I'm in the market for a new 3/2 summer suit and am going to buy from NP as I can get a discount from knowing someone who works there. Looking on their website they have 4 different models; the rise, the mission, the recon, and the combat. The combat seems to be more cold-weather oriented, so I probably won't get one of those. The rise seems to be a more budget version, which doesn't make too much sense because I'm getting a discount anyway. This leaves the mission and the recon, which I'm struggling to find any major differences between. There is a 3/2 mission FZ, a 3/2 recon FZ, and a 3.5 recon BZ. I'm not sure what the major differences are between these, and am struggling to choose one. Why would they make a recon 3/2 and a recon 3.5? Is the only difference the zipper placement? What are the major differences between the recon and the mission? If anyone knows much about these suits I would appreciate some guidance.

Thanks,
Alex

Also, first post!

Nice pimp and description of your first world problem. Where are you? What sport is the suit intended for? If your mate can get you a discount, why can't he get you a suit to try? Are you the only person in your area into watersports? If not, why not ask other locals what combo they use (3/2, 4/3 etc.).

You could ask your friend who works there.

^^^^ Yes one does wonder huh........

I did ask my friend, and I'm now just waiting for a reply. Sorry, didn't say I'm using it for windsurfing. I just figured that this was a windsurfing forum. Anyways, I just wanted the opinion of some people who don't work there for a more unbiased response. Oh, and also, being that there's a solid 2 ft of snow outside right now, the water sport community isn't exactly... hopping.

Thanks,
Alex

It reads like the Mission is more oriented to flexibility and the Recon is more oriented to being "all round".

Agreed, there seems to be bugger all difference.

For what it's worth I have a NP long sleeve top thingy and it is ****ing insane how warm it keeps you. I've sailed in a Sydney winter in just that and a pair of shorts because I forgot my (****ty) 3/2 steamer and I ended up being perfectly toasty. Tourists huddled up in jackets and cars asked me somewhat incredulously if I was cold as I walked past wet, and in shorts, in 20+ knots at 15 degrees. And, I'm super sensitive to the cold.

I imagine it is the lack of seams? If so seamless is black magic.