and so I bought 3 wetsuits..

[BaNZ]

They are all 5/4 and mid to high end around £200. All size S.

Wetsuit A- too small and nearly impossible to get in.

Wetsuit B-
Pros -Fit well, looks good, super thick and warm. Has those thick red insulation thingy inside.
Cons- Very difficult to get out of, the interior looks like cheap stuff glued together. Heavier than wetsuit C.

Wetsuit C-
Pros - Super stretchy and easy to get in and out of. Feels like a summer wetsuit. Quality seems to be the best out of all.
Cons- Unsure if it will keep me warm because it just feels so thin. It also doesn't have the red thick insulation bit inside. However online reviews has been very positive. My biggest concern is that it is slightly too big. If I sit down on a chair, I get 1 ring around my belly where there is air inside. When I'm standing up, it is fine. However I'm not getting any younger and I've been putting on weight so maybe give or take a year and I'll fit perfectly.

I'm leaning towards wetsuit C because of the flexibility and the overall quality just feels much better. But I'm worried that it doesn't fit perfectly!

Now I need to send 2 wetsuit back and I just can't make up my mind. Any suggestions?

[dtc]

Are they chest zips? They are very hard to get into and esp out of when new, but stretch a bit after a few uses. Someone suggested wearing a compression shirt underneath, which sounds like a good idea (sorry, cant remember who had this idea - pop up and claim credit!)

In any case, this will become be easier over time. Wetsuit C might be easier to get into because its slightly bigger (as well as stretchier); but Wetsuit B should stretch as you use it (keep in mind this might take 30 or 40 surfs before you can get out of it in under 10 minutes/without help!).

As to quality and warmth - only you can decide.

[waikikikichan]

Wetsuit B-
Pros -Fit well, looks good, super thick and warm. Has those thick red insulation thingy inside.
Cons- Very difficult to get out of, the interior looks like cheap stuff glued together. Heavier than wetsuit C.

I like the fuzzy lining stuff. However if it's windy, having the smooth skin on the chest and back helps a lot.

Are you having a hard time getting out the top ? Or getting you legs out ?

[drowningbitbybit]

Wetsuit C-
Cons- Unsure if it will keep me warm because it just feels so thin... My biggest concern is that it is slightly too big.

Solve both problems with a thermal rash vast underneath

[BaNZ]

wkkk- My shoulders are too broad and I'm unable to get out wetsuit B without help. I'm 172cm, 34 inches chest, 32 inches in waist. 62.5kg When I looked at the size guide, I don't have man boobs and the waist is too big for most size S. I'm too big for XS on most brands.

Neither of the wetsuit B and C have the smooth skin on the chest/back! I found that very odd on a 5/4. Even my 4/3 had them. I'm guessing it is because it doesn't need them?

dbb- I always wear them as it is easier to get out of the wetsuit. Plus I also wear the yoga pants.... haha
dtc- yes they are all chest zip. The only downside with wetsuit B is just that it doesn't feel as flexible! The neoprene is so thick and I feel like I'm a robot. When I take off the wetsuit B, I can see that I get wetsuit marking on both arms and my veins are all popping out.

Wetsuit C on the other hand is just so stretchy, but I'm kinda worried that it will lose the stretch and then it will be too big for me.

Saying that, I'm probably going to gain some muscles as this wetsuit is for when I move closer to the beach and I'll be able to surf every weekend. At the moment I surf like every other month....


I'm going to take some photos.

[BaNZ]

As you can see, wetsuit B looks like it is hand glued inside. It is blind stitched outside.

Wetsuit C is glued outside and blind stitched inside.

B fits a bit better but when I look at the inside, I think it will start leaking water before it becomes stretchy.

[billie_morini]

BANZ,
you slay me!
billie

[dtc]

Ever heard of analysis paralysis...

Just buy wetsuit C, you obviously want to.

Wetsuits are, to some extent, consumables. They will last a few years, a few 100 surfs (or less) and you then need a new one. Don't panic about the seams, the fit is the most important thing

If wetsuit C is a bit loose, it won't stretch (it will only stretch if your body stretches it). If it's too cold, wear a vest underneath. If all else fails, it becomes a summer or spring suit and you get another one for winter.

Get the one that fits best. Then work around any problems you encounter, in comfort