new wetsuit time - opinions?

5LineStringGuy · Since 26 Mar 2018 2 Posts New Member

I needed a new wetsuit this year. I went in and got my first Promotion. Very happy about it.

Nevo · Guest

I got the O'Neill Mutant 4/3 this year. I like that it has a removable hood and is comfy/stretchy. I'm having issues overheating in it right now.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

thanks all.
i've been looking at patagonia r3 and oneill psycho tech, but finding an MS is proving to be harder than expected.

keep the recommendations coming!

coupdevill · Since 09 Mar 2016 260 Posts Hood River, OR Obsessed

So happy with my purchase, O'neill PSYCHO 1 FUZE 4/3 FULL WETSUIT and HYPERFREAK 2MM CHEST ZIP L/S SPRING.

This new ultra stretchy material is unbelievable.

coup

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

so just an update on this.
i tried on a few different ones, but the oneill psycotech 5.5/4 won out.
wearing it feels like i have a 2mm on instead of a 5mm. crazy.
thanks all for the suggestions!

McLovin · Since 11 Sep 2017 284 Posts Corbett Obsessed

One more twist to consider: I have learned a nifty trick this season in spite of having gotten a very good deal on PROmotion 5/3 which is at least 42% warmer than my old Hotline chest zip 4/3 hooded suit from a long time ago - simply to get a PROmotion wind stopper jacket.

You will see them in blue, rust, black and now green. Most people get pullovers, but I'd say pay the extra $10 and get a front zipper for EASY ON & OFF. I've been just wearing an old 2mm taped seam full suit and only starting in OCT/NOV when the temp dropped below 60, have I added a thick fleece rash guard (bought on east coast where the water never gets warm) and the PROmotion wind stopper jacket to remain toasty and warm.

All that said the jacket is probably more fitting for kiting than surfing, but being a non-duck and non-believer it might be just the ticket to keep you warm over whatever under suit you find yourself in. Just something to consider...

Mc

wylieflyote · Wed Nov 07, 18 6:35 am

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

After several promotion wetsuits over the last 10 years I can say I would steer clear . I tried to stay local but they really don't hold up and kiting is not that abusive .
They will always fix it but shipping costs to send it to them for a week to fix them .
I tried and tried . But gear failure is nice to avoid.

Patagonia is nice but definitely run very small

and cost .

wylieflyote · Wed Nov 07, 18 8:56 am

voy-tech · Wed Nov 07, 18 10:19 am

Last time i checked (when i was buying a wetsuit for my wife two years ago) the materials used by Promotion were not up to par with the ones used by Ride Engine, O'Neill or Patagonia. The amount of stretch and very much a tight skin feel that the new type of neoprene gives you cannot be overstated. I would love to go local - but in the end prefer to go with better technology (plus Patagonia does more than others to source the materials in a eco-friendly and sustainable way)

McLovin · Since 11 Sep 2017 284 Posts Corbett Obsessed

Hey Kip,

The fleece rash guard has a tag that reads, "WET STUFF" tried a quick online search but didn't find them. I've had it a pretty long time, it's very thick and really makes a BIG difference...got it as a gift.

I can do some more checking but remember it came from a surf shop in Hampton, NH - Cinnamon Rainbows: https://shop.cinnamonrainbows.com/collections/accessories/winter-surf-gear

Will update if I find a better link - it's short sleeve with a nice snug turtle neck style collar.

Mc

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Promotion has the best fuzzy warm insulation rash guard in short and long sleeve.
I love this piece - http://stores.wetsuit.com/mens-short-sleeve-polar-fuzz-top-black-j09/

The last one I got from Promo lasted 15 years.
This one is higher quality and thicker fleece.

wylieflyote · Thu Nov 08, 18 12:19 pm

Thank You,
Yes, my current Promotion fleece fuzzy is at least 15 or more years old. Time for a refresh.