2010 3:04AM
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Jamestown
Posts: 4002 - Karma: 51
Just do what they said. I have my triathlon wetsuit and it works just fine.
Jun 14 2010 3:46AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51621 - Karma: 162,059
Go to a shop.  If you buy a used board most legit shops will hook you up with everything you need. I actually need to buy myself a new 3/2


Jun 14 2010 4:25AM
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aussieskier
Posts: 805 - Karma: 182
ha costco my arse.
nothing beat fully sealed double seemed 3-4 mm wetties when its winter,
i surfed this morning at 4 degrees celsius and was fine.

check out o'neils pshyco ii the thing is awesome.

i surf a padagonia wettie atm that is 3mm but feels like a 4 its got merino wool on the inside fucking toasty.
if yur surfing cold water grab some gloves and booties and off you go.
and dont underestimate how awesome a good wetsuit is, all your buddies will paddle in bitching about the cold and that just leaves you to shread
Jun 14 2010 4:43AM
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fidgettyfilmer
Posts: 267 - Karma: 49
go to oneil's in santa cruz or rip curl. they have very good quality suits. if your looking for something less expensive check out xcel, they are cheaper. ordering a wetsuit online is dangerous. they all fit a little differently(kinda like boots) and you want to make sure you can try it on and see how it fits.
Jun 14 2010 4:46AM
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pomme-de-terre
Posts: 3915 - Karma: 703
dont buy a wetsuit online, you will want to try it on and make sure it fits tight and secure and shit. nothing is worse than having cold water seeping in every time you move one way or another.


and if you plan on being in really cold water, get some booties. i find i can go without gloves, but man. my feet get fucking cold. i dont surf though, i just wear a wetsuit when i work on docks and boat lifts pre/post summer season.
Jun 14 2010 10:22AM
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jerad
Posts: 3236 - Karma: 47
how much do you think a 4/3 mm would cost at oneil's in santa cruz? should have looked this weekend when i was there...
Jun 14 2010 10:23AM
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Che~
Posts: 2108 - Karma: 296
http://www.swell.com/QUIKSILVER-SYNCRO-43mm-BACK-ZIP-FULLSUIT-BLACK-XL
Jun 14 2010 12:07PM
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Tucks
Posts: 2120 - Karma: 161
both are decent and worth buying
Jun 14 2010 12:40PM
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mmallender.
Posts: 5805 - Karma: 936
just remember this as a general fact, the cheaper the cost of the suit, the lesser the quality. i work at a warehouse where the oneill repairs for western (possibly all of) canada, and i see so many torn seams and tears in the neoprene in general, especially on the cheaper 3/2 suits. alot of what i see is warranty-able, but its still a pain to have to send a suit in, get it fixed, and then have it sent back out again. also, the oneill liquid seams are pretty good, but i have seen plenty of tears where the seam ends, especially on the zipperless suits.

by no means do i call myself an expert on the matter, but this is just what i have seen and heard working here.

hope that helps
Jun 14 2010 12:58PM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349
Always check eBay. I got a very lightly used 3/2 ripcurl full suit for 10 dollars shipped. I couldn't tell it had been used. Score!
Jun 14 2010 1:29PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
i dont know how cold the water gets where you surf, so it's hard to recommend a 3-5-7 mil suit. I own one of these and it is the warmest thing (except for my drysuit) that I have ever put on. I just finished a weekend of diving in 45 degree water temps and was nice an toasty. I know it's a dive suit, but I'd wear it surfing without thinking twice.

Jun 14 2010 1:57PM
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ROOS.
Posts: 1992 - Karma: 39
http://www.xcelwetsuits.com/

i love this brand, always done me well
Jun 14 2010 2:06PM
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