silentbutdeadly
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 11626
Loc: Tower 13
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Nice.
Good test of the Boz 3/2 this morning. Air low 40's, water 59. Was perfectly warm until the lulls came and had to sit in the brisk offshore breeze.
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Thou shall not commit adulthood
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Jpres
Grom
Reged: 03/09/12
Posts: 49
Loc: SCruz
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Recently picked up the Isurus 434 iElite suit and couldn't be happier. Far and away best suit I've had. The fit is fantastic although it is true it needs a few sessions to conform to your body. Best thing is that each session the suit feels better, neck flushes less and goes on easier. *note: had it out this morning in 35degree air and Tuesday's 32 degree mornings and was perfectly comfortable for a 1.5 hour session. It is definitely the hardest suit I've had to take off, the material sticks to the skin and the arms take time and patience to get out of. Not a good idea for people who freak out with chest zips or have trouble with xcel drylocks or west chest zips (the previous reigning champ for difficult shoulder escapes).
I have been comparing it to my 2012 xcel drylock suit, warmth being a central issue for me since I'm skinny, 165lbs 5'11. The xcel was warmer when sitting through lulls than the Isurus but the Isurus heats up like a furnace once I start paddling around.
Lastly, the dry time and lightness of the suit is AWESOME. No BS when they say the suit is lighter while still being warm and it's dry when I go to bed after a dawn patrol and hanging up inside in a shady spot- much preferred to the 2-3 day dry time for my xcels.
All in all, I am stoked on the suit, would recommend it to other cold water surfers. I think for the price it may be overkill for socal guys but if cost is no issue and you aren't afraid of taking extra time to get the suit off after a session the Isurus would be a top pick for premium suit this year. Now to see about longterm durability... 
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The kooks have ruined Christmas
Edited by Jpres (12/20/12 12:22 PM)
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HungryPete
Grom
Reged: 12/16/12
Posts: 42
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Mine started leaking badly after about 30-40 sessions. Really light and comfy suit but not very durable. I didn't find the suit to be warmer than other suits of same thickness but as long as I kept moving it was warm enough I guess. They said the air chambered neoprene was not as durable as a solid pice of neoprene. It would be a great summer suit for where I live if it was made to last through a whole season at least. Hope you have better luck with yours!
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Oceanslide
Miki Dora status
Reged: 03/04/08
Posts: 5184
Loc: Oceanside, CA
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Quote:
Nice.
Good test of the Boz 3/2 this morning. Air low 40's, water 59. Was perfectly warm until the lulls came and had to sit in the brisk offshore breeze.
Impressive for a 3/2.
I agree that about the flexibility/comfort. The 4/3/2 Comp I had was by
far the least restrictive full-suit I've ever worn. One of those ordered
custom to fit would be amazing. Want to try a chest zip Boz at some
point.
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"Surfing reminds us of how good life is."
Oceansliding
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Jpres
Grom
Reged: 03/09/12
Posts: 49
Loc: SCruz
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Interesting. I've been babying it so far, if I get more than a year out of it I'm thrilled. I think 30-40 sessions and major leaks I'd try and warranty it. The seam tape is the same as xcel tech so I know eventually to expect pin leaks but hope not anytime this winter.
I think the warmth approach of these is pretty dependent on good fit- keeping water out of the suit seems like the strategy rather than loading it up with polypro or wool.
I usually have at least two wetsuits in rotation, thinking a backup xcel infinity hooded or mutant may be a nice mid price alternate.
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The kooks have ruined Christmas
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nkpheous
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 04/07/08
Posts: 2949
Loc: Huntington Beach
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Just picked up a flash bomb plus. I hope this suit has a break in period because its not that flexible. 
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obelix
Grom
Reged: 09/11/08
Posts: 77
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I've got the chest zip Boz Thermoboss, custom made. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, my surfing's done in northern Scotland, so have it in 5/4. Was out a short while back during a cold snap, water around 40, air temp colder than that, and said to the guy I was surfing with that I actually felt warm.
Can't say enough good things about Boz: Warmth, flexibility, durability, customer service, price. There's nothing they fail on. They deserve any and all the kudos they get.
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prjwebb
Nep status
Reged: 02/13/11
Posts: 897
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Anyone tried the new Buell G6 suits? I'm ordering a 4/3 after Christmas.
If they've improved the B2 suits and fixed the flushing then they are going to be unbeatable in my opinion.
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pee_pee
Grom
Reged: 08/25/12
Posts: 82
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2 more things about the Patagonia R2 that anyone buying one should consider (see a couple post above for main part of the review)
1. The chest zip uses a minimalist elastic loop to catch the zipper and prevent it from unzipping across the chest. It DOES NOT WORK. The zipper easily comes out of it and before you know it the chest is blown open and you're taking on water. Usually it doesn't happen all at once (falls out and only partially unzips) but it's a pain to constantly monitor it. If you fall on your chest then it might blow open all at once.
2. The key pocket (at least on the 2010 version) does not have any elastic tether and is outside of the suit on the chest. If it's cold enough to be wearing the heavy patagonia, the last thing you want is to be freezing and locked out of your car with the key in the bottom of the ocean. The fact that the zipper is not secure compounds this issue; if the chest zip unzips it leaves the external key pocket exposed with nothing to secure the key. If you use this suit, either sew/glue a tether into the key pocket, or use a shoestring around the neck for your key.
Summary for Patagonia R2
Warmth A
Durability A+
Weight when Dry B
Weight when wet D-
Stink Factor A (does not smell despite pee pee and no rinse)
Flushing B
Zip Closure D-
Key Pocket F (unusable)
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prjwebb
Nep status
Reged: 02/13/11
Posts: 897
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I used an R2 chest zip all summer and never had the zip undo even slightly... The only way I can fault mine is the leaky seams mean even though the suit keeps you warm you still feel the cold seeping in as you enter the water. Once you're active it's toasty but I wouldn't fancy an R4 behaving the same way in freezing water.
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Oceanslide
Miki Dora status
Reged: 03/04/08
Posts: 5184
Loc: Oceanside, CA
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I agree with most of your grades below, although I've never
had the chest zip come undone (even partially), whether I
secure the zipper in the little loop or not. Do you fall
on your face more than normal? ;-)
I've updated your grades with my personal experience on the
R3.
Quote:
Summary for Patagonia R3
Warmth A
Durability A
Weight when Dry B
Weight when wet D (heavy as FVCK after changing out of it,
although I believe much of that weight is due to water
absorption in the inner lining from flushing it out with a
shower. Not much water gets in during a surf, so I don't
notice extra weight while actually surfing.
Stink Factor A (does not smell despite pee pee and no rinse)
Flushing A-
Zip Closure B+
Key Pocket D (doesn't fit my dummy key, use a shoestring
around the neck instead)
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"Surfing reminds us of how good life is."
Oceansliding
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pee_pee
Grom
Reged: 08/25/12
Posts: 82
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Mainly due to turning into/under a closeout frontside.
Wish there were a snap or something to secure the zipper in place other than the elastic yoke. Maybe I'll try rubbing some cold water sticky surf wax into the zipper.
Quote:
I agree with most of your grades below, although I've never
had the chest zip come undone (even partially), whether I
secure the zipper in the little loop or not. Do you fall
on your face more than normal? ;-)
I've updated your grades with my personal experience on the
R3.
Quote:
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HungryPete
Grom
Reged: 12/16/12
Posts: 42
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I have contacted them about warranty. They told me first to glue a piece of neoprene on the seam in the crotch area which I did but unfortunately it is leaking in other places too. My repair is rough and uncomfortable and will have to be done again. And even if they fix most places they might miss one spot or a new seam will open up somewhere else and then I have payed $60 for nothing. I am thinking about sending it back though.
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spjones123
Grom
Reged: 10/24/05
Posts: 50
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What's everyone's opinion on Manufacturer vs Body Type? I honestly have never been able to tell a major difference between all the high end suits- except fit. Each year is always the stretchiest, lightest, fast drying ever..oh and 25% warmer than last year's!
I'm a skinny 5'8 150lbs and have always gone back to Ripcurl because their cut seems to match my body. Had Quik & O'neill- both great suits but felt like at the same size they were made for a wider guy- I needed more girth  . Any other brands match Ripcurl?
So where do you think the different brands fall on the stocky to skinny scale? My experience:
Quik
O'neill
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.
Patagonia
.
.Rip curl
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ifallalot
Duke status
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 17971
Loc: Carlsbad, CA
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I have short limbs and I am stocky. Xcel and Hotline have always worked out the best for me. I find that the arms are slightly too long on Hotline while Xcel is better limb-wise.
I got a cheap 4/3 Xcel that is slightly restrictive for paddling. I think I am going to buy a high end 3/2 next time so I'll get the same warmth with less restriction. I want to do this before I kill the 4/3 so I still have something for the coldest days.
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The only two things in life that make it worth livin is guitars tuned good and firm feelin women
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daave
Nep status
Reged: 12/28/02
Posts: 614
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anyone have pictures of the new boz chest zips? Never seen one and the website looks outdated.
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silentbutdeadly
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 11626
Loc: Tower 13
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Took advantage of daughter napping down time. Here you go sir:
Inner neck lining has small strip for reinforcement similar to how Xcel repairs and reinforced theirs.
Zipper catch is just a little tab but it seems to stay put. Have been on the rinse cycle on a few closeout barrels and everything was fine.
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Thou shall not commit adulthood
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daave
Nep status
Reged: 12/28/02
Posts: 614
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Thanks sbd! going to try a 3/2 when it warms back up here.
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pee_pee
Grom
Reged: 08/25/12
Posts: 82
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Anyone order a custom from Boz? What was the experience like? Can you go down to San Diego, get measured, and go from there?
That neck zip looks good; might go with an all 3 mil custom with longer legs for my next suit. My Boz from 2009 had great rubber, great durability, great attention to detail/construction but just wasn't cut right for my body (legs too short, crotch too low-and not in a penis pocket way-more like a "pants not pulled all the way up" way.)
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silentbutdeadly
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 11626
Loc: Tower 13
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Yeah same issue with mine minus the crotch.. Legs short and not tight enough but that's the only flaw so far. It's a 3/2 so I don't think it will be that big of a deal.
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Thou shall not commit adulthood
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nkpheous
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 04/07/08
Posts: 2949
Loc: Huntington Beach
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Thanks for posting the pics of the boz. Haven't seen a chest zip. Looks good. I'm still a believer that the a good stitched suit will outlast a welded seam suit. I think I'm going to give boz a shot 
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b123
Nep status
Reged: 05/17/09
Posts: 918
Loc: Santa Barbara
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I kinda want to try a 4/3 Boz now
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pickles
Miki Dora status
Reged: 08/18/03
Posts: 4922
Loc: Ventura, CA
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Where can I find a Boz to try on? I've been looking for the warmest 3/2 because Ventura in the winter is right on the 3/2 4/3 border other than first thing in the morning.
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No longer accepting offers to surf for money.
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KPindaOC
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 11/25/12
Posts: 172
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Quote:
Thanks for posting the pics of the boz. Haven't seen a chest zip. Looks good. I'm still a believer that the a good stitched suit will outlast a welded seam suit. I think I'm going to give boz a shot
Truth.
My 3/2 Quik Cypher has lasted a whole year (2-4 sessions/week) with few if any real wear. I don't always take good care of it either.
Sometimes I wish it was liquid taped instead of cloth taped, but I think that's part of the reason why it's lasted so long. Another is that it doesn't have smooth skin. That sh1t rips so easily. Have a 4/3 Fusion with 2 sessions on it and a pinprick in the smooth skin already.
Other than overall warmth, it's been a great suit.
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nimby
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 02/14/11
Posts: 219
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I just talked to Harry about getting a custom - unfortunately, this winters production run is finished, next custom shipment to the states won't be until April. Customs are only 10% over cost of stock, so why not? You can download the measuring form at the website. Only thing I'm not a fan of, needing a 5/4 hooded front zipper, is the zipper being a full zip vs. permanently closed and sealed on one end like Xcel and Billabong which minimizes flushing. Any reports from the hooded front zip riders on this?
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gr8day
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 05/26/05
Posts: 981
Loc: Flow Da
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Quote:
Where can I find a Boz to try on? I've been looking for the warmest 3/2 because Ventura in the winter is right on the 3/2 4/3 border other than first thing in the morning.
Warmest 3/2 I've ever owned is the Patagonia R2 living in N FL I only where it on the coldest of days or I get to hot.
I have a Thermo Boss that's going on it's 4th season and the rubber is still supple/stretchy and the seams are still good. It's a back zip and the flushing is bothersome. If they fixed that with the chest zip then that would be the suit of my choice.
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If you want to carve, just lean over.
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nkpheous
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 04/07/08
Posts: 2949
Loc: Huntington Beach
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Quote:
Quote:
Thanks for posting the pics of the boz. Haven't seen a chest zip. Looks good. I'm still a believer that the a good stitched suit will outlast a welded seam suit. I think I'm going to give boz a shot
Truth.
My 3/2 Quik Cypher has lasted a whole year (2-4 sessions/week) with few if any real wear. I don't always take good care of it either.
Sometimes I wish it was liquid taped instead of cloth taped, but I think that's part of the reason why it's lasted so long. Another is that it doesn't have smooth skin. That sh1t rips so easily. Have a 4/3 Fusion with 2 sessions on it and a pinprick in the smooth skin already.
Other than overall warmth, it's been a great suit.
I tried on a cypher hydrolock seam suit and was really impressed. The 4/3 felt like a very light 3/2. Very flexible. Kinda kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on it but a got a deal on a flashbomb plus that was too good to pass up. The suit is super warm but a little restrictive compared to my ebomb pros. I'm guessing its the taped seams on the inside
I'd still like to have another backup 4/3 so most likely going to get a boz next time I get down to san diego
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nicros
Grom
Reged: 01/25/10
Posts: 88
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So I'm shopping for a new wetsuit. Socal, so 3/2 has always been enough for me. But I've always worn ripcurl and o'neill. Im currently a season and a half into a psycho RG8, and its starting to leak and not be so warm anymore.
I'm kind of curious about these japanese suits. Like th isurus i-elite 3/2 chest zip. I have never heard of this brand before. Can anyone tell me more about the suit? Personal experiences? Why would I pay for a japanese suit vs a Boz for example?
I also hear good things about the xcel drylock- how does that stack up? Interestingly, whenever I see reviews about great wetsuits, I see the isurus, drylock, and flashbomb plus pop up. But never my good ol RG8. Maybe my current suit sux?  Dunno.
Thanks in advance and seeing as we are 3 minutes away, merry christmas!!
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KC_BRAINS
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 178
Loc: Spain (Asturias)
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I am going to post my review on the New Buell Wetsuit (G6) and Isurus Wetsuit I recently purchased.Both of them are 4/3
First on the Buell I can say that at first glance when I put my hands on the suit I was like Wow! Same materials as the previous model but with a new chest zip that looked like it would fix the flushing issue of the older model. Also it has 3/4 of the suit with this furry fabric (nothing really new just the standard you´ll see on some top brand suits) that was and upgrade from previous model. The ankle and wrist cuff looked a little funky, since they are pretty much rolled up and stitched wetsuit fabric, but wanted to see how they performed in the water. Also the knee pads are not like the ones on the older model (which I really liked) they are just like every other wetsuit on the market. Ok, so now I put the suit on for the first surf session. The feel is buttery soft just like the previous model so I am all excited. The new chest zip looks like it should be good, except that it does not have a pull cord to tightened the expose side of the chest zip. Once in the water I can feel some tiny tiny leaks but nothing that is not acceptable by my standards. My booties fill with water rather quickly therefore I am thinking the ankle seals are not working. Now first couple of duckdives I dont get any flushings so I am happy with the zip system. But this happiness did not last long. First wipeout an I get a good flush and I am  . As the session went through i realized that if the wipeout made you fall on one side you were ok, but on the side where there was no pull cord you had high chances of getting a good cold water flush. Had 3 or 4 more sessions on the suit and pretty much everything happen every single time. Also the ankle cuffs gave in and now they are completely baggy. Another thing the new model for some reason does not dry out as fast as the older version. So in conclusion I rather have the older model since both of them flush and in everything else the older model outperforms the new one (also the new one is more expensive).
Now as far as the Isurus my first impression when I had it in my hands was that it was rather heavy compared to the Buell I had. But you could clearly tell that even do it was also a 4/3 it had thicker neoprene. Also the neck seal on the chest zip seem very low cut and I wonder wether flushing could be and issue. Now as I put on the wetsuit, which took a while because its hard as hell to get into, I can feel that it is definitely not as stretchy as the Buell, but I does seem that it will be warmer. The neck seal rides low but it seams ok. Wrist and ankle seals are tight as hell, but that´s good. Once in the water there zero leaks, the suits is extremely warm, but it does feel really stiff to the point I does make paddling harder. The neck seal which was on of my concerns seems to work well and I don´t get any flushings that are not acceptable. Taking the wetsuit off is almost harder than putting it on. The dry time of the suit is incredible. It takes about 6 hours in a very humid climate out of the sun. Next couple of times I wear the suit it starts to be easier to get it on and off (still hard) and it starts to feel a little more stretchy. It is definitely no even close to a Buells gummy feel , but in the other hand is really warm. Like I said before the Isurus is thicker and it is mostly made of 4mm panels with just a few 3mm panels. In the other hand the Buell most be 50/50 4/3
So there you have my rant about these two wetsuit brands. I personally will keep on looking for the perfect wetsuit, which I have not found yet. I always said that for me the Buell older model was close to being perfect if they could just fixed the neck seal. Unfortunately the new chest system is not much better ,and in my opinion it is inferior in other aspects to the previous version.
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Gallery
Nep status
Reged: 06/08/10
Posts: 629
Loc: Monmouth Co., NJ
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Quote:
I am going to post my review on the New Buell Wetsuit (G6) and Isurus Wetsuit I recently purchased.Both of them are 4/3
First on the Buell I can say that at first glance when I put my hands on the suit I was like Wow! Same materials as the previous model but with a new chest zip that looked like it would fix the flushing issue of the older model. Also it has 3/4 of the suit with this furry fabric (nothing really new just the standard you´ll see on some top brand suits) that was and upgrade from previous model. The ankle and wrist cuff looked a little funky, since they are pretty much rolled up and stitched wetsuit fabric, but wanted to see how they performed in the water. Also the knee pads are not like the ones on the older model (which I really liked) they are just like every other wetsuit on the market. Ok, so now I put the suit on for the first surf session. The feel is buttery soft just like the previous model so I am all excited. The new chest zip looks like it should be good, except that it does not have a pull cord to tightened the expose side of the chest zip. Once in the water I can feel some tiny tiny leaks but nothing that is not acceptable by my standards. My booties fill with water rather quickly therefore I am thinking the ankle seals are not working. Now first couple of duckdives I dont get any flushings so I am happy with the zip system. But this happiness did not last long. First wipeout an I get a good flush and I am . As the session went through i realized that if the wipeout made you fall on one side you were ok, but on the side where there was no pull cord you had high chances of getting a good cold water flush. Had 3 or 4 more sessions on the suit and pretty much everything happen every single time. Also the ankle cuffs gave in and now they are completely baggy. Another thing the new model for some reason does not dry out as fast as the older version. So in conclusion I rather have the older model since both of them flush and in everything else the older model outperforms the new one (also the new one is more expensive).
Now as far as the Isurus my first impression when I had it in my hands was that it was rather heavy compared to the Buell I had. But you could clearly tell that even do it was also a 4/3 it had thicker neoprene. Also the neck seal on the chest zip seem very low cut and I wonder wether flushing could be and issue. Now as I put on the wetsuit, which took a while because its hard as hell to get into, I can feel that it is definitely not as stretchy as the Buell, but I does seem that it will be warmer. The neck seal rides low but it seams ok. Wrist and ankle seals are tight as hell, but that´s good. Once in the water there zero leaks, the suits is extremely warm, but it does feel really stiff to the point I does make paddling harder. The neck seal which was on of my concerns seems to work well and I don´t get any flushings that are not acceptable. Taking the wetsuit off is almost harder than putting it on. The dry time of the suit is incredible. It takes about 6 hours in a very humid climate out of the sun. Next couple of times I wear the suit it starts to be easier to get it on and off (still hard) and it starts to feel a little more stretchy. It is definitely no even close to a Buells gummy feel , but in the other hand is really warm. Like I said before the Isurus is thicker and it is mostly made of 4mm panels with just a few 3mm panels. In the other hand the Buell most be 50/50 4/3
So there you have my rant about these two wetsuit brands. I personally will keep on looking for the perfect wetsuit, which I have not found yet. I always said that for me the Buell older model was close to being perfect if they could just fixed the neck seal. Unfortunately the new chest system is not much better ,and in my opinion it is inferior in other aspects to the previous version.
I would agree with your review of the Isurus. Slightly stiffer than other suits, but also slightly warmer.
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Gallery Blog
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prjwebb
Nep status
Reged: 02/13/11
Posts: 897
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Disappointed to hear that about the new Buell suits.
I too thought the B2s were close to perfect except for the occasional flush.
Odd that the guys using the suits at Mavericks don't experience said flushing though...
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jkb
Nep status
Reged: 02/21/05
Posts: 899
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Someone posted this over in the main forum. It's a side-by-side wetsuit review of patagonia, isurus, o'neill psycho 1, quicksilver fuse flex, rip curl flash bomb plus, buell b1, and the bodyglove pr1me. If you click on the charts, there's some pretty good info.
http://solspot.com/content/surf-articles/bcs/solspot-2012-winter-wetsuit-review-winners
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kipduff
Grom
Reged: 08/21/12
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Someone posted this over in the main forum. It's a side-by-side wetsuit review of patagonia, isurus, o'neill psycho 1, quicksilver fuse flex, rip curl flash bomb plus, buell b1, and the bodyglove pr1me. If you click on the charts, there's some pretty good info.
http://solspot.com/content/surf-articles/bcs/solspot-2012-winter-wetsuit-review-winners
Good info, but didn't look at Boz or Excel HydroLock. These are two of the ones I'm strongly considering in a 4/3 or 4/3 hooded. If Harry is available today, I'm going down there to see the Boz suits. I would probably take a M or MT.
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kipduff
Grom
Reged: 08/21/12
Posts: 4
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Hooded wetsuit users.............. I've never had a hooded suit- thinking of Boz, Excel DryLock, Quick Fuse Flex- all in the 4/3mm zone. How usable is the suit usable with the hood pulled back, off your head? I'm talking about on average, under 6 foot waves. I'm thinking about starting to use a hood, and trying to figure out if I should get a fullsuit and a hood, or getting a fullsuit that incorporates a hood. Thanks, Kip........
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b123
Nep status
Reged: 05/17/09
Posts: 918
Loc: Santa Barbara
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I have a 5/4 Xcel Infiniti with hood. Most of the time I surf with the hood off since it's not that cold where I'm at and I generally find hoods annoying. The slightly annoying part is that with the hood down, it feels like something's choking you. It's not actually, but slightly annoying.
Most of the time with the hood down, the suit doesn't really flush too badly on duckdives, wipeouts, etc, but occasionally it does.
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Gallery
Nep status
Reged: 06/08/10
Posts: 629
Loc: Monmouth Co., NJ
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Quote:
Hooded wetsuit users.............. I've never had a hooded suit- thinking of Boz, Excel DryLock, Quick Fuse Flex- all in the 4/3mm zone. How usable is the suit usable with the hood pulled back, off your head? I'm talking about on average, under 6 foot waves. I'm thinking about starting to use a hood, and trying to figure out if I should get a fullsuit and a hood, or getting a fullsuit that incorporates a hood. Thanks, Kip........
The suit will flush more with the hood down. It's also not super comfortable. Typically I only pull my hood down between sets waiting for a wave when the air is significantly warmer than the water or if I wore the wrong suit and really need to cool off and flush myself. Otherwise it's best to have both a hooded and non hooded suit or get a separate hood or hood + vest to wear with your non-hooded suit.
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Gallery Blog
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randelpink
Grom
Reged: 06/05/10
Posts: 62
Loc: Manhappenin'
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Since the water temps have started to drop, I've been busting out the 4/3's.
I have a 4/3 Quik Cypher and a 4/3 Billabong Xero.
Quik: Got it last year, only had about a dozen or so sesions on it, and only 2 sessions so far this year. I do like the suit, warm, flexible and fairly easy on/off. However, the chest zipper putting on digs into your shoulder pretty good, kinda makes it hard slipping it over the right shoulder getting on, but taking off isn't really an issue. What I don't like, is that after fairly minimal use, all the threads have started to come out. Everything from the knee pads to the neck gasket... Pretty dissapointing considering the cost of the suit, and the fact that Quik is supposed to be a higher end wetty. I'd say purchase something else.
Billabong Xero: Really like this suit. Taped seams, warm, flexable, harder on/off than the Quik Cypher. Super burly knee pads (not sure why) nicely placed key stash on left calf, unique chest zip and gasket design. Even with the added gasket, I did find that this suit flushes more often than the Quik, which is probably my biggest gripe against it. The other, being that these suits do run small. Bought an XL (I'm 6'2" 190lbs) and this thing fits much more similar to a large. Short on arms, and very very tight getting into. Chest zip design is better on this one IMO, zip doesnt gouge into the shoulder like on the Quik. With the taped seams, I see this suit lasting alot longer than the Quik, which so far it hasn't shown any signs of wear. This suit over the Quik IMO.
After having said all this, I still prefer Xcel suits the best. Great prices (typically) good customer service that I've had, and suits last at least one season for me.
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KPindaOC
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 11/25/12
Posts: 172
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Since the water temps have started to drop, I've been busting out the 4/3's.
I have a 4/3 Quik Cypher and a 4/3 Billabong Xero.
Quik: Got it last year, only had about a dozen or so sesions on it, and only 2 sessions so far this year. I do like the suit, warm, flexible and fairly easy on/off. However, the chest zipper putting on digs into your shoulder pretty good, kinda makes it hard slipping it over the right shoulder getting on, but taking off isn't really an issue. What I don't like, is that after fairly minimal use, all the threads have started to come out. Everything from the knee pads to the neck gasket... Pretty dissapointing considering the cost of the suit, and the fact that Quik is supposed to be a higher end wetty. I'd say purchase something else.
Billabong Xero: Really like this suit. Taped seams, warm, flexable, harder on/off than the Quik Cypher. Super burly knee pads (not sure why) nicely placed key stash on left calf, unique chest zip and gasket design. Even with the added gasket, I did find that this suit flushes more often than the Quik, which is probably my biggest gripe against it. The other, being that these suits do run small. Bought an XL (I'm 6'2" 190lbs) and this thing fits much more similar to a large. Short on arms, and very very tight getting into. Chest zip design is better on this one IMO, zip doesnt gouge into the shoulder like on the Quik. With the taped seams, I see this suit lasting alot longer than the Quik, which so far it hasn't shown any signs of wear. This suit over the Quik IMO.
After having said all this, I still prefer Xcel suits the best. Great prices (typically) good customer service that I've had, and suits last at least one season for me.
Interestingly, my Cypher 3/2 did the same exact thing after only a couple sessions in. They were unraveling all over the place. I just singed them pretty close and went back to surfing.
Been over a year now and no problems. As far as I've noticed, it stopped after I singed them.
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HungryPete
Grom
Reged: 12/16/12
Posts: 42
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Hooded wetsuit users.............. I've never had a hooded suit- thinking of Boz, Excel DryLock, Quick Fuse Flex- all in the 4/3mm zone. How usable is the suit usable with the hood pulled back, off your head? I'm talking about on average, under 6 foot waves. I'm thinking about starting to use a hood, and trying to figure out if I should get a fullsuit and a hood, or getting a fullsuit that incorporates a hood. Thanks, Kip........
I wear hooded suits most of the year and when it's glassy and not freezing cold I usually pull it of for most of the session. It does feel a little bit like being strangled by a weak person but I much prefer that to actually having the hood on. I think the flushing is worse when you have the hood on as water can enter through the hood and straight into the suit. Maybe not if you tighten it properly but I find that really uncomfortable and only for the coldest days in frigid waters.
A hood really extends the range of a suit though. Pull it on when you feel cold and I bet you're able to surf an hour longer than you would if you didn't have a hood. Especially if it's windy. When you keep your head warm your body will focus on heating up other parts of your body that are of lower priority like your feet for instance. Or so I've been told.
I think an external hood is fine for a 4/3 but it's one more thing to rinse and hang to dry. Oh, and it can easily be forgotten.
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Gallery
Nep status
Reged: 06/08/10
Posts: 629
Loc: Monmouth Co., NJ
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Been meaning to write this up for a while, but haven't had time. My wetsuit quiver has grown quite a bit so I figure my reviews might be useful here.
Me: 5'9" 170 lbs no gut, momma called me Husky
Location: NJ
Water temps: 78 degrees in summer down to 38 degrees in winter
Isurus 222 SAF: Size M. Short Arm Fullsuit for summer and early Fall. Probably my favorite way to surf is in a SAF. I like it better than boardshorts probably because I spend so much time in wetsuits it's like the non-wetsuit suit. Anyway, this is my favorite SAF I have ever owned. The rubber is super stretchy and soft. I never rash. It does flush a little but all of the SAF's I've owned flush a little through the sleeves. The shorter collar never rashes me. It absorbs no water so it's super light and dries super fast. The smoothie material is super delicate. Easy to tear it with a fingernail. I was putting the suit on and my wife decided to help me and her fingernail sliced the smoothie on the back. It repaired easily with wetsuit glue, but take note if you get one of these. I will probably always own one of these. They are pricey compared to other SAF's, but I live in this suit all summer long so it's worth it to me. Oddly enough I'm a size M in the 222 SAF, but a LS is all other Isurus suits. This is due to the forearm design I will talk about later when I review the i-Soldier.
Pros: Best rubber out there, no rash, fits good
Cons: Price, some flushing, smoothie is very delicate
O'Neill Gooru 2/2 SAF: Size M. Good suit. I like the Gooru line because it's good rubber and no nonsense, plus O'Neill cut typically fits me better than any other brand. However, this suit rashes the heck outta my neck. Probably because it's a back zip and all of my other zips are chest zips so my neck isn't used to it. If this suit had a chest closure it would be another favorite. Love the fit, flex, warmth, design, just hate the neck.
Pros: Best fit, good rubber, good price
Cons: The neck sucks
Rip Curl Flash Bomb 3/2: Size LS. First off, the "fastest drying" stuff is BS. The flash dry liner drains water and dries quickly, but the rest of the suit takes just as long as any other suit to dry. However, the benefit is the dry liner makes it a little easier and a little more comfortable to put the suit back on if you don't have the time or place to dry it. It's a great design if you are spending the day at the beach and will surf multiple sessions and put your suit on and off or if you surf before and after work and your suit sits in the car all day and can't dry. I specifically bought it for my trip to Australia when I would be driving from spot to spot. The E3 rubber is super stretchy and comfortable. Best of the non Yamamoto stuff in my opinion. It's a very flexible suit. Now the bad. The fit isn't as good as O'Neill. M is too small on me and LS is just a hair too loose. It fits great dry, but with the super stretchy neoprene it stretches out a touch too much when wet. If the cut was like O'Neill I would be in love. Other downsides, the chest zip zips in the wrong direction. The Flash dry material in the legs makes it hard to bend your knees. It bunches up behind your knee when you squat. Other downside is the flash dry liner seems like it holds a bit more water making the suit heavier in the water. It also sucks in water at the ankles, which you can feel when you get in colder water. Great key pocket, decent value, and I really like the E3 taped seams which seem more flexible than than liquid tape. Overall I like the suit for the specific purpose of having a suit that is easier to put on wet, but it could use a few improvements.
Pros: The liner dries quick so it's easy to put on wet, E3 rubber is super stretchy
Cons: Heavy when wet, fit isn't great for me, liner should be removed from behind your knee.
O'Neill RG8 4/3: Size M. My favorite overall suit. Great fit, great design, warm, good rubber, good value. On a budget I would buy this suit in a 3/2, 4/3 and 5/4 and be done with it. Wish they made it in a SAF. The M fits me perfect. The rubber is stretchy and comfortable, construction is solid. O'Neill customer service has been very good to me. Put a zipper on the key pocket and I might call the suit perfect. Only downside is that it's heavy when wet, like most other open cell neoprene suits. If this suit was made of the Isurus Yamamoto stuff it would be the holy grail for wetsuits for me, but of course the price would need to be higher. Because it fits so good it rarely ever flushes. I wouldn't even call it a flush. It just trickles.
Pros: Perfect fit. Best balance of warmth, comfort, flexibility, construction and price.
Cons: Ummm, key pocket has no zipper???
Rip Curl e-Bomb Hooded 4.5/3.5: In NJ it's nice to have a hooded 4/3. The air temps get cold, but the water stays warm in fall. The hood protects your ears and keeps you warmer when it's windy and the air is cold. These are days when you actually go under the water to stay warm. This is a great suit. It has all of the same benefits of super stretchy rubber of the Flash Bomb but without the pros and cons of the flash liner. Super great value on this suit. If the Rip Curl cut is good for you then this might be your best bang for the buck. For me it fits a small niche and It's about one month a year I wear it so I didn't want to break the bank on a hooded 4/3. Got it on sale sub $300. I love the E3 rubber. So damn stretchy and comfortable. I just wish the fit was little better for me. I should add that this is the most comfortable hood design I have ever worn. I love this hood. It's an over the chin rather than under the chin design but it doesn't put stress on your jaw like most suits. Most comfortable hood ever.
Pros: E3 rubber is the bomb (pun intended), sper flexible, budget price, best hood ever
Cons: fit isn't the best for me
Isurus i-Soldier 454: Size LS. I was told my a Great Lakes surfer whose opinion I respect that this was the Holy Grail of frigid water suits. I have only worn it down to 48 degree water/38 degree air, but when I did, I was sweating. Like seriously overheating to the point that I was getting concerned for myself. It's warm. Really warm. But I still have about 10 more degrees of temperature drop to truly test it. So the biggest pro about this suit so far is of course WARMTH. This comes with a price and that price is flexibility. It's stiffer than other 5/4s. The rubber is supper flexy and comfortable, but there are a few design issues that I think cause this stiffness. The tape used to the seal the seams is thick. Like double the thickness of other tapes. The suit is very much noticeably stiffer at the seams. Also, the forearms have these panels that designed to I guess cause friction with the water and help you paddle. They make it incredibly hard to put the suit on and make the arms stiff. Lose the panels, get better tape and I bet this suit would be just as flexible as the Rip E3. The benefit of the forearm panels is that no water ever gets in through your wrists because it's so tight. So is the suit worth the price? If it stays as warm as I think it will down into the high 30 water temps then YES. So far it's noticeably warmer than my past 5/4's. I'd rather have a stiff suit and be warm than a flexible suit and be cold. I can deal with stiff for 2 hours, but if I'm cold I'll be shivering and done in 30min. The other huge benefit over other 5/4s. The suit absorbs NO water. It incredibly light weight when wet. I'm convinced I pop up faster and surf quicker because of this. It dries as fast as 3/2. My past 5/4s sat on the hang-air overnight and the cuffs were still damp in the morning. The Isurus dries completely on it's own overnight. The other issue I have with the suit is that I could possibly wear a M, but the forearm panels make it impossible for me to get the medium on. The M fits me perfect up to my chest, but those panels prevent the neoprene in the arms from stretching over my forearms. They really need to lose those panels and maybe replace with only a single panel near the cuff.
Pros: Super light weight, no water absorption, WARM
Cons: seam tape and forearm panels make suit stiff, price is steep
Xcel Infinity X-zip 6/5: Size LS. It hasn't been cold enough to use this yet. Tried it on and the fit is good. It's flexible for a 6/5. Seems like it will be a good suit to get me in the water in the dead of winter. I had an old 6/5 O'Neill Psycho II. I hated the suit because even in 20 degree air temps I was sweating. I couldn't even put the suit on indoors because I would overheat before getting out the door to walk up to the beach. This is suit feels the same and that's what you want when air temps are in the teens, there's snow and ice on the ground, and the water is 37 degrees. I'll review this if it gets cold enough this winter.
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