Best wetsuit for surfing in icy water? ***************10 points to best answer***************?

Question

After using my old alder titanium for 6 years it's starting to leak/flush a bit too much to be comfortable for extended use in cold water.

I'm looking for a replacement to use for surfing in water that's 6-13 Celsius (that's 42-53 for our those that care).
I've considered the 5/3mm rip curl E Bomb or the 4/3mm Billabong solution gold, I want something that's super-warm, flexible, durable and that will fit a lanky build well.

If you have any experience with these or other wetsuits a quick review would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!!! I'm open to all suggestions.

:-)

Answer 1

first of all, you have my full respect for surfing in such icy seas. i'm not a cold water surfer, but have you considered the o'neil psycho II. it's received a lot of awards and praise for being very flexible and allowing no water in because of the double welded seams. or the very expensive rip curl H bomb, which is heated? http://www.dailystoke.com/surfing-gear/review-of-the-rip-curl-h-bomb-best-wetsuit-ever/

Answer 2

Okay so the first question would be if you want a neck entry one or a zip up. Neck entrys (no zip) are much harder to get into but then as you can imagine, also much warmer because it keeps more water out. Zip ups are much easier to get on and off but are not going to keep you as warm. Neck entrys are also a bit more expensive. If you want a good warm neck entry that isnt horribly hard to get into, I have the Xcel Infiniti which is amazing and after a bit of practice it is really easy to get on and off. However most brands will have almost exactly the same ideas and designs, and all major brands (Xcel, Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy etc) will be absolutely fine. Keep in mind, some sizes are different with different brands - so for example a Medium Tall size on a billabong wetsuit might fit me, but a xcel medium tall might be much too big. You'll want to get a pretty thick one, but all neck entry suits will be thick enough. If you are still not sure, go to your local surf shop and ask them , they will be really helpful and will be able to give you the best options that are available in your area. Good luck

Answer 3

A good warm wetsuit is all about the fit. A big loose 5/3 doesn't work as well as a tight perfect fitting 4/3. Your best bet is to head to a surf shop and try them on and get one that fits good. However both of those suits are good.



The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 4

As long as you aren't a p*ssy a 4/3 would be perfect. I have surfed in water colder than 42 degrees in a 5/4 and i was comfortable so a 4/3 would be perfect.

Answer 5

The O'Neill PsychoFreak 5.5/4.5 Hooded is the way to go. I have been a fan of the Psycho line for a while now. They are top of the line suits and if you have the money, they are well worth it. This one is super warm, hooded and O'Neill makes some of the best wetsuits. The E-Bomb isn't bad either but my personal recommendation is is to with the PsychoFreak.

Answer 6

the thicker the better. 4/3 is pretty thin. i live in san diego where the water is never colder than 55 ferenheit and my 4/3 is barely warm enough. I know allot of people with the e-bomb. they all love it

Answer 7

The O'Neill Psycho is the best one but they have many to chose from, so find what fits you best.