Hyperflex Amp K reviews anyone??

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Looking for advise on a hyperflex amp K suit. One to keep me warm for ocean and the river this time of year and fall so water temps of 50-60ish range with 2-4 hours water riding time. Deciding between the 4/3 and 5/3 front zip Amp K.

Anyone have any expierence with either one of these suits?
Be specific, water temps and air temps please. I found lots of positive warm reviews on kiteforum but nobody ever mentions the water and air temps they ride in. I don't get cold easy.

Also heard they run a bit small, any truth to that?

I'm 205lbs, 6'1" 36 waist 42 chest. Thinking size Large which is my regular size of wetsuit.

I have worn a hyperflex Cyclone so I assume the Amp is alot warmer.

Thanks

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I have the 5-4-3 hyperflex with attached hood.
I'm 6'3 and weigh 190. XL fits perfect.
2nd wind in HR has many in stock for cheap low price.
I paid $149 for mine and I'm laughing all the way to the bank as it's the most comfortable and warm suit I've ever worn.
I'm never cold at the Oregon coast and I kite in the Columbia when the water temp is 46 and the air is 50 ish.
The suit is almost too warm now that we get air temps above 65 and water is 55ish.
I probably have 60 days riding on the suit and the lower leg openings are starting to fray. No signs of wear otherwise.
Bottom Line - serious warmth and comfort. May not last as long as a $300 suit. Highly recommend.

Aeolus · Thu Jun 09, 11 8:07 am

Not the Amp K ...but this might help you.......they might use the Flow for R&D input data on their more expensive models
I purchased a Hyperflex Flow 5/4/3 this winter and have about 85 days on the thing. It's looks like the Flow is Hyperflex's bottom shelf flavor. It was one of those Big Winds super winter deals for $169.... couple observations...

-For $169 the suit has done a good job...how much complaining can a guy do on a 5/4 suit at that price Rolling Eyes

-The suit is warm...went through the Pacific winter on the south coast...the fit is snug.

-The Flow hood was too small and I think I have an average size dome...I had to cut the cord around the face to make it feel good...It's stretched out some but still not that great.

-The seam tape in the ass area and near one shoulder is separating and leaking...I've been on the aqua seal program the last month...finding more smaller failures here and there...

-Try before you buy...I think the fit is the most critical factor for warmth...an ill fitting hood sucks donkey balls for sure...

All that said...I imagine that Hyperflex put a lot more love into their high end model and you generally get what you pay for in the rubber arena. I would have to see the Amp K in person before I would commit to a more expensive version to see what improvements you get for $150+

Good luck...

forrest · Thu Jun 09, 11 8:11 am

I took my AMP down to Promotion and had them put patches over all the areas where three panels come together (for $20) and the thing has lasted 2 seasons of my abuse and still going strong.

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 763 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

i have the 5/4/3 hooded Amp and really like it a lot. it does fit snug, you might want to go for the XL.

i used it this winter at the coast surfing in 45water/49air but, did have my thermulation heat vest on underneath it. i was very warm, probably didn't need it after march.

kt

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

I have a flow 4/3 that I liked real well and replaced it with a 4/3 amp k. I'm still up in the air over the leg vents cause I had no ballon problem with the flow. This is probably because I wear my booties over the bottom cuff of the suit. Now if I was barefoot I bet it would ballon. Both are XL and are big for my shoulders and I'm 6' 195 lbs 35" w and 42" s.

I also picked up on the 5/3 hooded flow in a large and it fits snug but still can wear a upper long sleeve therma under and I'm so toastie.

If I where gonna buy again I would go 5/3 hooded for cold and 4/3 for warmer days and go for flow especially if found on sale. Even still I haven't used my amp k a whole lot but sold on the flow model especially the price.

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

Another thing most of my riding is in the Northwest. The Sound, a little Columbia and some Central Washington spring thru early winter. My 1st Hyperflex 4/3 flow did start leaking in the seams around the shoulders after putting my 1st kooky season on it. I'm hoping to get better performance out of my amp 4/3 over the flow. My 2nd semi-kooky season will tell.

EvanOR · Since 30 May 2008 46 Posts

Kochease,

Check out page 18 of the HF digital catalog to view the size chart - you should be in an XL. Thickness is a tough call.....for the coast the 5/3 would probably be better but you can certainly get by with the 4/3 and it will make for a better all-around seasonal suit. You can layer with one of the Polyolefin products (page 12) - these really work and add substantial warmth to a suit.

The AMP-K (vs Flow), gets you a warmer, stretchier suit (different rubber and exterior liquid taping) with the benefits of the leg drains and ankle closures. This being said, the 5/4 Hooded Flow is a fantastic cold water option at a killer price.....HF's most popular suit.

Windance Boardshop in Hood River has a ton of HF stock so you can try before you buy and check out different models.

HF Digitial Catalog: http://hyperflexusa.com/catalog

Cheers,

Evan

CrazyC · Since 07 Apr 2007 174 Posts P Town Stoked

yes, what Evan said! I have an ampK 4/3 and love it for the coast.

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

I think they do size a little small. I am 6'3" x 190 and wear the XLL.

KoChease I think you're an XL dude

Awesome company with regards to standing behind their products. Only twice have we had a warranty question and both suits were replaced !

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

6'1" 215 lbs of pure muscle with winter insulation around it and it fits great and keeps me warm so far.

BKA · Since 19 May 2011 43 Posts Harrison

I have the amp K from kite paddle surf thats on sale for 149$ I normally use a size large suit being 6' 200lbs but had too use a size XL for the amp K.

Nothing but good things to say about the suit. Only down side is the ankle velcro is a little interesting when putting on booties.

Use it in a cold lake and I find myself wanting to go for a dunk to cool off.

for 149$ go get it Smile

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Went with the XL. Thanks everyone for the advice! If I hadn't asked I would have bought the large and I know for a fact now that it won't fit. It is so freakin flexible and comfy I can't wait to get in the water.