Hi, I'm new to surfing and I've been getting the hang of most things, what I have been looking for however is a new wetsuit, but I don't know which one's exactly are a better choice. I found this guide which looks like it could be useful: www.secretspot.co.uk/ but I'm not sure.

Anyone care to help?

I used to be a wetsuit rep many, many, many years ago and I am amazed at how good suit are nowadays. You get what you pay for though. Cut, type of stitching and particularly the neoprene.

I am still a huge fan of the yamamato neoprene. Brought a top out of it a few months ago and blew my mind how good it was. Warm easy to paddle.... Cant tell you who uses it anymore though.

I'm a WEST fan. had a WEST LOTUS for 4 years awesome suit. Then I went to a O'neill mutant........very cold and 2 years later is falling to bits. My next suit will be a west

Hi mike34

These are the best ones. Warm, easy, quite flexible..... good in any weather.

Mike, you generally get what you pay for. I know $500 seems expensive for a wettie, especially when there are others on the rack for $250 or whatever, but you will find that the top of the range suits (from nearly any brand) will be mush better neoprene, better quality and hopefully last longer if you treat it right.

I was in a situation last summer where I had to wear a really cheap steamer I bought many years ago, could hardly move in the thing!!!


I personally like the Oneill Psycho II's, although I know some people have issues with the seams

Battle said..

Hi mike34

These are the best ones. Warm, easy, quite flexible..... good in any weather.

I'm afraid I see a crack....

Mark _australia said..

DO NOT BUY WEST

DON'T BUY WEST whatever you do.

West offer the BEST bang for your buck.

I bought the Mrs. a West Nitro recently and although not great, it was $80 and she likes (bcos she has nfi).

Jfunk said..
I used to be a wetsuit rep many, many, many years ago and I am amazed at how good suit are nowadays. You get what you pay for though. Cut, type of stitching and particularly the neoprene.

What do you think of Geoprene? I've got a 2mm Matuse summer top and honestly I can't tell if it's better than a 2mm neoprene top... just bcos I haven't tried them side by side.
It's not as stretchy as the Technobutter, but they say it's better than Neoprene.

Personal choice:
1.- O'neil Psycho 3... made in Thailand.
2.- Matuse Hoplite geoprene... made in Thailand.

I find the Thai's generally make better quality garments, so I'll always choose them over something made in China.