that wetsuit discussion...

[Beanpole]

Geez wetsuits are expensive. Back Zips are nearly half the price of chest zips though. Contemplating going back to the dark side.
My Xcel steamer is getting pretty floppy after three seasons.

Back zips are about £10-£20 cheaper than the same model with a chest zip. Some manufacturers still don’t offer their top end suits with a BZ though. What are you after beans? Plenty of reductions in the big UK discounters. You could ask jim to bring you one back

Back zips are cheap as chips over here. Most midrange steamers by major brands would be at least $100 less.

[The Mighty Sunbird]

Possibly for work. But I only know Londoners who tell me it’s a shithole.
I need some godsave level insight.

[marauding mullet]

Geez wetsuits are expensive. Back Zips are nearly half the price of chest zips though. Contemplating going back to the dark side.
My Xcel steamer is getting pretty floppy after three seasons.

The O’Neill back zip steamers are really good, Zen Zip, different design to other brands.

[godsavetheking]

Geez wetsuits are expensive. Back Zips are nearly half the price of chest zips though. Contemplating going back to the dark side.
My Xcel steamer is getting pretty floppy after three seasons.

Back zips are about £10-£20 cheaper than the same model with a chest zip. Some manufacturers still don’t offer their top end suits with a BZ though. What are you after beans? Plenty of reductions in the big UK discounters. You could ask jim to bring you one back

Back zips are cheap as chips over here. Most midrange steamers by major brands would be at least $100 less.

Really? Looking briefly on surf stitch at the oneills and xcels, there doesn’t seem to be any difference between the pricing of a particular model with a bz or cz

[buddy]

I haven’t noticed much difference in price when I’ve checked either.
The cheaper back zip’s might be from the lesser range models?

[Beanpole]

Yeah, the elite level suits are crazy expensive. The cheapies are on the back pages at Wetsuit Warehouse and Surf Stitch. Still main brands. Suits generally seem more expensive lately.

[Beanpole]

Anyone had much experience with zip free wetsuits?
They look like putting on a giant condom.

[Beanpole]

Thanks for the feedback

[Trev]

Well I reckon no feedback says no one knows about them.

[Trev]

Or maybe they didn't want to admit to wearing a giant condom.

[Beanpole]

Well there’s that. Doesn’t usually stop them though

[Beanpole]

Finally tried out my new wetsuit today. Surf was absolute pus but it performed very well. It’s really thick for a 3/2. Good paddling and not restrictive at all. Way easier to get out of than I imagined.

[Trev]

Ummm?
How can it be "thick for a 3/2?"

Wouldn't it then be a 4/3?

[Beanpole]

Nah, it’s got a really furry lining and smooth panels on the outside. So it’s heavier. Seemed like it would be stiff but they’ve really targeted the stretchy bits well. ONeill Defender.

[Pants]

Have the Hyper Freak Fire. Has that wooly feel.

[Beanpole]

New wetsuit starting to feel a bit loose after a few surfs.

[Pants]

Oh no

[Beanpole]

Yeah, doesn’t bode well.