West Wetsuits?

[b123]

Well, I recently had my Xcel Infiniti X-Zip stolen from my balcony, so I'm now forced to buy a new wetsuit. I've heard some good things about West and was thinking about trying something new (and I like the fact that I can buy their top of the line suit for under 300). What do you guys think about them? Is it worth the switch or should I just buy a new X-Zip?

Thanks

[billie_morini]

which West wetsuit are you looking at? The Lotus chest zip? It usually doesn't do any harm to try differnt brands. I've got two Xcel suits and I find they are functional, but not as innovative as competitors. For example, they'll use more seams resulting in a less stretchy suit. I've also got two other suits: a fancy Quiksilver and a spring shorty by the guys that have a bomb for their logo. I like these other two suits more than the Xcel suits. I was looking at the West Lotus chest zip and noticed it had more panels and, hence, more seams than some of the competitors like Oneill and Quiksilver. Whatever you interests you, check the quantity of seams and their lengths, quantity of panels used, and whether seams are sealed and how they are sealed. All this makes a difference in the pricing and these things are more important than which brand it is.

[b123]

Yeah, it was the Lotus chest zip, but I've heard mixed things about it. It seems like they're also impossible to find around where I am (also the Santa Barbara area).

[billie_morini]

b123,
I live and surf in Santa Barbara (Actually had to stop surfing due to recent injury that surgeon says will prevent me from surfing this Winter[ ]). I love my Quiksilver Cypher chest zip suit. See it here on-line:
http://www.jackssurfboards.com/products/fullsuits/545/CF301MS123/quiksilver-32mm-cypher-chest-zip-wetsuit---mens

I first saw one of these Cypher suits at Channel Island surf shop near the intersection of Anacapa and E. Mason Streets. Sometimes they have these wetsuits on close-out, so you should look there. Failing that, consider buying it from Jack's (in-store or mail order) in Huntington Beach. That's what I had to do because Channel Island didn't have my size.

The Lotus West wetsuit has more panels and stitching than my Cypher. So, it is hard to imagine it is as stretchy. That kind of thing matters a lot to me. My Cypher suit has only a few large, ultra-stretchy panels, and glued seams.

If you haven't done this: you could sit down with the Yellow pages and place a brief phone call to every surf shop that is listed. They answer and you say, "Hi. Do you have any West wetsuits." They answer. You say, "Thank you. Good bye." It'll take you about 45 seconds per shop. This is how I deal with equipment that I need for work (pumps, hose, pipe, blowers, adhesives, etc).

billie

[b123]

Funny part is, I just went to the Channel Islands store yesterday to look at some suits. They did have a few cyphers for 40% off, but they were all xs or some extreme size. I'm making a trip back home this weekend, so I think I'll just buy a suit from my home store.

And about the calling: I actually did give a call to the local stores up here, and the things one of the store owners that I talked to had to say about West was less than flattering. (He finally got fed up over having them brought back to the store for problems multiple times and stopped carrying them)

[billie_morini]

b123,
sounds like you're on top of things. Hope you find a suit you really enjoy. Funny that we're both in SB and communicating through a UK-based web forum.

Between doctor appointments today, I went to Hendry's twice. I could only look at the water from the automobile. No useful wave action; not that it was any surprise. It was simply nice to see the water again. I think the sun was shining the 2nd time I stopped by.
billie

[b123]

Thanks, I'll keep you updated as to what I wind up getting this weekend. As you've probably guessed, I live in Isla Vista, so it should come as no surprise that my suit would eventually get stolen. It seems like we might be getting some waves at the very end of this week/beginning of next week, so I'll be able to test it out as soon as I get it. Hopefully you'll be back in the water in no time and thanks for your help.

[b123]

Wound up getting the 4/3 Xcel Infiniti X-Zip, the same suit that I had before (but in 3/2). I tried on tons of others, but deep down I just really hate change, I guess.

[billie_morini]

b123,
glad to know you found a new wetsuit and one you think you will like. Hopefully, this one will remain with you for as long as you want it.

Quesitons
1. does your new wetsuit have the thermobamboo liner? If so, what does it feel like and how well does it work?
2. where'd you get it?
billie

[b123]

I bought the suit from a shop in the South Bay while I was home for the weekend (the shop is called E.T. Surf and it's in Redondo Beach). It does have the thermobamboo liner. Out of the water, it just feels soft and a little spongy. Unfortunately, my plans to surf tomorrow morning got cancelled when I realized I have two papers I need to write by Thursday, but I plan on surfing all day Friday and I'll let you know what it feels like and how it works out then.

[b123]

On the thermobamboo liner: I really don't notice anything substantial with it. It's spongy and soft and seems to absorb water; it keeps me really warm, but I wouldn't really say that it does a better job than any other brand's wetsuit chest liner or anything.