Just a quick heads-up to seabreezers that Need Essentials has more stock in - I've just put an order in for a short arm, long leg wetty. I am by no means affiliated with the company, I just think the wetties are decent for the price they are (much cheaper than regular brands). Prices have gone up a bit since the last lot of stock that they had, but still pretty reasonable.

Cheers Coohan, just what I've been looking for.

Thanks Coohan, I like the no brand / logos thing. Can you give us a report on quality and durability.

Need wetties are definitely good value for money but IMO are not on the same level as top shelf wetties. I've worn ebombs for years and just recently got a 4/3 need and the chest entry is a bit of a bitch. The neoprene doesn't seem as stretchy either. Having said that it is warm as toast and 1/3 of the price (if bought at top dollar).

I don't think mine is as warm as my $600 O'neil. It's a lot lighter than the O'neil and feels thinner. Also lets water in at the collar/cuffs.

Super comfy though and great for inbetween seasons. Worth purchasing.

More info: www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Surfing/Shortboards/Wetsuit-recommendations-Online/

In comparison to other cheaper wetty options, I'd rate them a fair bit better. I've never busted out for a $600 wetty though, so can't make those comparisons. It does flush every now and then, but it's not a deal breaker. I'd agree that it feels thinner than other wetties, and the chest zip took 10-15 surfs before the rubber loosened up enough to get into/out of easily - I would mind if they redesigned that aspect haha. But as far as value for money, I definitely rate them.

Yep, fantastic value for money! Wish they did my size though.

^ sizing no good? My 3/2 is very flexible. I went the small (68kg/173cm)

As my top-shelf wetty is on it's last legs, I'll be using my NEED from now until probably May next year when it starts getting cold again.

Just took the new short arm steamer for its first run - was flexible and fit well, and on first glance I was excited to see that they have added ankle 'cuffs' to stop the legs from opening up at the bottom. Seemed a bit pointless after getting into the water and the leg seams let in water almost straight away. Ok for a spring/autumn wetty around metro, but I wouldn't rate it as high as the 3mm steamer i got from them, which has sealed leg seams and I've had no issues with water leaking through the seams. Also, I've realised that the increase in price is probably a result of the drop in the Aussie dollar - I haven't done any overseas trips since April and didn't realise quite how low it had gotten!