That winter wetsuit question...again!

[greypump]

Starting to think about splashing out in a quality winter wetsuit. Seems the Excel infiniti and Oneil Psycho seems to get good reviews here by surfers. So does Snugg, but they are kind of pricey.

Was wondering - the Pyscho is a 5/3 so is that definitely going to be warm enough in the cold Scottish weather? The Excel is a 5/4/3 so will that be a bit warmer or is all in the design? Also, is a 6 mm wetsuit going to be too warm in UK winter or too inflexible? I've seen Excel 6mm Infiniti wetsuits for around the same price as the 5mm ones but I reckon they are not as handy if you need to watch the pennies eg way too hot for other months outside of mid winter?

I know fit is vital but if I can narrow down the categories first it might help save a lot of tryng on for wetsuits - there's too many on the market!!

Many thanks

[surferdude_scarborough]

ive heard nothing but good things about excel suits although i dont have any personal experience. you do see a lot of people wearing them though especially round the north east, which is cold.

[garbarrage]

not sure if there's much of a difference in temp between there and here but never been too cold in a 5/3.... get the least cumbersome suit you can get away with. once you're hooded and gloved its warmer in the water than it is out of it.
if the winter is a real concern i'd say try a few on and time how long it takes to get in and out of each one. that's where the real cold kicks in anyway.
rented an excel suit once and was just as good as my own(billabong gold solution) suit for keeping warm. felt a little bit more restrictive tho. could have been the fit. but definitely noticeable.

[alimac2411]

i've got an o'neill psycho 2, my mate has an xcel infiniti suit, both are 5/4/3 and both are perfect throughout the winter! No problems or complaints from either of us!

[greypump]

Well, went to my local surf shop and found that they had a Psycho 2 with £60 off so tried it and bought it!