Havoc
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/10/07
Posts: 10000
Loc: The OC Life
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been wearing my 4/3 drylock south of pt conception 
it's starting to stetch out some (thank goodness yo!), still the neck rashes like there is no tomorow. otherwise, warm suit. should get me through the season and help save some $$ since I can't really afford another suit.
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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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Hdip
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 04/23/05
Posts: 1095
Loc: Malibu, CA
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I wore my $95 hyperflex 4/3 for the first time today. Seems like great deal. Their seam tape isn't very stretchy so the tape that goes around your ribs is a bit annoying. Paddling and changing in and out is as easy as my other suits though. I laughed at my brother needing help to get out of his drylock the other day.
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stu dog
Duke status
Reged: 01/15/03
Posts: 21707
Loc: CA
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Quote:
I wore my $95 hyperflex 4/3 for the first time today. Seems like great deal. Their seam tape isn't very stretchy so the tape that goes around your ribs is a bit annoying. Paddling and changing in and out is as easy as my other suits though. I laughed at my brother needing help to get out of his drylock the other day.
hyperflexs on http://www.seshday.com/ right now
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Kaptman
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 05/25/11
Posts: 222
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Finally had to go to a 5/4. Of all my suits the Mutant fits the best. I surf hrs in it. Had a patagonia but not nearly as comfortable.
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MACFISH
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 05/29/07
Posts: 1020
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I do not like the collar on the drylocks. Why is the top end not finished like say a Quik Cypher which is a two-layer? And the stink from my excel boots is enough to freak me out on the drylock.  That said, I wish I got the x-zip infinity when whiskey militia was selling them for $95. "That" was a deal.
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..ready to crash and burn, I never learn.....
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stu dog
Duke status
Reged: 01/15/03
Posts: 21707
Loc: CA
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Quote:
And the stink from my excel boots is enough to freak me out on the drylock. That said, I wish I got the x-zip infinity when whiskey militia was selling them for $95. "That" was a deal.
it's the same liner on all three (booties, drylock and x-zip)  . i have not experienced the stink on each, except for the booties which i don't have.
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surfersteve79
Grom
Reged: 12/22/05
Posts: 11
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Quest For The Best Wetsuit:
Glad my earlier post helped some people out as well as stirred the pot to more discussion. A couple of things happened since that post and has some relevance. So regarding Isurus both the So Cal sales rep Ruffo and the infamous " Jim " both returned emails and phone calls promptly. Low down on Isurus is that they took 5 years of straight R&D then started releasing limited suits around 2009-10 making refinements and heading feedback. Since then the new 2011-12 suits finally were up to snuff for their 1st major release. Ruffo was great to talk to and shared a lot of industry tech with respects to what the major wetsuit companies are putting out there. He didn't through anyone under the bus but pointed out how they are all alike in various ways and when I pinned him on what makes me choose you over Matuse...well he said first they paved the way for Isurus and 2nd made the industry take attention to different materials and construction. So what's the difference Matuse vs Isurus? Isurus uses the crem de crem Yamamoto vs Matuse which uses whatever they can get from Yamamoto. If you research you'll see Yamamoto actually has various grades of Yamamoto neoprene. I have physically noticed this on some Matuse suits. The panels aren't all the same and some feel smoother, softer, and also less stretchy. Ruffo said your getting only the highest grade panels on their suits. Their factory also is smaller and attention to detail is proof with Isurus suits.
Someone said moat of us prefer a suit with an internal furnace lining. I totally agree. The billabong Xero had that but you know how that ended up. So the Isurus and Matuse lack that feature but Isurus added mire aerodome to offset that concern for core warmth. Again keep in mind this is their first major release and next year will most likely have a few minor tweaks. Based on what I know I'm still willing to take a plunge with a 3-3-3 or a 3-4-3.
Speaking of Billabong I purchased the Xero through Swell.com whom which funny enough Billabong owns. FYI their customer service is awesome. So I talked to them and stated my case and they believe everything I said about the seam technology sounded legit. I said if bong fixes that issue or perhaps I can work with the wetsuit dept I'd take the suit back. Hell I could be saving Billabongs ass if this a suit wide defect. Well guess what? Nobody from Billabong including the wetsuit rep Hub returned any of Swells calls or emails. Swell called me and gave me the news. They said piss poor customer service with an added insult since this was an internal affair at this point. So Swell and I both agreed based on this fiasco so far it be best to refund me and we'll both wait to see if anyone from Billabong replies. Maybe they will when their $430 flagship suit gets dropped off at their front door this week.
On a bother note idiots at Quiksilver either lost my Cypher suit AGAIN..( long story and worthy of a new post in itself ) or sent back the wrong one. Surf shop manager called and asked if I knew why they sent me a new 3/2 med short sleeve Ignite in it's place? How in the he'll does a Large 4/3mm 2010-11 Cypher turn into a lesser grade wrong sized short sleeve full??
In summary...Wetsuit divisions of all major surf companies are run by baboons!
My 3/2 Body Glove Prime is still going strong. Still overall best suit I have. After this I am not going to purchase a Quik Fuseflex which I was considering vs the Isurus. My decision is final for this year Isurus or bust!
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sh3
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/30/08
Posts: 1041
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I think you'll love it. First few sessions will feel tight... and then you'll just "get" it one day and be amazed.
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Me Blog>>> ShShSh
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Aruka
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 02/23/10
Posts: 1161
Loc: SW Oregon
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I've used my Isurus I-Soldier 4-5-4 for about thirty sessions now. So far so good. Tight at first but after a couple sessions it's perfect. Haven't gotten cold yet and we've had some fairly cold water/air combo's, 45F water - 43F air with strong winds, no problem. Best part about the Isurus suits is just how light and flexible they are. I can paddle forever in this suit, it really doesn't feel like it restricts that motion at all. If this one holds up like my 4-3-4 I will be very happy.
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Kaptman
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 05/25/11
Posts: 222
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I'm glad people posted about the smell of the Drylock materials. I have a pair of boots and was starting to think I was doing something wrong. I put shampoo and soap in them only to have a slightly fragrant stink to them. Do the suits smell that bad too?
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silentbutdeadly
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 11640
Loc: Tower 13
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Damn that's crazy with all the complaints of smells. I have the bladder of a little girl and piss 5 million times per session and my suits never smell. I guess I got lucky.
Still looking to try a new brand next year though.
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Thou shall not commit adulthood
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c_olden
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 09/04/07
Posts: 3186
Loc: (48°52.6′S 123°23.6̸...
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Quote:
I'm glad people posted about the smell of the Drylock materials. I have a pair of boots and was starting to think I was doing something wrong. I put shampoo and soap in them only to have a slightly fragrant stink to them. Do the suits smell that bad too?
YES.
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"The phone's for you. I think it's the Devil..."
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heelnipstr
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 07/29/09
Posts: 1452
Loc: Southern Tip, Norcal
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Quote:
I'm glad people posted about the smell of the Drylock materials. I have a pair of boots and was starting to think I was doing something wrong. I put shampoo and soap in them only to have a slightly fragrant stink to them. Do the suits smell that bad too?
my drylock is starting to smell and it is not even damp and cold outside yet. at this rate it is becoming more trouble than it is worth.
try adding some Listerine to the soapy bath you give your suit.
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"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business."
- Tom Robbins
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prjwebb
Nep status
Reged: 02/13/11
Posts: 901
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I picked up from 5mm Flashbomb booties. I haven't worn them yet, but they look warm!
Anyway, it says for quickest drying, they should be turned inside out. Is that actually possible with boots? I tried with them dry and only managed to get about half way. Maybe it's easier when wet? But then if they dry inside out I might not be able to get them back the right way without getting them wet again! 
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seacow
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 242
Loc: NY
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Quote:
I picked up from 5mm Flashbomb booties. I haven't worn them yet, but they look warm!
Anyway, it says for quickest drying, they should be turned inside out. Is that actually possible with boots? I tried with them dry and only managed to get about half way. Maybe it's easier when wet? But then if they dry inside out I might not be able to get them back the right way without getting them wet again!
Yeah gotta inside them out to keep them dry and keep the funk away. Or use cardboard tp roll to keep the top open and blow a fan directly in. I always try to inside out. Buell 4m and Billabong 5 mil easy. XCEL 7mil, i feel like im going to war with the boot.
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prjwebb
Nep status
Reged: 02/13/11
Posts: 901
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Haha, I'll keep trying then! Last thing you want to be going after a cold surf with numb hands though.
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Mr Doof
Tom Curren status
Reged: 01/23/02
Posts: 10364
Loc: San Francisco, CA
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heelnipster--->Try this for funk removal:
1 Fill gallon container with very warm water, say 96% full
2 Add teaspoon of shampoo (with tea tree oil in it if you have the $ and the belief it does what it says it does)
3 Shake container, then go the beach.
4 Put on wetsuit, booties too.
5 Pour sudsy warm water down arms, and down neck, front and back, and shimmy about. Pour it all in and make sure you have some suds tween you and the rubber.
6 Go for a surf
7 When done, rinse wetsuit well, both sides, let suit dry (turn it inside-out).
8 Sniff test it.
9 Pass means enjoy success and try not to pee in it, fail means to try cleaning again, this time with a tablesppon worth of shampoo.
10 Good luck.
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donniedarko
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 07/26/04
Posts: 2004
Loc: The Coast
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Quote:
heelnipster--->Try this for funk removal:
1 Fill gallon container with very warm water, say 96% full
2 Add teaspoon of shampoo (with tea tree oil in it if you have the $ and the belief it does what it says it does)
3 Shake container, then go the beach.
4 Put on wetsuit, booties too.
5 Pour sudsy warm water down arms, and down neck, front and back, and shimmy about. Pour it all in and make sure you have some suds tween you and the rubber.
6 Go for a surf
7 When done, rinse wetsuit well, both sides, let suit dry (turn it inside-out).
8 Sniff test it.
9 Pass means enjoy success and try not to pee in it, fail means to try cleaning again, this time with a tablesppon worth of shampoo.
10 Good luck.
I carry a small bottle of hair conditioner. My buddy is a freediver and I saw him do it in his suit and was like wtf? Thought it was goofy but he said guys will do it to make their suits easy to get on and off. I like it cause the suit smells good but I also found all the fluid seam welds stay softer. I just hit the chest and crotch with a small hit. I always rinse my suit out in my 2nd shower and have my Hang Air which I always use. Those things are worth every cent
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face the mirror...
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stu dog
Duke status
Reged: 01/15/03
Posts: 21707
Loc: CA
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Quote:
I carry a small bottle of hair conditioner. My buddy is a freediver and I saw him do it in his suit and was like wtf? Thought it was goofy but he said guys will do it to make their suits easy to get on and off. I like it cause the suit smells good but I also found all the fluid seam welds stay softer. I just hit the chest and crotch with a small hit. I always rinse my suit out in my 2nd shower and have my Hang Air which I always use. Those things are worth every cent
does any of the residue pollute the ocean though 
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donniedarko
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 07/26/04
Posts: 2004
Loc: The Coast
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Quote:
Quote:
I carry a small bottle of hair conditioner. My buddy is a freediver and I saw him do it in his suit and was like wtf? Thought it was goofy but he said guys will do it to make their suits easy to get on and off. I like it cause the suit smells good but I also found all the fluid seam welds stay softer. I just hit the chest and crotch with a small hit. I always rinse my suit out in my 2nd shower and have my Hang Air which I always use. Those things are worth every cent
does any of the residue pollute the ocean though
Not going to say it doesnt. Does any of it when it comes out of the drain in your shower? Organophospates from shampoo and the like dont get diluted in treatment plants generally. Also I've rocked a buzz cut for about 10+ years dont use the stuff in the shower so I get a waiver ha. I literally use a dime size if that it takes very little
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face the mirror...
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rice
Duke status
Reged: 07/02/02
Posts: 17782
Loc: CA
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Quote:
Damn that's crazy with all the complaints of smells. I have the bladder of a little girl and piss 5 million times per session and my suits never smell.
Same.
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heelnipstr
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 07/29/09
Posts: 1452
Loc: Southern Tip, Norcal
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Quote:
heelnipster--->Try this for funk removal:
1 Fill gallon container with very warm water, say 96% full
2 Add teaspoon of shampoo (with tea tree oil in it if you have the $ and the belief it does what it says it does)
3 Shake container, then go the beach.
4 Put on wetsuit, booties too.
5 Pour sudsy warm water down arms, and down neck, front and back, and shimmy about. Pour it all in and make sure you have some suds tween you and the rubber.
6 Go for a surf
7 When done, rinse wetsuit well, both sides, let suit dry (turn it inside-out).
8 Sniff test it.
9 Pass means enjoy success and try not to pee in it, fail means to try cleaning again, this time with a tablesppon worth of shampoo.
10 Good luck.
if I walk down Judah early in the morning in my wetsuit with bubbles emerging from my cuffs, ankles and neck, I am nor sure 'the boys' hanging out near the bathrooms will let me pass un... molested 
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"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business."
- Tom Robbins
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Kaptman
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 05/25/11
Posts: 222
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Quote:
Damn that's crazy with all the complaints of smells. I have the bladder of a little girl and piss 5 million times per session and my suits never smell. I guess I got lucky.
Still looking to try a new brand next year though.
My suits are fine. Just the boots smell. Have Oneil and Quicksilver suits. They are good.
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rid
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 1068
Loc: Long Beach, CA
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2nd that hangair comment
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Oceanslide
Miki Dora status
Reged: 03/04/08
Posts: 5188
Loc: Oceanside, CA
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Got the replacement back-zip 4/3 Quik Syncro yesterday.
The chest-zip fit perfectly...except for the neck, which
all but cut off any blood circulation for me.
First session at dawn today and the suit fits just about
perfect (LT size, me 6'3" and 200ish). Suit is super flexy
and less restrictive than the Matuse 4/3/2. Very comfy
throughout the session in pretty cool air temps, very little
restriction paddling, no leaking...overall so far so good!
Even with all of the extra seams on this thing it's super
comfy and buttery. You'd never know there are so many.
Was surprised also that it was light as hell when I peeled
it off post-session and that it didn't feel all that wet
this afternoon, even after sitting in my car all day.
Hope that continues after being broken in.
Will obviously update after much more use, but it seems like
a damn good buy for $150 MSRP.
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"Surfing reminds us of how good life is."
Oceansliding
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lorcar
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 11/20/08
Posts: 996
Loc: flatMed
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bought today Xcel Drylock 5mm boots, split toe, and O&E one piece leash. Let's see when they arrive. if the boots smell like the Drylock wetsuit I need another apartment.
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JKBush
Grom
Reged: 09/09/10
Posts: 3
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Picked up a 4/3 XCEL OS zip from Department of Goods pretty cheap. Very warm, good fit, strechy where you need it. Thumbs up so far, we'll see how long it lasts. I've had the same suit in a 3/2 for over a year now and no smell, don't know what you guys are talking about. It has the fuzzy blue lining, the new one is a green lining, don't know if they changed it over the last year. Hopefully the smell stays away.
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Fat But Agile
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surfersteve79
Grom
Reged: 12/22/05
Posts: 11
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Isurus Wetsuit Review:
Ok I picked up a 3-3-3 I-Elite and feild tested it this morning in IB. Water 59 and air temp 48 for the dawn patrol. This suit def could have handled colder temps and I look forward to pushing it in 55-58 degree water.
Materials: The Yamamoto neoprene they use is super silky to the touch inside at out! Even more so than the Matuse or the Billabong Xero! Wasn't super stretchy but stretchy enough. ( I was kinda worried about this but read on. ) Apparently not not all Yamamoto Neoprene is the same as they told me and now I'm a believer. The the stitching is solid and the tape on the inside is the same stuff Excel is using.
The Fit: This thing was surprsingly pretty easy to get on! I'm 6ft 200lbs with broad shoulders so most chest zips are no easy task but this one wasn't a problem. Once slipping inside it and I do mean slipping as this thing is so buttery it fit nearly perfect! Best way to describe the feeling is like taking your coziest blanket and rolling yourself in it like a burritto. It did fit slightly snug or tight but in a good way if that makes sense. Isurus claims this will go away after about the 4-5th session as the suit will actually adjust to your individual body type. The neck was weird as it is a super low cut compared to any other wetsuit I've even worn or seen. I did get a little bit of water in it from a duck dive or two but no biggy. How this suit is tailored is beyond me! You never feel like the suits materials are being pulled or stretched in any way as you paddle or surf. The arms have those weird compression things. Not sure if it made me paddle faster but first time my arms ever were completely warm during a sesion let alone a freezing dawn patrol in a 3 mil.
Performance: I have to say I was definitely skeptical boys and girls but this thing is damn toasty! The suit was like armor against the cold water and I never felt any water penetrating the suit or that feeling we get once the rubber gets wet. Water just beaded off the suit like rain x. The aerodome kept my core warm maybe even more than the Oneil RG8 I just got rid of.
Summary: Worth every penny especially if this suit lasts more than 2 seasons! I went through 3 other top of the line 2012 wetsuits this year and this is by far the best of the best. Just swallow the $469 horsepill to get one. It will be worth it and from the looks of it it should last at least 2 seasons which will make it worth it!
Cons: If I had any it would maybe to add " ankle & wrist grippers " in case wipe outs try to sneak water in down those areas. A lot of the new suits have those things to help alleviate flushing. The aerodome core was awesome and maybe just maybe some poly to wick water little mositure was there could be added to the inside of the suit. I dont think it really needs it though. When I took off the suit there was hardly any water probably just my own sweat! Only other thing would be the neck line could be raised slightly higher to eliminate perhaps any water from entering.
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silentbutdeadly
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 11640
Loc: Tower 13
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Xcel update:
Old 3/2 xzip is holding up surprisingly well with no tape peeling and no significant extra leaks.
3/2 drylock that is on it's second season is just holding up so so. Noticing leaks on the inside chest when first paddling out that are kind of annoying. Still zero flushing through the neck though so that's nice. Found a small gouge in the chest area from who knows what. I will take it in for repair most likely. What sucks is I've had a pretty light Fall (use wise) since my ankle has been jacked so It hasn't been used as much as it normally would have.
Not overly impressed with the drylock this year and it's an 09'10" model. Will probably pick up a 3/2 comp for next year if I find one on whiskey, then will most likely try something else as my warmer 3/2 (Pat, Isurus, etc.)
They don't make em like they used to!
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Thou shall not commit adulthood
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Havoc
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/10/07
Posts: 10000
Loc: The OC Life
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my drylock has loosened up quite nicely. zero leaks, i mean zero nada zip nothing getting in. not even a drop. warm suit, still takes a long time to dry but very happy and this 4/3 should get me through the winter down here with no booties or hood. btw, I am south of pt conception if rice is reading this thread
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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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cornelyus
Grom
Reged: 09/12/08
Posts: 7
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what would you buy? I can get them around the same price..
Quick Syncro
http://www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk/products.asp?pid=2104
RC ebomb
http://www.kingofwatersports.com/rip-curl-4x3-e-bomb-back-zip-wetsuit-2011-1957-i19967.html
Body Glove Fusion
http://www.boardshop.co.uk/product/8162-cam-charc.asp
I can also get a deal a bit more expensive on a 4/3 rebranded Buell..
Care to help?
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retodd
Tom Curren status
Reged: 02/22/09
Posts: 11189
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SYNCRO
final answer 
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freaknut101
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 11/24/05
Posts: 2299
Loc: CA
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Buell sale
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sofradis
Nep status
Reged: 08/18/08
Posts: 554
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Quote:
what would you buy? I can get them around the same price..
Quick Syncro
http://www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk/products.asp?pid=2104
RC ebomb
http://www.kingofwatersports.com/rip-curl-4x3-e-bomb-back-zip-wetsuit-2011-1957-i19967.html
Body Glove Fusion
http://www.boardshop.co.uk/product/8162-cam-charc.asp
I can also get a deal a bit more expensive on a 4/3 rebranded Buell..
Care to help?
they're all good suits the one tha fits best will be the wramest and usually also last the longest.
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retodd
Tom Curren status
Reged: 02/22/09
Posts: 11189
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http://www.buellwetsuits.com/blogs/news
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Turtle71
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/19/10
Posts: 489
Loc: NE FL
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I bought the XCEL Infiniti Xzip with the bamboo lining when they had the deal on Whiskey for $95. I was excited to score the deal since I had heard about the xcels being more stretchy and the chest zips in particular being easier and more free on your shoulders (my shoulders are larger than average). Have only worn it twice so far. As others have mentioned it is a hell of an ordeal getting in and especially out of the suit in the upper body area. Like someone mentioned, you feel like you almost have to dislocate your shoulders to get them in or out. I also noticed the neck feels like it is cutting off air/blood circulation and find myself stretching it while sitting in the lineup. I by no means have a meathead build or thick neck (6'2" 190lbs) and the suit is appropriately sized being a LT. I will say, it is very warm and the fatigue on my shoulders seems to be less than my last Oneill Epic backzip.
I am wondering if chest zips aren't for me?
Is there a backzip out there that is super stretchy and free on your shoulders?
Or is there a different type of zip I should try thats easier to get in/out of?
Anyone have these same or similar issues?
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Nobody listens to Turtle...
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Havoc
Tom Curren status
Reged: 09/10/07
Posts: 10000
Loc: The OC Life
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Quote:
I bought the XCEL Infiniti Xzip with the bamboo lining when they had the deal on Whiskey for $95. I was excited to score the deal since I had heard about the xcels being more stretchy and the chest zips in particular being easier and more free on your shoulders (my shoulders are larger than average). Have only worn it twice so far. As others have mentioned it is a hell of an ordeal getting in and especially out of the suit in the upper body area. Like someone mentioned, you feel like you almost have to dislocate your shoulders to get them in or out. I also noticed the neck feels like it is cutting off air/blood circulation and find myself stretching it while sitting in the lineup. I by no means have a meathead build or thick neck (6'2" 190lbs) and the suit is appropriately sized being a LT. I will say, it is very warm and the fatigue on my shoulders seems to be less than my last Oneill Epic backzip.
I am wondering if chest zips aren't for me?
Is there a backzip out there that is super stretchy and free on your shoulders?
Or is there a different type of zip I should try thats easier to get in/out of?
Anyone have these same or similar issues?
the neck will stretch out quite a bit. also, if u think the x-zips are hard to get into, don't ever get a drylock. now that is crazy getting in and out of. doesn't leak at all through the neck though so a tradeoff in that respect. def'ly improved from previous iterates.
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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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freaknut101
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 11/24/05
Posts: 2299
Loc: CA
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my new 4/3 is doing me good. doesn't flush like the older one which is being repaired. i'm really happy with it. i'd like to get a 5/4.
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retodd
Tom Curren status
Reged: 02/22/09
Posts: 11189
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did u get the 190 blk friday deal ?
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freaknut101
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 11/24/05
Posts: 2299
Loc: CA
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i think the current listed price is the black friday price. from what i remember, they are originally $390 and are marked $290 for the sale.
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