Been out of the wet suit buying game for a bit, but finally realized its perhaps time to retire my 6 year old suit (that still looks brand new since I don't wear it much living in SFL) for something newer and lighter. I hear the suits are getting lighter and better these days so maybe its time to upgrade. Just want to know whats a good full suit for under $200 preferably near $100.

I like the 2/2mm billabong suits. It's keeps me plenty warm even on the cold days down here.

Most of them are pretty good these days, you just have to skip the basement versions with the non sealed back zipper.

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I was right.

I highly recommend getting suits from online outlets; You can often find last year's suits for 30-50% off. I just ordered a 2017 Xcel Comp X for $150 and they retail for $300ish.

Edited: 02/01/2019 at 05:44 AM by Julianuribe23

I'll say you get what you pay for.... $100, save your $. But since you live down down and COLD isnt really a priority, you can get something mid-tier and not pay extra for the rubber sealed seams and thermal lining. Check out the Oneill psychofreak. It's like being naked with snug nads.

The WetSuit Wearhouse is always a good place to start.

https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.c..._content=1A%20-%20Core

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Dora Hates You

Evo is good place to check also. They sometimes have good deals on previous higher end model Xcel suits..

Definitely go for a top tier suit. And clip you nails!


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Time and tide wait for no one.....

This might be exactly what you are looking for, I mean it's literally the name of the company - Cheapo Wetsuits

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QOP = Terrorists
FK = Gay

I actually bought my suit from them lol

Or you could go to your local shop and support your neighbors

Wetsuit wearhouse is great! They have a huge selection, full range of styles, and periodic great sales (25% off!). The quiksilver synchro and hyperflex vyrl are both fully sealed backzips with a flush guard inside the the zipper. And hyperflex is really soft and stretchy neoprene
But you can find get some great deals on entry level suits too. Free shipping, free returns, great customer service

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spindrift

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Edited: 02/01/2019 at 10:01 AM by Julianuribe23

or you could use the money you saved from shopping online to buy things at your local surf shop (especially things normally costs full price or cant buy online). I shop both online and at Catalyst and I believe any sensible person would use both.

Edited: 02/01/2019 at 10:01 AM by Julianuribe23

Vissla wetsuits. Clean design. Functional.

I've gotten a few from Wetsuitwearhouse.com never had a problem

Well I'm pretty sure Ron Jon will have some el cheapos but I wouldn't recommend that. I just updated my rubber this past fall, they're all pretty competitive with one exception... Hurley... Stay away from Hurley if you don't want to spend more than you have to. Also get a chest zip rather than back zip, it's worth it. The entry level Billabong Furnace is a good bang for your buck imo. Rip Curl has some nice options too as always.

Needessentialsusa.com

There are a lot of good options out there. From my experience, the fit is noticeably different depending on the brand. Given that, I would advise to try something on in person. You may end spending just a few more dollars, but it will pay dividends in the end. A poor fitting suit can make surfing rough. Just my two cents.

Get your self measured at any laundry/tailor. Talk to wetsuit wearhouse folks. They ship free. Doesnt fit? Send it back. Free.
No local shop has anything close to what they offer. For half the price....your money....



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spindrift

I picked up an O'Neill Psychotech Fuze 4/3 from Pleasure Sports, around half price (a real fluke and a real clearance item) at their fall sale. I didn't get a chance to try it in January and have to keep the surgical wound on my ear dry until at least Feb. 11, but I think O'Neill is onto something with high-end rubber. Thinking of Outer Banks, Whalebone sells Vissla. Yes, the owner thinks highly of the people behind the brand. For online shopping, Wetsuit Wearhouse had a good sale in December. Cleanline in Oregon is not usually lowest-price but does have clearance items and good service, worth checking. I agree that Hurley has gotten out-of-line expensive ($750 for hand made in Japan?), but keep an eye out for sales. I have two from Volte that I like (Western Australia, more or less a revival of West). They are a bit erratic in what's available at their US site but have had great customer service.

Catalyst had some nice mid level suits for a pretty decent price; $150 or so.

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I was right.

^ !

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ola ~

The limestone based neoprene is far superior in my opinion and is used by the higher end xcel wetsuits with the infrared liner. Other brands too probably. You can find these deals anywhere online for less than $200 if you search the like of swimoutlet, backcountry, amazon, wetsuit warehouse, jacks. A local shop may even have on clearance of last years model? But if you go to a local shop you better buy it there and not just try them on. I believe xcel started the limestone based neoprene in 2017 models and later but not 100% on that

Agreed! Catalyst has my vote!!



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The Oniell hyperfreak comp zipperless is crazy stretchy. Feels like a rashguard.

All you need in florida south of the cape in the winter is a long sleeve wetsuit shirt and booties. The booties are the key to staying warm.

Thanks for all the great info guys. looks like things warmed up and winter is almost over and I survived with out a new suit. Lol. Wow Oneill psychofreak sounds great but $500 is a bit pricey.

The best sale of the year is specifically at the O'Neil Shop on 41st Ave in Capitola CA (santa cruz)- They have a parking lot sale the last Saturday and Sunday of August (weekend before Labor Day), where the wet suits are 45-65% off. Now that I live in the PNW sourth of Vancouver, I just call the shop do a phone transaction and have them ship it up here. I have never found a website that offers a better deal than that particular sale.