Havoc
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/10/07
Posts: 10001
Loc: The OC Life
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great review, that r3 chest zip was on my short list but then my buell came through. Maybe in a season or two...
Havoc
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"motions of rippage is initated by the hind leg"-Northern_Shores
"Lemme know. I got endson gas"-20W
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littlewave
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/15/09
Posts: 1227
Loc: Orange County
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Nice. I'm a get an R3 chest zip when I find a deal. I hate wearing booties and a hood, but sometimes they're nice for the warmth. I want to be so warm that booties are not even possible. Could have picked one up this summer for about 1/2 off, but waited too long. 
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Oceanslide
Miki Dora status
Reged: 03/04/08
Posts: 5247
Loc: Oceanside, CA
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Been wearing my '10 Matuse 4/3/2 back-zip now for quite a
few sessions (dunno, 30?) and am still really happy with it.
Seems they made some really good improvements with the new
line. Materials are more buttery and flexible, the suit
(XL) fits me better and is less restrictive, still dries
MUCH quicker than my Xcel, no random smooth skin panel
down the arm, better neck closure system, and no sign yet
of seams coming apart.
As others have said, the 4/3/2 is really a good 3/2 with a
very small panel of 4mil across the chest/back. It's
working ok during the 40ish degree dawn patrol+57ish degree
water we've had (with booties), but if I'm doing much
sitting around it does get a little chilly.
Overall, happy with this suit so far!
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"Surfing reminds us of how good life is."
Oceansliding
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silentbutdeadly
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 11809
Loc: Tower 13
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Too early to post a review but I have a 2 year old 4/3 drylock that gets worn approx 5-10 times a year, a worn out 3/2 Xzip, and a brand new 2010' 3/2 drylock.
I'll post up a review at the end of the winter. So far, a great winter wetsuit quiver. I wore the 4/3 drylock when the water dipped down to 54-55 with no booties and I was toasty except for the feets.
If Xcel can make their suits perform the same and dry faster, there will never be any need to look elsewhere.
Nice to see Patagonia making improvements, definintely want to check them out but it sounds like people (for the most part) are going through those as fast as normal priced suits.
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Thou shall not commit adulthood
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hmmm
Rabbitt Bartholomew status
Reged: 01/13/02
Posts: 9799
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tried the new 2011 isurus i-elite 343 for the first time today.
probably the best wetsuit i've ever surfed with. better than the matuse, a tad lighter and just as warm. i felt like i was surfing nude but kept warm in the balmy 55 degree south bay water today.
the only downside...its a bitch to get in and out of.
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Cool waves and shaka-to-ya-frada-cause-youre-nothing-but-a-bradda
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json
Grom
Reged: 09/19/07
Posts: 102
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haven't seen anyone post anything about billabong
just picked up a billabong 4/3 sg5 chest zip and it's a really nice suit...
pros = warm, taped really good.. flexible almost could pass for a 3/2 ...drys fast
cons = kinda hard to get out of but it's only my 4th time wearing it
i surf a lot so we shall see how it holds up
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NorthOC75
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 02/05/10
Posts: 324
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I picked up a billabong sg5 3/2 back zip a few weeks back and am extremely satisfied. I wore Oneill Psycho 2's for the last several years but they seem to have gone to poop recently. The billabong fits just about perfect and is super warm. Compared to the Oneill, the neck is a work of art. Same concept with the 1mm panel that goes over your head, but where the oneill's neck felt like it didn't go high enough on my neck and just about cut off the blood flow to my brain it was so tight, the billabong's neck is high and sized right so i dont have to choke myself to make sure the velcro is closed.
Seams are excellent, not a drop of water gets in although its still early.
Knee pads seem to collect wax though, but thats my only small complaint.
Also the price is good too. All the features of the other top of the line suits but for a couple hundred bucks less.
It doesn't have the welds on all the seams just the important ones, and the stress points are taped under the welds and seam real durable.
So over all I'm really stoked on it, compared to my oneill's it's just a pleasure to surf in and it's keeping me in the water longer and giving me that little bit of extra motivation needed to get my ass out there on the many crappy days we've had this winter. Looking forward to next week.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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rid
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 1070
Loc: Long Beach, CA
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Been using a 2010 model of Nineplus 3/2 RFS. Relative to older models, it no longer has smoothie finish. It also has a water-repelling teflon coating of some sorts. this suit should last longer.
The thing that surprises about the suit is that it is def sized small.
Mine is L and it is tight, in particular in the upper body. in xcel L is a bit too wide in the shoulders but in this suit i feel compressed. like the feel in the legs but upper body is tight.
it has a batwing that works pretty well, some very modest leakage from the neck. not as tight as matuse. Very warm, probably equal to a 4/3 in other suits.
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ScallopR
Grom
Reged: 06/13/09
Posts: 13
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Got a new Matuse 6/5/4 Tumo and tried it out in some cold conditions last Monday here in Rhode Island and give it the thumbs up. Water here is about 40F, air temp was 25F, and wind was about 25-35 knots offshore, making the effective windchill temp damn near zero. Spent about 2.5 hours in the water.
I've had owned oneill psycho II's and have been wearing an Xcel 5/4 dry lock the last few winters, so I've got a decent comparison base.
The good about the Matuse Tumo:
-Unbelievably light for a 6/5/4, easily as light as old 4/3 suits I've had.
-Stayed light throughout the session, did not suck up water.
-Very warm, even with the heavy wind. This is the warmest I've even been in conditions like this.
-Soft rubber, nicest paddling winter suit I've ever owned.
-Very comfortable hood, duck diving was warm.
-Didn't feel insanely bouyant/bulky, makes my last few winter suits feel like offshore survival suits.
-Rinsed the suit after session, and it was dry the next morning, dry.
Cons:
-Chest closure system isn't as dialed in as my xcel dry lock, got flushed on one good fall, and getting out of it is like giving birth.
-About $100 more than most other nice suits.
I'll throw in unknown durability at this point? I've had good luck with a 5/4/3 matuse I've worn for two years, so we'll see. The new Tumo rubber seems a lot softer and all the slick skin is gone, making it even more flexible.
I'm not a cold water fan, and this was definitely the warmest I've ever been on a day like this. Even if the thing only lasts a couple of years I'll probably be back for another. I don't get the matuse japanese boardroom marketing bullshit but the suits are damn good. Based on initial impressions of the Tumo comparing it to my old winter suits is like apples to oranges. Pretty psyched at this point.
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RyanBuell
Grom
Reged: 09/01/10
Posts: 12
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I'm biased, but i think you should get a Buell. The air chambered material used by alot of companies is actually way heavier than the standard stretch material used by most. Why? because it has 4 layers of glue. 4 LAYERS OF GLUE. Not to mention a million other reasons to get a.............Buell. Truly the lightest suit. 43mm steamer less than 3 lbs. Weigh em up.
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Havoc
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/10/07
Posts: 10001
Loc: The OC Life
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This:
is one hell of a suit! Love it!! Thanks again MC Buell!!
Havoc
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"motions of rippage is initated by the hind leg"-Northern_Shores
"Lemme know. I got endson gas"-20W
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rogersurf
Grom
Reged: 12/31/10
Posts: 2
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about at what temperature do you guys start to wear gloves? and at what thickness for northern california?
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retodd
Tom Curren status
Reged: 02/22/09
Posts: 11339
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air in the 40's and water in the 50's
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ifallalot
Duke status
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 18384
Loc: Carlsbad, CA
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Quote:
about at what temperature do you guys start to wear gloves? and at what thickness for northern california?
I lived in Northern CA for 30 years and never once wore gloves. I wasn't able to get work my keys after some sessions but unless you're way north of the Golden Gate I don't think you should need any
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the graphics portray the hawks prey battling death
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c_olden
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 09/04/07
Posts: 3222
Loc: (48°52.6′S 123°23.6̸...
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Quote:
about at what temperature do you guys start to wear gloves? and at what thickness for northern california?
Depends on your cold tolerance.
Gloves get put on when I'm already wearing
a hood. I just don't like to wear gloves,
I don't like how they feel.
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"The phone's for you. I think it's the Devil..."
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Havoc
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/10/07
Posts: 10001
Loc: The OC Life
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going around 20+ sessions on my buell and it's in perfect perfect shape. hands down the best suit fit-wise and flexibility I've ever owned. Still the occasional flush if I fall or eat it but defly nothing as bad as on my xcel infinity (non-drylock).
for the fit and the flexibility, and the feeling of not even having a wetsuit on, I plan on using buell wetsuits for as long as they're around. love love mine!! Stoked!!
Havoc
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"motions of rippage is initated by the hind leg"-Northern_Shores
"Lemme know. I got endson gas"-20W
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ghostshaper
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 01/22/05
Posts: 1665
Loc: 1134
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I have a 4/3 Xcel Superflex back zip that I've worn about 3 times. Bought it on Whiskey/Backcountry/DeptofGoods for $140? I guess you get what you pay for. Neck rash and neck flushes at the same time. Arms are too short. Other than that, awesome!
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Aruka
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 02/23/10
Posts: 1259
Loc: SW Oregon
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I'm curious how the Isurus that Shshshsh had is holding up. Any word?
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Mahaela
Grom
Reged: 02/02/11
Posts: 2
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Pregnancy week by week
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Hdip
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 04/23/05
Posts: 1108
Loc: Malibu, CA
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Quote:
I'm curious how the Isurus that Shshshsh had is holding up. Any word?
It was holding up fine and he loved it but picked up a sponsorship and sold it because he has wetsuits from another company now. That's what I remember of the story. Search his old posts and you might be able to find it.
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bac0701
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 12/19/04
Posts: 428
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i've been wearing my hooded r4 patagucc here in nj. waters been pretty cold upper 30's. air is around the same.. suit is nice and toasty. only complaint is that the wrist and ankle cuffs are not as tight as i would like.. same thing with my r2.. I sent my r2 back over the fall and they tightened them up for me. Stupid me didn't send the r4 in also so just going to deal wth it for now.. Sucks getting a roll up when your getting tossed in the wash. To cold for that. Great suits and service ill be keeping mine. I did also find the back zip a little constricting on the r2.. kinda wish i got a chest zip no big deal though. I love the fact that they dry within a few hours. BIG plus 
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Sanzabar
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 02/24/09
Posts: 238
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just read this thread and learned:
1- not a whole lot of brand loyalty as compared to sticks
2- suits have gotten better but less durable
3- new technologies cost mucho dinero
4- colors were not discussed
now, Rip Curl has been my brand of choice for quite a while
My XXXL 3/2 E-Bomb is the best suit I have ever owned and the first high dollar suit as well. Use to grab the $100 O'Neil special and suffer through our short winter, but that E-Bomb makes cool water not so bad, except for getting out of the dang thing. RC seems to offer the best value for me here in the SENCland.
My son is talking West suits, but we live in the East...wtf.
I used to dig designing fancy suits on the O'Neil www. Some youngun around here has a suit that is all colored like a church window. I told him that one day last fall as I surfaced from going through a wave just behind him....scared the crap out of that kid; old man kong-donger givin him crap about his zoot suit. 
I would really like to have a red wetsuit...brings back memories of blood, guts and glory.
New wetsuit vs tropical vacation....decisions, decisions
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Havoc
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/10/07
Posts: 10001
Loc: The OC Life
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Quote:
i've been wearing my hooded r4 patagucc here in nj. waters been pretty cold upper 30's. air is around the same.. suit is nice and toasty. only complaint is that the wrist and ankle cuffs are not as tight as i would like.. same thing with my r2.. I sent my r2 back over the fall and they tightened them up for me. Stupid me didn't send the r4 in also so just going to deal wth it for now.. Sucks getting a roll up when your getting tossed in the wash. To cold for that. Great suits and service ill be keeping mine. I did also find the back zip a little constricting on the r2.. kinda wish i got a chest zip no big deal though. I love the fact that they dry within a few hours. BIG plus
the chest zip is vastly more flexible than the back zip. always felt they ran too snug in the back. chest, no problem at all. patagonias are super duper durable. not super flexible but def'ly durable.
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"motions of rippage is initated by the hind leg"-Northern_Shores
"Lemme know. I got endson gas"-20W
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Aruka
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 02/23/10
Posts: 1259
Loc: SW Oregon
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Quote:
just read this thread and learned:
1- not a whole lot of brand loyalty as compared to sticks
2- suits have gotten better but less durable
3- new technologies cost mucho dinero
4- colors were not discussed
That's a pretty good break down. As far as colors go, I've pretty much given up on ever getting a 5/4 in anything but boring old black.
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rowjimmytour
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 02/06/09
Posts: 2459
Loc: GOLETATHEGOODLAND
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I no all the haters are not going to like this but I reached a year w/ my mutant and its holding up great. I know O'Neil this and that bla bla bla but they fit me good and I have good luck w/ them. Early on I got a small tear (less then a dime) near the ankle from my fin but I fixed it w/ goop. Also some of the outside threads on the neck came loose but they are glued on the inside so no big deal. I used that tool handle plastic on the outside threads and no problems since. This weekend I am going to get a gooru 2mm short sleeve full as a bday present for the spring. Can't wait to shed some rubber
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Gotta find a woman be good to me
Won't hide my liquor try to serve me tea
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winwin
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 07/11/07
Posts: 1757
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i really like my patagonia r3 chest zip. warmest i've ever been. thanks to the gasket under the head entry, zero leaks, cotton liner stays dry! slightly heavy, but a great suit for the winter.
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ifallalot
Duke status
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 18384
Loc: Carlsbad, CA
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I'm looking for a 4/3 on the cheaper side, which one do you think is the most flexible for paddling?
I'm not worried as much about warmth since this isn't NorCal, just pure flexibility. And cheap
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the graphics portray the hawks prey battling death
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retodd
Tom Curren status
Reged: 02/22/09
Posts: 11339
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http://hyperflexusa.com/flow-43mm-mens-fullsuit/
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ifallalot
Duke status
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 18384
Loc: Carlsbad, CA
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That's what I was thinking. I have the Flow 5/4/3 hooded
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the graphics portray the hawks prey battling death
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hangheels
Grom
Reged: 03/20/09
Posts: 2
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Quote:
I'm looking for a 4/3 on the cheaper side, which one do you think is the most flexible for paddling?
I'm not worried as much about warmth since this isn't NorCal, just pure flexibility. And cheap
I just ordered a Hyperflex Amp 4/3 from Wavejammer.com . They are on sale for $189, cheapest I have seen them. Suit should be here tomorrow.
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in_side
Grom
Reged: 03/12/10
Posts: 61
Loc: Almost Africa
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Quote:
This:
is one hell of a suit! Love it!! Thanks again MC Buell!!
Havoc
Sweet !
The Matuse are lovely suits but the zippers on the Tumo chest zip seem to lose their teeth with just the slightest of tugs... I think they need a rethink.
Can I get a Buell in Europe, Ryan?
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turn that frown upside down
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ghostshaper
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 01/22/05
Posts: 1665
Loc: 1134
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Just bought last year's R2 online for $330. They had a M R2 and M R3 left ($350), if anyone is interested (do a google shopping search).
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ghostshaper
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 01/22/05
Posts: 1665
Loc: 1134
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Got the suit today. Tried it on and it didn't feel stiff, but then again, it's only a 2 mm. The wool feels weird. After a surf tomorrow, I'll be able to comment on the weight and warmth. We'll see if it rubs my neck to death, like my Xcel (never had neck rashes with my O'neills).
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ghostshaper
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 01/22/05
Posts: 1665
Loc: 1134
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R2 was fine today. Water was 59, sunny, no wind, no neck chafing. Didn't feel stiff or heavy in the water. When I rinsed it at home, it felt like a ton.
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littlewave
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/15/09
Posts: 1227
Loc: Orange County
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Quote:
R2 was fine today. Water was 59, sunny, no wind, no neck chafing. Didn't feel stiff or heavy in the water. When I rinsed it at home, it felt like a ton.
Super heavy soaking wet, but even when surfing long sessions, and getting tossed around, it's still pretty much dry except for just inside the cuffs.
I was a little cold in the R2 this afternoon, but not as cold as DP'ing. It's great for most of the cold we get around here, but I definitely want a 4/3 for dp and also spring upwelling.
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gr8day
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 05/26/05
Posts: 981
Loc: Flow Da
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Local shop has Patagonia R2's, Xcel Dry Lock's, and Body Glove Vapor's on sale. Looking to save some $$$ and buy next years suit now. Been using a Boz Thermo Boss the last 2 winters. Suit is holding up really well but the flushing is ridiculous. Leaning towards the R2 but is it worth $120 more than a Dry Lock? Used Xcel Infinties prior to the Boz and the seams would always start leaking after awhile.
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If you want to carve, just lean over.
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retodd
Tom Curren status
Reged: 02/22/09
Posts: 11339
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drylock should by fine , pataguchi are heavy and not so strechy .
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adam33
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1039
Loc: Long Beach, NY
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I've owned both drylock and Patagonia. IMO the stretch and weight diff
might be true, but it's not noticable to me. Seems fine.
I'm now in my R4. Warmest wetsuit hands down. I think it's worth the extra investment personally. The drylocks I've owned are great, but mine fell apart rather quickly.
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"pm oceanslide or adam69, they are the erBB distributors."
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9ten
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 05/21/09
Posts: 226
Loc: NJ
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2nd season this miserable winter in my Hotline CCU - just as warm as last year. No problems. Can probably last another 5+. Some flushing through the hood if I get rolled, not as bad as a Boz. 2nd season with Hotline 7mm booties, great but prefer a round toe when the water gets below 40deg. Straps were short also and didn't do much, so I cut them off. Needed new gloves so Ig ot the cheapest I could find - $20 Hyperflex 5mm 5 fingers. Gotta keep the hands moving a bit when it drops below 40 but they do the job.
My 3/2 is going on season 6 or 7? Rip Curl Core Fireskin, hope it makes it through this year. I don't get as psyched to get new wetsuit gear as you guys. More of a necessity thing and I don't get as cold as most guys either, so if it works I'm fine.
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