Latest on wetsuits.....

Tayls wrote:

I bought a Rip Curl Fusion 4/3. Last August maybe,
Within a month i had put my finger through the neoprene in the hamstring area putting it on.
Took it into RC and they fixed it.
A few weeks later the same thing happens again. So take it back.
Eventually they offer to replace the suit. This is in Maybe October.
But surprise surprise they dont have my size in stock.

Its now April and they finally have my size in stock. Hopefully have it very soon.

Not ideal though.

In saying that the suit was pretty good though.

I think Rip Curl have jumped the shark regarding their material. Every year XX% stretchier etc has resulted in less durability and too stretchy in some circumstances. Also the amount of water they soak up is insane. All that flexibilty is offset by 3-4kg of water held in it when saturated. Is anyone else shocked every time they wash their 32 or 43 and lift it out of the bucket? No wonder it feels like you need more litres in winter, you are dragging around kgs of water all the time.

Makes me wonder why they dont go the Yamamoto 40 like all the other high end brands? Stretchy enough without soaking up water. If they make a Y40 suit with fusion seams it would be unbeatable.

Anyone in the Isurus 2/2 full chest zip in Vic? How far into winter does it get you? Is the as warm as normal 3/2 claim realistic?

I’m also in the market for a new wetsuit for Vicco’s winter but I need one that is the absolutely the most flexible to get in and out of both across shoulders and oddly my legs below the knees and especially my feet. I can suffer from muscle tension b/w my shoulders as if I have surfed for hours before I even paddle out and my current near new 4/3 suit is very tight below the knees and because of my shoulder issues can find very difficult to get out of. Currently I’m thinking a 3/2 back zip but open to suggestions - anyone?

GuySmiley wrote:

I’m also in the market for a new wetsuit for Vicco’s winter but I need one that is the absolutely the most flexible to get in and out of both across shoulders and oddly my legs below the knees and especially my feet. I can suffer from muscle tension b/w my shoulders as if I have surfed for hours before I even paddle out and my current near new 4/3 suit is very tight below the knees and because of my shoulder issues can find very difficult to get out of. Currently I’m thinking a 3/2 back zip but open to suggestions - anyone?

GuySmiley. Hi mate.

You’d be aware I’m all in on Patagonia across all thickness wetsuits for warmth and flexibility. They just suit me well.

It really sounds like you need Isarus suits. Not cheap but very good.
I’ve always wanted to wear them for that same factor, flexibility, but there is nowhere to try one on in Victoria, fuck me if I’m buying a suit that I can’t try on.
That company is doing themselves out of some good business that’s for sure.

Hope ya well mate, your Bombers played well and tried hard, commendable. AW

After years of chest zips ,I reverted to a back zip last year.Much easier for entry and egress.Happy with my purchase. One problem was limited choice, they had to look for the back zip not a lot around. Was shopping in Barwon Heads.

Just gone back to a back zip 3/2 Dawn Patrol as well. Noticed the longevity of a back zip Dawn Patrol I bought in 2012 and thought I'd try again and hope the new one lasts a long time.

Easier getting into shoulders so if you've hurt them or in rehab a little kinder. Stashing the key is way easier within a chest zip tho. Back Zip has a flap at the back with a dual flap/zip pulling cord, so you use the same cord to first pull the flap up the back, then the zip up - clever! As a result it's warmer than the old one.

Yeah, I had good results with a Dawn Patrol back zip.

Got 3 seasons out of it- very warm first 2 and nice and flexy.

Easy to get in and out of BZ.

^^ thanks guys
Just checked Patagonia’s AU website and they seem to only do chest zips, price doesn’t matter but I really can’t see myself getting into a chest zip easily, doesn’t the Torquay store stock @AW?

Atm, thinking of trying on a hyperfire backzip 3/2 as Ive used O'Neill’s for years

GuySmiley wrote:

^^ thanks guys
Just checked Patagonia’s AU website and they seem to only do chest zips, price doesn’t matter but I really can’t see myself getting into a chest zip easily, doesn’t the Torquay store stock @AW?

Atm, thinking of trying on a hyperfire backzip 3/2 as Ive used O'Neill’s for years

GuySmiley. Hi pal. You’re correct, most on the shelves are chest zip. Albeit, you can order a back zip suit.
Speak to a store manager at any store.

For what it’s worth, the Patagonia factory outlet store in Corio St Geelong has both type of suits, but it’s ad hoc or luck if you find what you want. Prices are outstanding.

I was redeeming a $100 60th birthday voucher there a week ago, my Lordy me, value. Nothing is faulty it’s just end of a run or line or an over abundance of a certain boardshorts or shirts.
I picked up three new pair of boardies and a great pair of woollen socks for $105,
Out of pocket $5.

With Patagonia don’t just assume that what’s on their website is what’s available, the shops and on-line shopping sometimes don’t align. Good luck with your search. What’s your size, I’ll make an enquiry. AW

Likely to be XXL @aw, in oneill’s I have XXLs because of my height and broad shoulders but because I’ve never had a patagonia I would want to try on before buying

GuySmiley wrote:

Likely to be XXL @aw, in oneill’s I have XXLs because of my height and broad shoulders but because I’ve never had a patagonia I would want to try on before buying

Guy, for sure, gotta try them on. I’ll call my mate tomorrow and ask where’s the best place to go try one on and as well getting a rear zipper suit. The new suits with Yulex rubber, no fossil fuel oil, are very flexible but a little stiff for your first 2-3 surfs, pretty common but honestly become very flexible with use. These new suits act as good floatation as well, the black heat fabric fleece liner is marginally elevated and prevents your skin from actually being up against the rubber thus eliminating contact with the outside ambient temperature and wind blowing across the suit.
I like a comment from @Ron earlier, the more super flexible they are at the start, I agree, they hold too much water. AW

Thanks @aw