Latest on wetsuits.....

Coming in late to this thread, are the Isurus owners out there still pleased with performance and durability of their suits? Weighing up whether to give them a go or get another Needs (the latter being good value for money in my experience but sounds like they’re inferior to the Isurus on flex and perhaps durability)

Clivus Multrum wrote:

Coming in late to this thread, are the Isurus owners out there still pleased with performance and durability of their suits? Weighing up whether to give them a go or get another Needs (the latter being good value for money in my experience but sounds like they’re inferior to the Isurus on flex and perhaps durability)

I've had mine (vest, short arm steamer, long arm steamer) 3-4 years i reckon and love them. Only thing is i haven't been able to surf much at all last two winters (SE Qld) so can't really comment with great authority on longevity/wear and tear
super comfortable though, you can wear them a mill thinner than most wetties

Durability wise my Isurus is holding up ok (second season). The whole wear Yamamoto suits 1mm thinner thing I’m not so sure about. There’s no way I’m wearing my Evade 3/2 through the depths of an SA winter, that’s for sure but I guess that also depends on the person. Admittedly I did see they changed temp range from 13-18 to 15-18 degrees after I’d bought it :(
Like 82shoes said they are super comfy.

I have surfed in both Need and Isurus in recent years in the Bass Strait Islands. There is no comparison for mine in mid-winter. I wear the Isurus 4/3 hooded chest zip in preference to the Need 5/4. It's excellent for fit, flexibility and warmth. Wearing now in its 3rd season and I reckon I'll get this year and ongoing late autumn early winter use for a few years yet - highly recommend.

Thanks for the helpful info, 82, Markxxx and Goofy. Stay warm legends

Clivus Multrum wrote:

Coming in late to this thread, are the Isurus owners out there still pleased with performance and durability of their suits? Weighing up whether to give them a go or get another Needs (the latter being good value for money in my experience but sounds like they’re inferior to the Isurus on flex and perhaps durability)

Clivus. Just bought myself a Needs 4/3 out of interest and used it for the first time yesterday in pretty average conditions so was a good test run given that I had worn my Isurus the week before.
Being an Isurus tragic for the past seven years I was pleasantly surprised with the Needs flexibility and warmth. However - you will notice with a suit made from the high grade Yamamoto stuff that Isurus use is:
1) There is next to no water absorption. When I took the Needs off yesterday I could feel the extra weight when hanging it up. This makes a huge difference late in a session when you can feel your arms turning into lead balloons.
2) The thing will fit you like a glove.
3) It will last 3 times as long as your normal suit. Whether that is as a result of high quality neoprene or construction I don't know - probably a combination of both. Mine is going into it's 7th year.
4) You will slide in and out of a Yamamoto suit like you won't believe. No more stumbling around in the carpark getting those leg cuffs over your heels.
So my take is it's not all about warmth that the cheaper suits can match nowadays. If you have the cash give it a splash I reckon.
I must sound like an Isurus rep but I'm not. Goofy4 who is in the same region as me bangs on about them for exactly the same reasons :):):)

garyg1412 wrote:

Clivus Multrum wrote:

Coming in late to this thread, are the Isurus owners out there still pleased with performance and durability of their suits? Weighing up whether to give them a go or get another Needs (the latter being good value for money in my experience but sounds like they’re inferior to the Isurus on flex and perhaps durability)

Clivus. Just bought myself a Needs 4/3 out of interest and used it for the first time yesterday in pretty average conditions so was a good test run given that I had worn my Isurus the week before.
Being an Isurus tragic for the past seven years I was pleasantly surprised with the Needs flexibility and warmth. However - you will notice with a suit made from the high grade Yamamoto stuff that Isurus use is:
1) There is next to no water absorption. When I took the Needs off yesterday I could feel the extra weight when hanging it up. This makes a huge difference late in a session when you can feel your arms turning into lead balloons.
2) The thing will fit you like a glove.
3) It will last 3 times as long as your normal suit. Whether that is as a result of high quality neoprene or construction I don't know - probably a combination of both. Mine is going into it's 7th year.
4) You will slide in and out of a Yamamoto suit like you won't believe. No more stumbling around in the carpark getting those leg cuffs over your heels.
So my take is it's not all about warmth that the cheaper suits can match nowadays. If you have the cash give it a splash I reckon.
I must sound like an Isurus rep but I'm not. Goofy4 who is in the same region as me bangs on about them for exactly the same reasons :):):)

Thanks, Gary. Helpful info. 7th year is very impressive!

https://surfd.com/2022/06/ho-stevie-wetsuit-review/?mc_cid=6dee10b2b6&mc...

Are the Isurus wetties made in Thailand or the people’s republic?

Thailand Robin

Thanks Seaslug

This is an update on my two latest wetsuits for VIC winter - an oneill psycho one 5/4 and a mystic volt (Yamamoto neoprene) 5/4/3

I bought the psycho one first for $500 something delivered from the UK. As is typical of Oneill, its very comfortable with great flexibility and (for me) fit. Also, watertight. As for warmth, it is initially v warm, but after a few hours it soaks up water like a sponge and with a cold wind it loses its warmth. And it's a 5/4 remember, which kind of cancels out the point of a 5/4. A note here - the oneill taking on water also adds weight, which really adds to the fatigue factor over a long session with a lot of paddling

Enter the mystic volt 5/4/3 made from Yamamoto#39 neoprene.

The mystic volt 5/4/3 I bought for about the same price as the oneill because I wanted to see if Yamamoto neoprene was worth it. Have to say, it is warmer than the oneill psycho one. The main difference is that it kind sticks to your skin and doesnt feel waterlogged even after hours. Initially was less comfortable than the psycho one but after dozen surfs its more comfortable. I think becasue of the way it kind of sticks to me and stays unwaterlogged, I dont even feel like Im wearing a wetsuit and its a 5/4/3. Unfortunately it is not as watertight as the psycho one, but somehow this doesnt matter so much as its warmer. Also, it dries a lot faster.

So my verdict is go Yamamoto neoprene whatever the brand. I find myself reaching for the mystic volt Yamamoto way more than the oneill.

I will never buy a non-Yamamoto wetsuit again.

Interesting, thanks for that review Billy. Might look into the Yamamoto. I use Needs mostly and they seem to be the best for price point, warmth and longevity when talking 3/2 and 4/3.

billythekid wrote:

This is an update on my two latest wetsuits for VIC winter - an oneill psycho one 5/4 and a mystic volt (Yamamoto neoprene) 5/4/3

I bought the psycho one first for $500 something delivered from the UK. As is typical of Oneill, its very comfortable with great flexibility and (for me) fit. Also, watertight. As for warmth, it is initially v warm, but after a few hours it soaks up water like a sponge and with a cold wind it loses its warmth. And it's a 5/4 remember, which kind of cancels out the point of a 5/4. A note here - the oneill taking on water also adds weight, which really adds to the fatigue factor over a long session with a lot of paddling

Enter the mystic volt 5/4/3 made from Yamamoto#39 neoprene.

The mystic volt 5/4/3 I bought for about the same price as the oneill because I wanted to see if Yamamoto neoprene was worth it. Have to say, it is warmer than the oneill psycho one. The main difference is that it kind sticks to your skin and doesnt feel waterlogged even after hours. Initially was less comfortable than the psycho one but after dozen surfs its more comfortable. I think becasue of the way it kind of sticks to me and stays unwaterlogged, I dont even feel like Im wearing a wetsuit and its a 5/4/3. Unfortunately it is not as watertight as the psycho one, but somehow this doesnt matter so much as its warmer. Also, it dries a lot faster.

So my verdict is go Yamamoto neoprene whatever the brand. I find myself reaching for the mystic volt Yamamoto way more than the oneill.

I will never buy a non-Yamamoto wetsuit again.

Billythekid. Thanks for your analysis of those two wetsuits. Where did you purchase the Mystic Volt, i, like Craig are very interested in the Yamamoto rubber. I’m in the hinterland of the Surf Coast in Vic, I’ve a great R3 Patagonia chest zip job and a Needs 4/3 no zips at all chest entry but both suits as warm as they are, absorb way too much water for my liking thus adding unnecessary weight to the process of paddling. I see a few agents on-line in Oz have the Volt suits but just want to know what’s the best and easiest way to purchase one. Also is the Volt entirely Yamamoto rubber or just the chest, arms and back ? Thanks

Anyone else surfs the vicco winter in 3/2 with a sleeveless 1mm vest/hood combo? Way to go IMO, just as warm and so much lighter than a 4/3.

GuySmiley wrote:

Anyone else surfs the vicco winter in 3/2 with a sleeveless 1mm vest/hood combo? Way to go IMO, just as warm and so much lighter than a 4/3.

Funnily, not a combo I have gone with, despite havi g a good hooded vest, but makes good sense. Have stuck with the 3/2 so far but the wind on Saturday just cut through everything, leaving me wishing for the 4/3.

My wetsuit story

O'Neill Psycho Tech 4/3 about 6 years old. Has held really well, despite not taking care of it. Surf about 15-20 times in the cold water months at P.I. & Mornington Peninsula. I wade into the water and still don't feel any water come through, until I get to the waist because of a tiny hole that has started. The outside silicone seal or water ever it is, is 90% in tack but inside blue seal has broken down a lot. Had a great run with this wetty. This will be its last season though. Although I say that every year :)

The 3/2 O'Neill Psycho 1 I've got though, only lasted 2 seasons as the rubber just started to get thin. Probably because I left it on the line in summer for a few days at a time. Bought a need 4/3 that was sealed outside and inside. Felt way too restrictive and returned it. Bought a need 3/2 taped inside only and it's okay for the price but don't feel it's as flexible as high end wetsuits. Also, feel water come in as soon as I walk into the water.

Need are okay, maybe on par with mid range wetsuits from the big companies, just $100 or so cheaper. I'll probably get another O'Neill top of line 4/3 as find them warm and fairly flexible. And, also some times patches of the Technobutter on the inside are dry. Not sure if others find that with their suits?

Goofy4 wrote:

I have surfed in both Need and Isurus in recent years in the Bass Strait Islands. There is no comparison for mine in mid-winter. I wear the Isurus 4/3 hooded chest zip in preference to the Need 5/4. It's excellent for fit, flexibility and warmth. Wearing now in its 3rd season and I reckon I'll get this year and ongoing late autumn early winter use for a few years yet - highly recommend.

Goofy4. Thanks for the good feedback. What is the easiest way to purchase an Isurus wetsuit and how best to work out what size you need when you can’t actually try one on here in Victoria? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Theres an Aust mobile number here for info
https://surfisurus.com.au/pages/contact

udo wrote:

Theres an Aust mobile number here for info
https://surfisurus.com.au/pages/contact

Udo. Thanks mate, much appreciated. Have a good one.

GuySmiley wrote:

Anyone else surfs the vicco winter in 3/2 with a sleeveless 1mm vest/hood combo? Way to go IMO, just as warm and so much lighter than a 4/3.

Guy I've tried the same in Tas with a 4/3 trying to beef it up to a 5/4 but I find the main suit tends to slide around on the vest which is a pain in the arse. I can almost guarantee if you got a 3/2 Yamamoto suit with a tuck in hood you'll be as warm as toast.

If the price of an Isurus is a bit eyewatering then give these guys a try. I bought a 4/3 a few years back for about $350 delivered because I was a bit tight arse. They advertised them as having the high end Yamamoto neoprene, which it did, and it was as warm as toast. Not as well put together as an Isurus but still had all the features ie. light, warm and easy to get on and off.
https://lunasurf.co.uk/categories/surfing-wetsuits/winter-wetsuits/

AlfredWallace][quote=billythekid wrote:

Billythekid. Thanks for your analysis of those two wetsuits. Where did you purchase the Mystic Volt, i, like Craig are very interested in the Yamamoto rubber. I’m in the hinterland of the Surf Coast in Vic, I’ve a great R3 Patagonia chest zip job and a Needs 4/3 no zips at all chest entry but both suits as warm as they are, absorb way too much water for my liking thus adding unnecessary weight to the process of paddling. I see a few agents on-line in Oz have the Volt suits but just want to know what’s the best and easiest way to purchase one. Also is the Volt entirely Yamamoto rubber or just the chest, arms and back ? Thanks

Hey AF I bought the mystic volt online from https://www.thekitesurfcentre.com. it was on sale and then you dont pay VAT so they charge you 20% less and cos they're not registered for GST you dont pay GST on the import so thats why it works out cheaper than buying anything near that quality here. re the volt - its all Yamamoto. The only downside of that suit is it is stitched not seams sealed by rubber like oneill psycho and above, so you do get some water leakage. but cos its Yamamoto, its not an issue it still feels warmer and better than my oneill psycho one.

I was gunna grab a custom Yamamoto but the time frame was a bit long for me. No one had anything on the rack in my size so I opted for a Needs 4/3 yulex
I have 4 other Needs wetties so I know the sizing works for me and I haven't had any quality issues at all.
I think Needs give an extra .5mm on a lot of their suits which is great but it made this Yulex suit a monster. It's a big heavy unit, (compared to my other 4/3) but you're super toasty and no leaks thanks to liquid tape inside and out.
I'm on the northern coast of Tas and I find this a little warm, even a trip south recently into 10-11 degree waters more than toasty.
If I hadn't hit the water in it, I would've changed it for 3/2 yulex.
As it stands, it can stay for winter 'victory at sea' conditions or for mates from up north.
I'll grab a 3/2 liquid tape limestone from Needs (premium thermal?) as well as I reckon that'll be the sweet spot for me here and get my shit together for a 3mm Yamamoto custom from someone next year.

Garyg1412, billythekid, ROOney, UDO. Thanks for the info regarding Isurus suits. Much appreciated.

Im sad to report that my Yamamoto wetsuit, as has been the case with all my other limestone neo wetsuits, has given me eczema. Bad. After every surf now I'm itching all over. It started with my first limestone neo, a needs POS. It continued with oneill psyho one, psycho tech and hyper freak, and my most recent, a mystic volt full Yamamoto has taken the eczema to a new level. Of course it could be caused by something else. But the fact is, before I started wearing limestone neo, I never got eczema. So now I'm seriously thinking about switching back to a straight up simple dawn patrol. It never gave me eczema. Never in twenty years of use.

nothing wrong with Dawn Patrols I reckon

billythekid wrote:

Im sad to report that my Yamamoto wetsuit, as has been the case with all my other limestone neo wetsuits, has given me eczema. Bad. After every surf now I'm itching all over. It started with my first limestone neo, a needs POS. It continued with oneill psyho one, psycho tech and hyper freak, and my most recent, a mystic volt full Yamamoto has taken the eczema to a new level. Of course it could be caused by something else. But the fact is, before I started wearing limestone neo, I never got eczema. So now I'm seriously thinking about switching back to a straight up simple dawn patrol. It never gave me eczema. Never in twenty years of use.

Im starting to get eczema while and after wearing new rip curl jeans, my mum had it and suffered with it chronically and never found a cause. I hope it doesn't get like that with me.Life would suck.

It’s probably too much detergent when you’re washing them. Wash them a few times without detergent, just water , and see how you go.

Heaps of crew I worked with used to get excema from laundry detergent.

Agreed, steer clear of detergents. Can't see it being due to the rubber, more likely something in the lining materials. It's a bastard of a condition, hard to clear up. Best solution I found was to be somewhere warm and humid. No need for a wetty either! Good luck with it Billy.

billythekid wrote:

Im sad to report that my Yamamoto wetsuit, as has been the case with all my other limestone neo wetsuits, has given me eczema. Bad. After every surf now I'm itching all over. It started with my first limestone neo, a needs POS. It continued with oneill psyho one, psycho tech and hyper freak, and my most recent, a mystic volt full Yamamoto has taken the eczema to a new level. Of course it could be caused by something else. But the fact is, before I started wearing limestone neo, I never got eczema. So now I'm seriously thinking about switching back to a straight up simple dawn patrol. It never gave me eczema. Never in twenty years of use.

@billythekid, wow, I’ve had the same thing with Isurus suits: I’m prone to eczma and generally itchy skin, but never had it from wetsuits really badly before. From January through to August I surfed in nothing but Isurus suits (from 2mm through to 4mm), because they’re absolutely the best suit, I think. The eczema didn’t happen right away — didn’t happen with the 2mm suit. But in June, in the Isurus 3/3 and 4/3, it started getting worse each surf. Real shame. I’m wondering if it could be some glue or solvent or vulcanisation agent used in the manufacturing of the thicker stuff. You’re the only other person I’ve heard of reacting to Yamamoto stuff, although I know in general neoprene (or some chemical in the manufacturing of it) allergies aren’t super rare.

Either way, I’m now using a 4/3 needs Yulex, and have no issues with any skin reactions with it so far. I soak it in vinegar after every surf (and then pour a generous amount of baking soda in to neutralise the acidity after soaking, then rinse), just to make sure it’s not a fungal thing, or, as people have mentioned, something in the wettie wash. Yeah, vinegar might be harsh on the neoprene, but so is salt & sun. I’m going to try soaking an Isurus in vinegar to see if it helps at all.

I should also mention, I got in contact with seventhwave in NZ, who also do Yamamoto limestone neoprene stuff, and they made a few different sleeves of different constructions for me to try and patch test. Their customer service was beyond outstanding.

Let us know if you get a reaction going back to the dawn patrol!

Interesting skin condition I also get itchy and uncomfortable in wetsuits so
I never surf without wearing a rash vest under my wetties works a treat no issues.
Funny thing is I cant wear a rashy on its own as I get really bad rashes on my lower ribs.
I use a fury rashy in summer and tropics with no issues.

Interesting skin condition I also get itchy and uncomfortable in wetsuits so
I never surf without wearing a rash vest under my wetties works a treat no issues.
Funny thing is I cant wear a rashy on its own as I get really bad rashes on my lower ribs.
I use a fury rashy in summer and tropics with no issues.

Just bought an O’Neill Hyperfreak 2mm Long Sleeve Springsuit Chest Zip. Easy to get on, easy to get off…super comfortable zero rubbing anywhere. I have had Billabong, Rip Curl and Independent suits…this is by far the most comfortable. Highly recommended.

DudeSweetDudeSweet wrote:

It’s probably too much detergent when you’re washing them. Wash them a few times without detergent, just water , and see how you go.

Heaps of crew I worked with used to get excema from laundry detergent.

It’s not only laundry detergent but also any fabric softener you may be using.

Ditch any detergents and fabric softener and replace both with straight vinegar (yes just put the vinegar in the same Washing machine dispenser as you put the detergent and fabric softener). Vinegar works a treat for both and rinses out in the machine without any residue thus avoiding harsh chemical residue on your clothes then skin.

You guys wash your wetsuits?! :o

I’ve only ever rinsed with hose after each surf, never any detergent or anything.
I’m now questioning after multiple pissings per session if that’s enough?

I’ve only ever rinsed with hose after each surf, never any detergent or anything.
I’m now questioning after multiple pissings per session if that’s enough?

I've also never washed a wetsuit with detergents or anything like that, tbh never even considered the idea.

After every surf I turn it inside out, wash with fresh water (hose or shower) and then hang up to dry, usually in the sun and always by the bottom of the legs with pegs.

Never had a rash problem from a wettie.

Craig wrote:

You guys wash your wetsuits?! :o

No I was referring to clothing.

Aghh I see.

Craig wrote:

You guys wash your wetsuits?! :o

Front loader 30min rinse and spin - water only, no detergents.

Never wash, it never rinse it…take it off, chuck it in the car and throw it on the clothesline to dry when I get home.

Never wash it. Kinda squish it with my feet in the bucket with freshwater then hang it in the shade when I get home.

Try to remember to bring it in when it's dry but for the most part hangs there till next time.

As jakes and any other mid north west spot carpark has red dirt everywhere and hardly any grass to get changed. i wait untill i get home, wear my wetty in the car until i jump in a hot shower, then hang it up in the shade.
Usually if the surfs good in the mid north west or NW the wind is chilly as and is great to jump in a warm shower after surf.

Craig wrote:

You guys wash your wetsuits?! :o

Thorough urine rinse each time it goes on is the extent of it

I noticed that Isurus advocate using a wetsuit shampoo but I’ve never gone beyond rinse post surf and dry in the shade

My wetties get rinsed when it rains or if there happens to be handy shower beachside.
I've got diving mates who use those wetsuit washes but I don't know any surfers who do. A few years ago I used some on a springy that got covered in blood from a leaking fish bin and it made it smell nice I guess.
Smelling nice is not high on my priority list though so I haven't used it since.

Neither, Tube Shooter. Not fussed on scent but open to using if they actually extend wetsuit life

I give mine a rinse in a capful of tea-tree (water soluble) in a wash-tub at the end of Spring, they seem to come back to life alright next Autumn.