WETSUIT Recommendations

Olympia_Kiteboarder · Since 13 Aug 2012 14 Posts Olympia Washington

I'm think of getting a 3mm wetsuit with no hood soon. What are some good online stores to get a wetsuit. What are the best Wetsuit Brands to go with? Thanks!

Jonpnw · Mon Jun 03, 13 9:07 am **brand on brand**

Typically here on NWkite, they don't allow brand vs. brand. Everybody has opinions.

Check wetsuit.com & cleanlinesurf.com

The fit of the suit is VERY important, that might be tough online.

Nak · Mon Jun 03, 13 9:13 am

For a 3mm, the biggest deal will be fit followed closely by a suit with a "windskin" exterior surface. The windskin will prevent evaporative cooling which can make a 3mm wetsuit colder than wearing nothing when out of the water. Next, you want as flexible a suit as you can get.

PieroPDX · Since 22 May 2006 109 Posts Stoked

I've noticed it's difficult to find wetsuits that have that windskin/ slick outer surface that I love. My ancient '99 Pryde suit with that type of neoprene had it's last season last year.

I started looking at Tri (TYR, 2XU, ORCA, etc) suits because they tend to have that slick outer surface that sheds water and I couldn't seem to find it in the surf categories any longer (??)

The are usually expensive retail ($300+) but you can get last years closeouts for less than half that at times. I picked up a $600 suit for $220 brand new... now I have to lose the rest of the weight I packed on this winter so I can fit it. Smile

Chainlove has 20-minute sales Tri gear that cannot be missed...lowest prices but have to catch them. There's a Chrome browser extention and email alerts though.

http://www.chainlove.com/
http://www.gearscan.com/
http://www.departmentofgoods.com/

Also google "brand __ wetsuit clouseouts", Ebay as well

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

The neoprene in most triathlon suits will be too delicate, and they aren't reinforced (knee pads, etc.) for kiting or windsurfing.
Most of the big surf brands don't use much smooth windskin neoprene in their surf suits since it isn't necessary for surfing (when it isn't windy).
There are plenty of good windsport specific suits with smoothskin available from brands like ProLimit, ProMotion, NP, and ION.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

Just saw this for the first time. 3mm included. go nuts

http://www.gearscan.com/outlet/surf

scottjk · Since 28 Dec 2011 49 Posts

http://www.wetsuit.com/New_Kiteboard_Series.html

Take a look here. I bought the 5/4/3 last year and it's the most comfortable suit I've worn in 25 years. Super stretchy, windskin in the right places. Great warranty and they are a local shop in The Gorge.

AC · Since 04 Jul 2012 66 Posts **CGKA Member**

Local shop. I own multiple pro motion suits for wind sports and I've found their range of sizes great for fit, hence easy on/off. Great, friendly service. Big difference in wind, surf, tri suits. These guys make all three, but really understand the needs for wind sports, IMHO Great seasonal discounts/sales. Local shop.