I'm up for a new wetsuit this winter and thinking about making the move to a chest zip.

I've only tried them on in shops though and they are so much harder to get on/off than a back zip. i can only imagine how hard it would be when its wet.

so my question is from those who have chest zips do the benefits of being more flexible and warmer outweigh this?

thoughts?

No back zip means more freedom in paddling, no cold flushes and less rashing around the neck.

I have two 3/2 E-bombs that are a piece of cake to get in and out of and i doubt i'd ever buy a back zip wetty again.

maybe it is just my big head making it harder to get on and off. ha

For what i learnt last time i did this a Chest zip is supposedly warmer, less leakage etc but you stretch the **** out of them getting in and out so a back zip is more durable and now the small back zips with the flap seals let in nothing anyway.

Chest zip is also supposedly easier to paddle in. More manoeuvrability.

I went the back zip on my last new one and can't really fault it,half the time I get out and the inside is mostly dry. If you can get the 100% stretch neoprene it makes them so much more comfortable.

I think I will try a front zip next time, but my current wettie is fine with a back zip.

yea ive had no problems with my backzip..

however il be spending alot of time in vic this winter so want whatever will keep me warmest over there!

i might look into something with one of the small back zips SP

Glad to see this thread today as I've been shopping online for a new wettie as I'll be spending a considerable amount of time down south this season. The old one finally blow out in the arms....got 4 years out of it though so can't complain at all.

Going to go for a short sleeve Billabong foil and had the choice of front or back zip.
Might go for the front if there is a chance it will reduce the neck shredding.

I've always had back zip and never had problems with leakage, restricted paddling or neck rash... only ever had one zip fail - and that wettie would have been +3yrs old.

Tried a couple of top end chest zip wetties on last winter... and apart from the fact it took me longer to get it on - I nearly pulled a muscle trying to get it off... hated it. Purchased a back-zip job and no probs...

I guess it depends upon your frame to a degree.

after a couple of time you get use to putting chest zipps on defintley better flex just got a stack of xcell chest zip sealed 3x2mm in special for seabreeze's $220

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katana said...

after a couple of time you get use to putting chest zipps on defintley better flex just got a stack of xcell chest zip sealed 3x2mm in special for seabreeze's $220

what about 4/3's? i need warmth for vic waters!

my 3/2 is fine for perth

sorry we dont have those in stock but could order one in for you

never tried the xcel's so i might come in and have a look, thanks!

Hey suba just read your post and would not recommend a short sleeve steamer for surfing down here in winter as they are mostly only 2mm thick through the whole suit, and after an hour or 2 you will definately notice the difference with a good 3x2 steamer. Your choice though, i have a s/s stemaer for summer through to the start of winter and its pretty good but definately need a 3x2 in the solid winter months. I use an O'Neill (psycho rg8?) for both suits and reckon they are spot on. (both chest zips)

Got any short sleeved wetties Katana?

Even if they are only 2mm.

I usually only wear a wettie for 4 months of the year or so, hate 'em it's like rooting with a franger. Excel chest zip 3 x 2 for me, so much more flex than my last Billabong back zip 3 x 2.
Only downfalls with the Excel is I usually get too hot and if you have a slash you're paddling around in your own piss for hours as they just don't leak.
As someone above said, just takes a few times to get used to putting 'em on

Hi Katana
How do i get my hands on one of the xcel wetties are they the infinity 3/2mm
please let me know I want one fo sure

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subasurf said...

Got any short sleeved wetties Katana?

Even if they are only 2mm.

Sure have Sealed 2/2 back zipped short arms super subasurf special $150

Did you just call me 'special'?

Only my mum calls me 'special'!

Sounds like a good deal mate! PM me with details! I'm trying to lock down a price for a Billabong 2/2 front zip from my local but definitely keen on checking out what you've got.

Houdini designed the chest zip....first time I used mine I was surfing alone...had to drive home in it to get the wife to help me out of it...toasty warm but you have to wriggle out of em like a snake.

No going back to a back zip for me. Unless it's for a mid season suit maybe.
I got a Seventhwave a few years ago and will be buying one again when required. Top quality rubber.

Xcels rate pretty well too

2 Words for ya; Excel infiniti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Been using an Oneil RG8 chest zip. Takes a fee surfs to get used to getting out of them - secret is to pull down a bit on it at stomach and lower back height and its a piece of p1ss.

Would not got back to a back zip ever. Chest zip far more flexible and lot less water. No cold trickle running down the back ever.

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Sham1984 said...

I'm up for a new wetsuit this winter and thinking about making the move to a chest zip.

I've only tried them on in shops though and they are so much harder to get on/off than a back zip. i can only imagine how hard it would be when its wet.

so my question is from those who have chest zips do the benefits of being more flexible and warmer outweigh this?

thoughts?

Once you go front zip you never go back. Love my new front zip, more freedom.

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arkgee said...

Houdini designed the chest zip....first time I used mine I was surfing alone...had to drive home in it to get the wife to help me out of it...toasty warm but you have to wriggle out of em like a snake.

Hahaha thats funny, I can just see it