burgsurfer, 1426026273

I am posting this as the last $500 ish wetsuit I got wasn't the bomb I had hoped for ;-).

After 6 months the seams on both ankles had ripped (I have small ankles and take my wetsuit off carefully) and the rubber had ripped near the zipper. 6 months later the seems started ripping through the rubber on one knee and throughout the wetsuit the inside lining of the wetsuit is giving in and separating from the rubber...

So I have had the wetsuit for about 20 months now and its falling apart. Other wetsuits I have had have lasted about 5 to 8 years....

Thanks in advance anyone who can advise what to buy and anyone who can advise what not to buy...

donweather, 1426028794

If seams were failing after 6 mths, why didn't you make a warranty claim? And don't most wetsuits these days have life time warranties on the seams?

burgsurfer, 1426037860

[quote=donweather]If seams were failing after 6 mths, why didn't you make a warranty claim? And don't most wetsuits these days have life time warranties on the seams?[/quote]

You need the receipt and I didn't have one... the repairs have each been about $40 so not extreme. Point is the thing is falling apart - which in my opinion it shouldn't have been doing after 6 months and now 20 months in its seriously deteriorating.

Not sure re lifetime warranties. Up until this wetsuit turned out not to be the bomb I hoped for all my wetsuits have lasted ages without issue.... this is the first crap one I have had in 30 years of surfing.

maddogmorley, 1426038374

I had same issue with last years O'Neill Psycho III. Expensive wetty and was coming apart at the rubber strips covering the seams on the chest after only a few months so I sent it back under warranty. Previous years models used to last 3-4 years. Had to wait 3 months for it to come back but instead of repairing it they sent me the 2015 model instead. Had to wait 3 months as the 2015 model not yet in the country. Much better model - no little rubber strip covering up the seams on the chest anymore - looks just to be stitched. One less point of failure.

carpetman, 1426041742

I had an f bomb that started deteriorating after 6 months, 12 months and the inner lining had pulled away from the neoprene. Crap wetsuit. Just started using my old spare instead which has holes but is warmer and stretchier. Currently waiting on one of those needs essential wetsuits to land at my door. Only $200. Will give a quick review when I get it.

burgsurfer, 1426042941

[quote=carpetman]I had an f bomb that started deteriorating after 6 months, 12 months and the inner lining had pulled away from the neoprene. Crap wetsuit. Just started using my old spare instead which has holes but is warmer and stretchier. Currently waiting on one of those needs essential wetsuits to land at my door. Only $200. Will give a quick review when I get it.[/quote]

Yeah, I know a few people who have had problems with the bomb wetsuits over the last few years. They just aren't made very well. I cant afford to spend $500 every 12 to 24 months... got 3 kids and stay at home wife at the moment. $200 is more alligned to my budget but I am a bit worried because I have got budget wetsuits in the past and they are just too tight.

Craig, 1426043348

Struggled the last 6 years to find good wettys that last. In saying that I surf in them nearly every day, put them straight on the line and they don't get rinsed besides at the shower down the beach.

About 10 or so yeas ago the Rip Curl E Bomb's used to last well, but I think with the stretch material now they just all deteriorate, or I'm expecting too much when used to regularily.

Like the Quik Cypher suits but bought two last year for the price of one so they'd last me at least 2 seasons..

udo, 1426043481

Needs have changed there sizing this year.......most reviews last year said were that they were to big..as in you wear a large in other brands ..but could a Needs could have been a medium.......
The new sizing chart still seem out a bit to me.
Needs are far from a 'budget' wetsuit--- absolute top quality but at a budget price.

ACB__, 1426043620

Does anyone know where you could potentially get a zipper replaced?

I've had a Tiki wetsuit for about 3 winters. You could put it back on the rack and you wouldn't know its even been used.

Only downfall was when I was doing the zipper up it came off.

I took it to a dry cleaner paid fkn $50 and they said they fixed it. Went to put it on and the zipper came straight off again. they made a sucker out of me.

I was thinking maybe a Tent shop? They must replace zippers on tents occasionally?

Any thoughts?

udo, 1426043977

Piece of piss to do yourself, the part is about $3 max,just did one on a boardbag...google around .
Crusst whats the best brand zipper part to buy ?

carpetman, 1426044069

[quote=udo]Needs have changed there sizing this year.......most reviews last year said were that they were to big..as in you wear a large in other brands ..but could a Needs could have been a medium.......
The new sizing chart still seem out a bit to me.
Needs are far from a 'budget' wetsuit--- absolute top quality but at a budget price.[/quote]

Agreed, although I haven't used one in the water, I have tried one on and the neoprene felt top quality. Lighter & stretchier than the rip curl suits I've had over the years. Even if it only last 6-12 months I'm still $400 ahead of any other similar wetsuit.

udo, 1426044620

I still cant get the gist of the 'no warranty' with Needs ?

carpetman, 1426044791

Yeah, I'm not sure thats actually legal but have emailed him plenty and would be very surprised if he refused to help out with a legitimately defective product. He has been amazingly helpful with me after I ordered the wrong size.

seaman-staines, 1426047844

I had never heard of Need before today but cheers for the heads up boys, I know where my next wetsuit is coming from, in saying that I bought a nice Peak steamer last year off Surf Stitch for $160.00 and a West vest for $30.00, the key is looking out of season but still you are lucky to get more than a season out of them.

surfstarved, 1426048832

I've had a few wetsuits and all bar one have lasted me over 5 years. The exception was a Quiksilver springy that I got back when they first entered the wetsuit market.

My current wetty was my first foray into buying internationally - a 5/3 O'Neill steamer that I had imported from the UK for about 1/3 of the Australian price. It's still going strong after two southern winters, but that's in part because I don't get into the water nearly as often as I'd like to.

Tut-tut Craig for not rinsing. You might as well piss your money up against the wall. Even surfing every day, you'll get at least a couple of winters out of a suit if you take care of it properly ("Fuck off mum" I hear you muttering).

Does anyone have a web address for Need wetsuits? I tried Googling them but all I got was a whole lot of nothing...

chook, 1426049327

[quote=Craig]

Struggled the last 6 years to find good wettys that last. In saying that I surf in them nearly every day, put them straight on the line and they don't get rinsed besides at the shower down the beach.

About 10 or so yeas ago the Rip Curl E Bomb's used to last well, but I think with the stretch material now they just all deteriorate, or I'm expecting too much when used to regularily.

[/quote]

yep, that's how it works. don't rinse your wetty properly, then hang it in the sun, it'll deteriorate all right.

whoever was asking about zippers -- YKK

Craig, 1426049578

Surf Starved, yeah always in a rush back from the waves on the way into work, chuck it on the line and it sits there to the next day, so yeah partly my fault..

seaman-staines, 1426050485

[quote=surfstarved]I've had a few wetsuits and all bar one have lasted me over 5 years. The exception was a Quiksilver springy that I got back when they first entered the wetsuit market.

My current wetty was my first foray into buying internationally - a 5/3 O'Neill steamer that I had imported from the UK for about 1/3 of the Australian price. It's still going strong after two southern winters, but that's in part because I don't get into the water nearly as often as I'd like to.

Tut-tut Craig for not rinsing. You might as well piss your money up against the wall. Even surfing every day, you'll get at least a couple of winters out of a suit if you take care of it properly ("Fuck off mum" I hear you muttering).

Does anyone have a web address for Need wetsuits? I tried Googling them but all I got was a whole lot of nothing...[/quote]

http://www.needessentials.com/

ACB__, 1426051265

[quote=udo]Piece of piss to do yourself, the part is about $3 max,just did one on a boardbag...google around .
Crusst whats the best brand zipper part to buy ?[/quote]

Just ordered one of these. $20 from the states...

https://www.fixnzip.com/ Got a large size... will report on how it goes...

burgsurfer, 1426051508

I think I needs t get me one of em Needs ;-)

Or import from the UK. No ways i can tell me misses I am spending $500 on a wetsuit.

burgsurfer, 1426051628

thelostclimber, 1426064085

I am the importer and distributor of Derevko wetsuits -google it. So blatant plug at the risk of being deleted by Swellnet admin.

Here are my comments on some points raised above -

Seam seals - very hard to get the gluing right. But at least after this discussion I know its not just us that have had problems. We will get this fixed no problem under warranty. Process takes less than 2 weeks including postal time.
We have actually found the solution now, but Im not giving trade secrets out.

Materials - superstretch is a trade off for durability. You just cant have both.

Cost - with myself and others there is just no need to pay over $500 for a decent 3:2 or 4:3 wetsuit these days. Now that the AUS$ has dropped below US80c ordering from overseas is not as cost effective as 2 years ago, but there are plenty of reasonably priced, locally sold wetsuits out there, especially with online only sales like myself.
However, if I was still surfing in Tasmania I would probably pay $500+ for a good 5/4. There is only so much you can do for $200.

Repairs - send to Lesley at Aquasea Underwater Products in Caringbah, NSW. She is who I use and is very good. In fact the repairs are often better than the original work.

stunet, 1426066053

[quote=thelostclimber]Repairs - send to Lesley at Aquasea Underwater Products in Caringbah, NSW. She is who I use and is very good. In fact the repairs are often better than the original work.[/quote]

Thanks for the heads up. And don't worry about deletion TLC; long time poster, all in context etc etc.

crustt, 1426066370

[quote=ACB__][quote=udo]Piece of piss to do yourself, the part is about $3 max,just did one on a boardbag...google around .
Crusst whats the best brand zipper part to buy ?[/quote]

Just ordered one of these. $20 from the states...

https://www.fixnzip.com/ Got a large size... will report on how it goes...[/quote]

Hi , doubt those fix zip things are going to do the job, metal will probably corrode real quick in a wettie and a slider is either for a coil or a chunky zip, chunky zips being the one in wetties.

I use plastic YKK chunky sliders have not had one fail me in 10 years, used a batch of a different brand once, lost a lot of money on return postage.
Pretty easy to replace a slider, takes a minute with only the slider little longer if you take the top 2 teeth off and put the new slider in then put s/s ring top stops over the 2 top teeth total cost about 2-3$

udo, 1426067667

ACB...better cancel that fixnzip order and use your $20 for postage to Crusst for the repair.

nochaser, 1426068614

+1 for Need just ordered 3/2, last 2 wetsuits bought O/S, have to support a start up run by surfers. Not ripping surfers off. Warranty required by law, just ask Apple!

fraser-gordon, 1426069815

Just had a custom wetsuit from Japan delivered today Crazy comfortable will be interested in it's durability.

surfstarved, 1426072630

[quote=burgsurfer][quote=surfstarved]I've had a few wetsuits and all bar one have lasted me over 5 years. The exception was a Quiksilver springy that I got back when they first entered the wetsuit market.

My current wetty was my first foray into buying internationally - a 5/3 O'Neill steamer that I had imported from the UK for about 1/3 of the Australian price. It's still going strong after two southern winters, but that's in part because I don't get into the water nearly as often as I'd like to.

Tut-tut Craig for not rinsing. You might as well piss your money up against the wall. Even surfing every day, you'll get at least a couple of winters out of a suit if you take care of it properly ("Fuck off mum" I hear you muttering).

Does anyone have a web address for Need wetsuits? I tried Googling them but all I got was a whole lot of nothing...[/quote]

Who was the UK seller please? You got a website?[/quote]

Was a long time ago burgsurfer, so don't really remember. Could have been Boardshop - http://www.boardshop.co.uk/ - or SecretSpot - http://www.secretspot.co.uk/
Google was my friend...

Blowin, 1426073000

[quote=burgsurfer]What wetsuits would you recommend that are:

- Most importantly strong and well made (the seams don't give way and the rubber doesn't deteriorate)
- Almost just as important, they are flexible

I almost always surf early mornings so tend to get a 5/3 or a 4/3 just to keep me snug and my mind off the winter chill.[/quote]

A 5/4 !!! Don't you live on the coal coast ? You'd fucking cook.

surfstarved, 1426073013

Mind you, having just checked out the Need site, I think it might be my first and last foray on the international wetsuit market. If I can get a locally-made, unbranded, functional 4:3 steamer for just $200 I'm going to do it.

They're playing my song...

nochaser, 1426073036

Cost Fraser-Gordon?

scotty123456, 1426074466

Surfstarved is right. Still a few sites OS that will ship wetties to Aus at very reasonable prices at no freight cost.

I find that the suits with no seam stitching are absolutely the most flexible; but always end up pulling apart at those same seams before any issues with other parts of the suit arise. Really seems as if the glue holding the materials together isn't up to the task as yet.

A decent compromise seems to be - get one of the suits with 'super stretchy' materials, which also has blind stitched and glued seams before any 'liquid' taping is applied. I get one good winter season out of the non-seam stitched suits but generally three from others with blind stitched seams.

The Pyrotech model from O'neill gets decent reviews and I am considering one for this winter season.

http://www.swiminn.com/swimming/o-neill-wetsuits-pyrotech-5-4-mm-black-deepsea-lunar-man/669942/p

http://www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk/oneill-pyrotech-fz-54-mens-winter-wetsuit-winter-2015

Hearing some good things about the C-Skins wetsuits also re durability. Sounds like the neoprene isn't quite as flexible as some other brands - still very good - and this helps longevity. UK based company but given the features of the wetsuits you would suspect they are made in same / similar factories to the 'big name' brands.

some of their mid-price wetsuits look like they would more than handle an Aus winter. The top end stuff looks super warm...

http://www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk/c-skins-wired-mens-53mm-autumnwinter-wetsuit-2015

Not sure if the sites above will ship to Aus though.

toneranger, 1426076062

could it be also with all the the new technology in stretch neoprene and the smaller entry points the bloody things take twice as longer to remove,therefore involving a lot more needless stretching of the seams.i've got last seasons o'neill psycho 3 and i swear it takes way longer to put it on and take it off than the old model.it is way warmer though and no wash throughs

crustt, 1426103313

[quote=surfstarved]Mind you, having just checked out the Need site, I think it might be my first and last foray on the international wetsuit market. If I can get a locally-made, unbranded, functional 4:3 steamer for just $200 I'm going to do it.

They're playing my song...[/quote]
Surfstarved, unless you live in Asia these aren't locally made.

burgsurfer, 1426105792

[quote=Blowin][quote=burgsurfer]What wetsuits would you recommend that are:

- Most importantly strong and well made (the seams don't give way and the rubber doesn't deteriorate)
- Almost just as important, they are flexible

I almost always surf early mornings so tend to get a 5/3 or a 4/3 just to keep me snug and my mind off the winter chill.[/quote]

A 5/4 !!! Don't you live on the coal coast ? You'd fucking cook.[/quote]

Yeah, I am a bit of a wuss in the cold and typically surf the first couple of hours in the morning before my wife and kids are up... It does get too toasty at the end of winter when the water is still cold but the mornings are warm.

burgsurfer, 1426106121

[quote=scotty123456]Surfstarved is right. Still a few sites OS that will ship wetties to Aus at very reasonable prices at no freight cost.

I find that the suits with no seam stitching are absolutely the most flexible; but always end up pulling apart at those same seams before any issues with other parts of the suit arise. Really seems as if the glue holding the materials together isn't up to the task as yet.

A decent compromise seems to be - get one of the suits with 'super stretchy' materials, which also has blind stitched and glued seams before any 'liquid' taping is applied. I get one good winter season out of the non-seam stitched suits but generally three from others with blind stitched seams.

The Pyrotech model from O'neill gets decent reviews and I am considering one for this winter season.

http://www.swiminn.com/swimming/o-neill-wetsuits-pyrotech-5-4-mm-black-deepsea-lunar-man/669942/p

http://www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk/oneill-pyrotech-fz-54-mens-winter-wetsuit-winter-2015

Hearing some good things about the C-Skins wetsuits also re durability. Sounds like the neoprene isn't quite as flexible as some other brands - still very good - and this helps longevity. UK based company but given the features of the wetsuits you would suspect they are made in same / similar factories to the 'big name' brands.

some of their mid-price wetsuits look like they would more than handle an Aus winter. The top end stuff looks super warm...

http://www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk/c-skins-wired-mens-53mm-autumnwinter-wetsuit-2015

Not sure if the sites above will ship to Aus though.[/quote]

Thanks, very useful... One season for a wetsuit just ain't right... Will look into these.

roger-ramjet, 1426106492

I have had my need 3/2 for 6 months now and no dramas at all. Just ordering some 4/3 s for me and a few boys today. They are definately good value. Made overseas for sure but designed by Ryan and he's good with getting sizes right with exchanging etc.
I've been still in my 3/2 while mates are in 4/3 lately so they are definately warm enough.

gilbert, 1426119666

What is everyone's recommendation for a 5/3?
I'm in Tasmania, thinking about winter already.
In the past have heard people get them from the UK - are there any Aus places which sell these?
What about other brands (i.e. not rip curl, oneill, west, billabong)?

Derevko and Need don't make anything thicker than 4/3 which is a bummer as I'd like to try them.
Might be able to get away with 4mm but 5mm would be best!

surfstarved, 1426125329

[quote=crustt][quote=surfstarved]Mind you, having just checked out the Need site, I think it might be my first and last foray on the international wetsuit market. If I can get a locally-made, unbranded, functional 4:3 steamer for just $200 I'm going to do it.

They're playing my song...[/quote]
Surfstarved, unless you live in Asia these aren't locally made.[/quote]

Despite the growing foreign ownership of agricultural land in the Adelaide Hills (unsubstantiated hyperbole), I'm still a fair way from Asia...

Perhaps I should have said 'locally-sold' crusst? Manufacturing aside, at least I'd be supporting a smalltime Australian enterprise, rather than an evil, faceless multinational.

crustt, 1426133166

Sorry mate, just thought you may have been under the the impression that they were Aussie made, a credit to the need website it hasn't rolled out the standard "Australian owned company".

surfstarved, 1426150886

Nah, nobody in their right mind is going to delude themselves that they can make a go of manufacturing a non-perishable product in Australia these days. Just a slip of the fingers.

surfstarved, 1426150974

Irony alert, btw, not deliberately being a cunt (well, not too much of one, anyway).

scotty123456, 1426154795

Gilbert, have a look at the 5/4/3 Hot Wired by C-Skins. They carry them in Byron (I think) or you could ship one from the UK. That's if you don't want a 5/3 from the other brands you mentioned.

The local surf stores in Tas do carry 5/3mm wetties, but generally the Xcel, Rip Curl, Patagonia, Oneill and Billabong brands only.

zenagain, 1426160223

I get my wetties from the UK shipped to Japan. I look for the sales and usually buy last seasons suits and save heaps. Last suit I bought was a Billabong SG5 (5mm) chest zip. 28,000yen delivered (about $290AUD). Really nice, comfortable suit and super warm if a bit weighty though. The company I go through is called Freakfish. Really good service, heaps of suits to choose from and delivered to the door within about 10 days. I've bought a couple from them now.

You might have a problem getting Oz brand suits into Australia though. You might have to look at one of those freight forwarding companies.

Also, got a mate to pick up a new O'Neill Psycho III in the US. He bought retail and got it for about $400USD. I think I'll go back to online.

Craig mentioned Quikky Cypher suits. I had a 3/2 that finally died last season after 4 years. Really stretchy and hard wearing. Recommended.

bish, 1426163502

I'm in Tassie and I've been using Isurus wetsuits for a couple of years. Little Californian company that's doing high quality gear. I recommend that you consider both the quality of the construction and the type of neoprene used. Isurus make a big point about the difference between open cell and closed cell neoprenes, they use closed cell Yamamoto neoprene (all made from limestone, so no petrochemicals!). The majority of the major manufacturers use open cell neoprenes I believe. Open cells have two major downsides; 1. they allow the long term build up of tiny salt crystals deep within the neoprene structure (yes even with regular fresh water rinsing), which with normal movement, then abrade, which causes the cell structure to deteriorate. 2. over the period of the surf session, water penetrates deep within the cell structure, which in turn reduces the insulating value of the neoprene and adds weight to the suit. I have an I-EVADE 434 suit with integrated hood, it's been good for Tassie winters and still looking solid after two years solid use, and I handle my suits fairly roughly (I do always rinse in fresh water after a session though). I also have a 3/2 that I've just used for this summer, I'm very happy with that one too. Have a look at this page http://www.surfisurus.com/material/ Note that they do a comparison chart showing the wet (saturated) weight of their suit compared to other brands which is interesting. Because of the closed cell neoprene, they absorb very little water (and stay lightweight).

crustt, 1426186552

[quote=surfstarved]Nah, nobody in their right mind is going to delude themselves that they can make a go of manufacturing a non-perishable product in Australia these days. Just a slip of the fingers.

Irony alert, btw, not deliberately being a cunt (well, not too much of one, anyway).[/quote]
HaHa, you don't have to tell me mate. It is quite a struggle, If it's a good wage you want, but I'll never be able to call myself surfstarved.;-)

surfstarved, 1426245279

Touche.

cycd, 1426289226

Matuse have good deals with sometimes free shipping(look at vintage section which is previous years lines) my two have held up well. I also have a Patagonia short arm which is pretty much my favourite suit, I have heard people say that they're not comfortable but I don't agree and love mine. I think they would have to be the best built suits I have seen and can last for 3 solid years and I wear mine most of the year in margraret river and up in the north west so it cops a beating

uncle_leroy, 1426294735

[quote=bish]I'm in Tassie and I've been using Isurus wetsuits for a couple of years. Little Californian company that's doing high quality gear. I recommend that you consider both the quality of the construction and the type of neoprene used. Isurus make a big point about the difference between open cell and closed cell neoprenes, they use closed cell Yamamoto neoprene (all made from limestone, so no petrochemicals!). The majority of the major manufacturers use open cell neoprenes I believe. Open cells have two major downsides; 1. they allow the long term build up of tiny salt crystals deep within the neoprene structure (yes even with regular fresh water rinsing), which with normal movement, then abrade, which causes the cell structure to deteriorate. 2. over the period of the surf session, water penetrates deep within the cell structure, which in turn reduces the insulating value of the neoprene and adds weight to the suit. I have an I-EVADE 434 suit with integrated hood, it's been good for Tassie winters and still looking solid after two years solid use, and I handle my suits fairly roughly (I do always rinse in fresh water after a session though). I also have a 3/2 that I've just used for this summer, I'm very happy with that one too. Have a look at this page http://www.surfisurus.com/material/ Note that they do a comparison chart showing the wet (saturated) weight of their suit compared to other brands which is interesting. Because of the closed cell neoprene, they absorb very little water (and stay lightweight).[/quote]

Do the slide on nice and easy ?
I always thought open cells was warmer than closed cell, thats spearfing suits but your in the water all the time so weight is not an issue
cheers

udo, 1426630650

Whaaat, whats your legal view of Need wetties re the no warranty ?

nochaser, 1426639402

My understanding Udo, whilst i'm no Saul Goodman, regardless if offered a warranty or not you are covered in Australian via Consumer Guarantees.

https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/consumer-guarantees

yocal, 1426640467

Australian Law provides that there's always an implied warranty in products sold in Australia. Need state that they don't provide a 'consumer' warranty which I think is their way of saying "we don't provide a warranty over and above the minimum obligations we are required to meet by law."

yocal, 1426641941

Interesting link to the ACCC consumer guarantees Nochaser.

So if there's no formal warranty statement, then the consumer has a right to take action by suing for damages. Its a double edged sword for Need. If you provide a basic warranty statement and associated warranty repair service your customers are most likely to pursue a remedy following your process. If you don't provide a Warranty you are more likely to be exposed to an open-ended damages claim.

I am guessing being a 'no frills' company that Need are weighing up the odds of being sued as opposed to providing an overhead warranty service and are taking the chance that if they did end-up in court they could just wind up the company based on the legal fees associated with defending the case.

Then there's the question for the Joe bloe disgruntled consumer: if you paid $200 for a wetty that fell apart at the seams after 3 months, would you be inclined to pursue a damages claim for 6-12 months with a likely outcome of receiving $1,000 in compensation at best?

udo, 1427361278

Craig , Cheer wetsuits ...your new suit .....any good....or water still to warm to try ?

Craig, 1427363499

Yeah great suit so far (worn about 5-10 times), but as you said still too warm unless it's overcast and the wind is howling from the south or crisp offshore as it will be tomorrow morning.

I've got the 2/2mm springy model, but it's much warmer/thicker and better quality than other 2mm springys I've had.

Fits real nice and happy with it. Will see how long it keeps me warm into winter, I think it should get me through until at least early June.

norchock, 1427364199

Footy jersey's work well

Craig, 1427425880

Went great in the chill this morning Udo, if not still just a touch warm (if always catching waves and paddling around) due to the really warm water temps at the moment.

norchock, 1427434921

You cunts for real? A decent wettie will cost ya..$500 or more for a decent steamer,are you that stupid to think that your $200 no name
brand is falling apart after 2 months? No wonder these days I shake my head at cunts

mk1, 1427435738

[quote=norchock]You cunts for real? A decent wettie will cost ya..$500 or more for a decent steamer,are you that stupid to think that your $200 no name
brand is falling apart after 2 months? No wonder these days I shake my head at cunts[/quote]

I'm for real norchook! (most of the time)

udo, 1427435889

Whats your favourite wetsuit brand and thickness norchock ?

udo, 1427437371

What thickness wetsuit do you guys recommend for N/W W.A june july august....is a 3x2mm gbs steamer enough ?

norchock, 1427437393

Ha ha ok udo wetsuits technology has been very good in the last 10 years or more so unless your living in norway,fuck all waves there anyway a 3/2 or 4/3 sealed should do the job.oneill are the best dont ever buy a billabong,and fucken hell what do u expect ?look after it .and if your such a hard core surfie cunt buy one every year.and another thing ypu might be from tassie.in that case you shouldnt be so stupid to buy cheap but u are hardcore

zenagain, 1427441596

What's wrong with Billabong wetsuits? I've had two Solution Platinums before my current SG5 and they were brilliant. Warm, flexible and comfortable. Usually get two to three seasons out of them before I replace them. My SG5 is in to it's fourth season now but I haven't been surfing much cause of a knee injury but the water I surf in is probably pretty comparable to Norway. Just replaced that one (which by the way is still in good nick) with an O'Neill Psycho III so I'll see how that one goes.

Are you writing off Billabong suits because it says Billabong on the shoulder or are you writing them off through experience? Because in my experience they make good suits for seriously cold water.

PS I have no affiliation in any way, shape or form with Billabong.

norchock, 1427442703

Yeah zen dont know about the billabong had 2 in the last 15 years dont rate them...but hey,im an overweight has been...did have an early days ultimate elasto that was very good lasted a few years in sw wa wouldnt buy a another rip curl.oneill are good what about patagonia?expensive but you get what you pay for...wot about the old rip curl? Insulators and dawn patrols...couldn't move in the cunts..still see them in the op shops though

udo, 1427442787

zenagain, 1427444083

I'm definitely an overweight has-been too trying desperately to hang on to my youth;) The biggest problem I've encountered with the Billabong suits is the knees (well the duckdiving knee) wear out quickly. But they addressed that with a new type of plastic. Also, on the chest zip ones the tape and stitching around the neck and upper arm seams comes apart after awhile but that's probably because I usually look like a retarded gorilla trying to get in and out of them. I put mine in locally to be fixed and the bloke fixes the stitching, re-tapes and glues and checks them over for other signs of wear for about $40.

Like somebody else said above, the trade off for flexibilty is durability so if you can find that balance at the right price, I'd say go for it. We'll see how this O'Neill goes as it's my first one from them.

norchock, 1427445030

Zen I found the same things with billabong knees..but billabong sold out years ago and I would petsonally stay well clear .hey depends where you are how much you wear it.

norchock, 1427445032

Zen I found the same things with billabong knees..but billabong sold out years ago and I would petsonally stay well clear .hey depends where you are how much you wear it.

brownie48, 1427710438

For me Patagonia are the best in warmth and durability. They are not as stretchy as the open cell neoprene like Rip Curl etc but they keep me warm and I grew up wearing long johns with vests so having a tighter feel is not a problem for me

I am in the water for up to 6 hours a day and have no issues with warmth, my first one is 5 years old and the original merino wool and still good, their new Nexkin looks very good and is due out in the next week or so.

No association with them in anyway although I would love to have one...

Would like to have a look at Matuse wetties and the Isurus looks interesting as swell, in my opinion and experience over the years don't buy the major brands, they don't last. O'Neill is the best of the big brands

Long after the price is forgotten the quality will remain

Blowin, 1427713105

[quote=udo]What thickness wetsuit do you guys recommend for N/W W.A june july august....is a 3x2mm gbs steamer enough ?[/quote]

3/2 will be fine Udo. It's just the wind that gets you in the early morning and the late.

I took a Rip Curl top of the line steamer and wore it there for a few months last year. Bought it brand new and wore it no where else.

Already rooted. The rubber is deteriorating around the shoulders . I'd be lucky to get another season out of it.
Of course I wasn't rinsing it as I had no spare water, but ....3 months !! What a hoax.

Super comfy, but I'd never consider buying another Rip Curl product.

Supposed to be the fastest drying wetty ever. In truth it was the slowest drying wetty I've ever owned.

If a wetty can't dry in 24 hours in the north west desert with zero percent humidity , 28 degree days and a wind akin to a hair dryer in its drying ability then something's going on.

maddogmorley, 1430100936

Here's one....

http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/newsbusiness/8981238/quiksilver-designs-wetsuit-that-doubles-as-a-suit

roubydouby, 1430102198

Nice one Morley. I reckon it'd smell like the back of my car.

gilbert, 1430883808

CHEER Wetsuits:
http://www.cheerwetsuits.com/store/c2/FULLSUITS.html

Anybody tried them?

roubydouby, 1430887823

Hi Gilbert,

I have a Cheer 3/2. It's a pretty good suit - my only complaints are that the chest is neoprene material stuff rather than a sealed surface, and strong wind tends to cut through it, and also that after one winter season the point on the seams where the chest and arms meet has developed a hole. Am going to contact them and get it replaced under warranty. Aside from that it is fine. Warm - almost fully lined with that red stuff. Mine was a sale suit from the winter before last, so they may have fixed up a few issues.

To be honest, for what you pay, its a pretty solid suit - especially if you snap up one of the end of season ones at 40% off.

gilbert, 1430888765

Awesome, thanks for the info. Yours is one of the older models yeah?
They are happy to service the warranty?

I'm considering a new season 4/3mm as opposed to a 5/3 rip curl flashbomb.
Sitting on the fence at the moment. The Cheer is about $100 cheaper.
Looks like the lining should be warmer, and the wicking tech looks fairly interesting. I'd prefer to see a 'slick' back panel (for the wind, as you mention). If I'm sitting with wind hitting my chest there's something wrong (i.e. it's onshore!)

I experienced the limestone based neoprene in the form of a Seventhwave wetsuit a few years ago. Seemed far superior in my eyes.. warmer, and didn't get as smelly as the others.

My last two suits have worn through the fabric around the shoulders from paddling. Both a seventhwave and a rip curl. All of the seams were fine.. just the fabric itself wore through. Wondering if I should go to a 4mm arm instead of 3 for longevity.

Might try out the cheer and can always add on a flashbomb vest or something if it's too cold

dandandan, 1526590180

Had a Patagonia r2 (the green one?) for a few years now and it's been good, but the rubber seals are starting to come off and there's a tear in the neck that seems intent on getting bigger despite my best efforts.

A few years in, how is everyone going with Needs wetties?

freeride76, 1526594775

My LS Springy lasted 3 seasons of getting heavily flogged, pretty much rooted now but I'm still wearing it.

Out of stock but I'll get another one when they come in.

Island Bay, 1526596141

A mate of mine recently bought a Need front zip steamer. 4/3, I think. The suit looks and feels really nice, and the MT generally fits his lanky 6'1 well, but the neck is huge, as in there's a 2cm gap at the back of his neck just bending forward a bit. Flushes like a mofo.

Any of you experience that with Need, and how are they re returns?

ojackojacko, 1526618696

my experience with Needs is that they are slightly lower in quality than the name brands i’ve had, last not quite as long, but are probably better value for money all up. had really good customer service from them from the start and have continued to buy their wetties over a number of years and will continue (waiting for one to arrive atm)

ojackojacko, 1526618825

... but never returned anything so can’t speak to that

backhand life, 1526622413

I've had a 3/2 steamer for 1.5 seasons now. Very comfortable suit, but not particularly high quality build - on par with Rip Curl / Billabong / Quiksilver, but not as good as O'Neill in my experience. With mine, I have quite a bit of leakage through the seams - a bit of a surprise as the seams are fully taped with fabric (i.e. not liquid taped).

Given the price, I think they are still great value and would order another.

spuddyjack, 1528527495

The great wetsuit debate goes on. It's the usual story of the big name dominators, their heavy advertising budgets and overpriced often mediocre wetsuits. If you're really looking for high quality and longevity to keep toasty with room to breathe it's available from a small family business in NZ called Seventh Wave. Outstanding custom fit service (or off the rack). Yamamoto rubber is used and you'll stay gonzo comfortable from Tassie to Ireland to storm ice-floe surf in Norway.

blindboy, 1528528023

Ocean and Earth make a good repair kit. I just glue the patch on and don't bother with ironing it, but I have a Rip Curl 3/2 halfway through its 4th winter thanks to a patch under each arm.

slowman, 1531427334

That client that even after having it all explained says "it's not the money, it's the principle of the thing!"

Anyway, "warranty" has become an integral part competitive marketing in the automotive industry in recent years as we see the time and distance continually increasing. Some of that has influenced the wetsuit industry too. Need are just saying we are not playing that game. These bigger warranties come at a cost and get factored into the price. I rather not need to have one, than, have one and keep needing to use it. That said, I did get a couple of QS zipperless Ignite steamers and one the piping was falling off and the seems starting to tear at the front joint, they replaced it with a newer AG47 model quickly. QS never used that fused external sealing ever a again. I've found QS are very good and quick at honoring their warranty. Again, unless you are like me and keep a number of wetties on the go at once, you don't want your wetsuit disappearing for a couple of weeks on a periodic basis.

I surf nearly every day and I probably know you burgsurfer but I keep 4 steamers just so I can minimise the possibility of ever having to put on a wet one. Right now early morning offshores are like ice. Another brand I don't see mentioned here and made in the Gong, is Zion. I know a couple of guys that have them and say they are equivalent to Rip Curl but half the price - and I guess made well. The story I heard, they are a bunch of guys that worked for Rip Curl and decided to offer something better.

Other cheap wetsuit sites Hyperride (NZ) and Wetsuit Warehouse (QLD) just google.

I've never had anything thicker than 3/2 but as I'm recovering from a bout of pneumonia I am thinking about a 4/3 just from those coldest offshore mornings - probably don't need it, a hood, booties and maybe gloves might be all I need. After having the ear done recently I probably should get a hood.

uncle_leroy, 1531442737

Second that for the O&E repair kit, glue holds well.
Recently copped a fin underwater across the lower back, 5" cut to wetsuit and it has held strong for the past 2 months of use and should get me through the rest of winter. I did cheat and also added an inner patch from the wetsuit samples you see on the tags of suits, so raid you local shop for a sample patch for larger repairs.

35_degrees, 1531449547

i had a Ripcurl flash bomb , still in warranty , split at a side seam and zip puller thing broke while surfing in tassie , on our way back to south oz i stopped at Ripcurl head office in Torquay , walked i with my 3 daughters explaining the situation ....saying i was still surfing on my way back along great ocean road . They wouldnt fix it , wouldnt replace it and told me i had to take it back to where i had purchased it and send it to them .... go figure ? That left a sour taste in my mouth , Ripcurl products and customer service are definitely not what they used to be . If it was my business and that scenario had happened , i would have tried my hardest to get the customer back in a wetsuit for the remainder of his trip and thrown a stack of stickers and posters at the 3 young girls standing there.... the positive stories would of been endless .... instead of a story like this one ...

35_degrees, 1531449659

saltyone, 1531489168

My old rip curl flash bomb split at side seam too! after only wearing a few times and within a year of purchase.. And like you they didn't want to fix it. They used to be a great suit. Now I wear an O'neill and am pretty happy with it.. will see how it goes. Need are also great value but not as stretchy.

joakse, 1531548330

Derevko 4/3. Rubber has no stretch. Feels like an 80s suit.
Arden 3/2 doesn’t have the warmth in winter. Feels more like a 2mm. Nice rubber just lacking warmth. Quick dry and great fit.
Need. Bought used 3/2. Totally rate the suit. Had for at least 3 seasons. This last year for some reason the ankles have fully stretched out. All sub $250.

None of them have had issues with durability at seams. Look after them. You seriously don’t need a $500 in most places east cost oz. if pushed...arzen best rubber but not warm enough. Would by a Need again in a flash.

Best suit I’ve had was a $120 Hifi which they no longer sell. Were an offshoot of Agent Eighteen (bodyboard) 5 years with zero issues on a 4/3 till this year and exterior taping is cracked. Rubber was awesome and warm. Would have bought 10 of them if I knew they would no longer be available. I surf 3-4 times a week. If not tied to wearing a ripquikbong then much better suits around.

Norchock there are plenty of good suits around that are sub 300 that will last years for east coast Australian winters.

dangerouskook2000, 1531555366

I have exactly the same problem as you Craig. Actually I use 2 wetties which I alternate so I've always got a dry one and I only wear steamers from may to november so essentially I'm only getting 1/2 a season out of them before they start wearing out. Pretty shit. So I only get seconds ones from the outlet stores. I pay under $200 for my wetties. If I pay more I feel ripped off. I try not to pay more.

udo, 1531556350

Wtf....1/2 season ..are you acid washing them .

nolsen64, 1531720617

Excel 4/3, warm as toast in the Vicco winter not a drop in through the wrists and ankles. Always looked after it and the lining is just starting to show some signs of old age. Billabong 3/2 Furnace for summer and had the chest zip fail after 18 months so technically out of warranty. Sent it back to Billabong who said they couldn't fix the zip ???? and they gave me a $500 credit for their on line store, which I thought was a pretty good outcome.

82shoes, 1533557485

uncle_leroy wrote-
Do they slide on nice and easy ?
I always thought open cells was warmer than closed cell, thats spearfing suits but your in the water all the time so weight is not an issue
cheers

I have a 2/2 steamer by Isurus, hands down the best suit I've ever had. Warmer, lighter and more flexible than anything else. Not cheap, but not ridiculously exy either, and I'm happy to pay for the above mentioned quality factors.
The only thing I cannot guarantee is how long it will last as this is my first season with it.
Cheers

Robin Masters, 1536844160

Three winters in a Need 3/2mm very happy with it but due for a new one. Got my $$ worth, that’s for sure

Mammoth, 1536845556

How does the Vissla short sleeve long leg wettie go in a vicco summer ?

Rip curl flashbomb pluss 3:2 has been perfect during winter even on the coldest mornings and so far not showing signs of aging, been used about 2-3 times a week since July

strictlybizness, 1537743311

My 5-year old Patagonia (the old merino wool design) is still going strong. Had one repair to the calf last year. One thing with these suits, yes uncomfortable for a winter or so, but after that I think it reaches perfect mobility (or as perfect as you'll get with 4/3+ suits).

Only issue I have with it this winter is the seams must be giving, the suit lets in a LOT of water now, which has made this winter much colder than usual.

Has anyone done seam sealing or had it done somewhere?

geek, 1537746857

I tried to seal the outside seams of my old unsealed wool-lined Patagonia with some liquid plastic stuff but it didn't work. Got an xcel drylock last year and it is half the weight and warmer than Patagonia ever was. Still like new after 2 vicco winters too

roadsideservice, 1538696283

I just got one delivered from here and looking forward to giving it a crack: https://needessentials.com/

guy that started it used to work at ripcurl and uses same factory (or somethign along these lines), looks like real good quality