Desperately seeking wetsuit advice

[Jibbyboo]

This is an appeal to any guys or girls who can shed some light on the following wetsuits as to which is best. I've never bought one before, and although they're not the priciest, I don't want to be shelling out nearly £70 for something rubbish.
Choices are:
G43G05 Billabong Wetsuits 2012 LAUNCH 'entry level' 3/2mm Flatlock Back-Zip Women's Summer Steamer
(wetsuits.ocean24seven.com/g43g05-billabong-wetsuits...p.asp)

BILLABONG WMS LAUNCH 3/2 FL BACK ZIP 2012 - could be the same as the above but not 100% certain
(billabong-wms-launch-3-2-fl-back-zip-2012.html)

ONEILL WMS REACTOR 3/2 FULL
(oneill-wms-reactor-3-2-full-1.html)
Has to be one of the above, unless you can recommend one less than £70 size 10 that isn't horrifically garish.

Thanks in advance for ANY insight you can provide, even just between the brands.
J

[tony g]

All the wetsuits you have listed have similar construction and value. If you could find a wetsuit that had glued and blind stitched seams within your price range then you would be getting more value for your money. Flat lock seams are breathable and do not seal out the water. Anyway...hope that helps. I know glued and blind stitched seams are more expensive, but sometimes you can find good deals out there if you look hard and watch for the deals.

[Jibbyboo]

Hey Tony,

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into it and see if there's anything out there.

J

[Hurricane]

Worst case scenario try ebay or craigslist and look for a used one. I have a Ripcurl Fire Skin suit and it works pretty good for a low to middle cost wetsuit.

[Jibbyboo]

Tried eBay (full of nonsense) and UK doesn't have craigslist

[Hurricane]

Really? I can access the UKs classifieds from the US. I would post the link but I don't think it is allowed.

[Jibbyboo]

On eBay you mean?

[Hurricane]

Nope, on Craigslist actually except it has .co.uk at the end instead of .org

[Jibbyboo]

Haha dude, I searched for wetsuit on uk Craigslist (yes it appears to exist! Sorry!) and got back:

Jan 8 - Used underwear, Pics plus alot more - clothing & accessories - by owner

Think that exhausts that option...

[Rickyroughneck]

If you buy a suit with flatlocked seams you can always waterproof it yourself. The main issue is making sure that it fits well.

[Jibbyboo]

How do you waterproof it? With liquid latex?

[jaffa1949]

All the wetsuits you have listed have similar construction and value.

_________________

[esonscar]

Hey Jibbyboo, where are you going to surf this time of year in a 3/2 ?
I hope you have a good time!

[Jibbyboo]

I went to Santa Barbara - surfed Leadbetter. Rincon a bit too territorial for me, but went down to look and the waves were amazing.

Borrowed a wetsuit in the end which was fine. Slightly gaping but kept me warm enough!

[surf patrol]

What was the suit you borrowed? With the right fit you might have found what you've been looking for.

[Jibbyboo]

It was a man's suit borrowed from my friend's uncle! Not a surfing specific suit at all -he does sailing.