Chest Zips - Are Loose Necks Common?

[gordz]

Just bought my first chest zip wetsuit and fits perfectly everywhere except the neck is a bit loose.

I was wondering is this common with chest zips? That the neck is always going to be looser than a back zip due to the entry system?

[billie_morini]

gordz,
the neck should not be loose. If loose, water will enter the suit. I have one chest zip suit. My closest buddy has two. Another buddy has one. The neck is snug on our necks with all suits. This is imperative and part of the reason a chest zip suit is warmer than conventional back zip suit. Take the suit back to the store and check to see if your suit was correctly fabricated. If it is the same as the others of same brand and size, then 1) try a different suit brand, or 2) you have a chicken neck.

[tony g]

Yes, I agree with billie_morini ,
The neck should not be loose. I find chest zip wetsuits are sealed much better than back zip wetsuits when they fit properly. You can probably do a search on your computer for your specific brand wetsuit size chart.

[gordz]

Cheers for the replies!

Decided to go for a size smaller in the end, and it's a much better seal around the neck. Even though according to Excel sizing, the neck diameter is the same for M and MT size wetsuits. Very odd!

[billie_morini]

gordz,
glad to know you found a solution. The neck is more snug in the smaller suit because your body fills the suit out more than the larger suit. This stretches and tightens the entire suit, which influences the fabric around your neck.
Keep the stoke.
billie

[Johno]

Good choice - on the chest zipper weties you have to ensure they are tight around the neck area - I bought a Xcel large chest zipper fitted perfectly and was really comfy and easy to get into - BUT as soon as i went in the seal with it it flushed at the meck big time and I ended up with a semi sealed suit full of cold sea water. luckly I cleaned all the wax off it and returned it to the shop for a smaller size.