women's wetsuit HELP

amarie · Joined: 25 Aug 2003 Posts: 233 Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Hi,

I am stuck far away from anywhere selling wind-specific wetsuits, and I'm trying to keep this within a budget, but have already paid shipping both ways on one that didn't work out. I need a recommendation of a suit and brand that's really working for women out there, and also advice on whether this runs big/small/long/ for its size (I am 5'5'' petite build).

I want either a 4/3 full suit, or a similar thickness sleeveless that I would layer with a jacket. I also want to make sure it's full smooth skin on the outside, and I want it to be a decent model from a quality brand.

I've pretty much eliminated ProMotion (no offense to them--they're so nice on the phone; just that the sleeves of the women's "storm" model were too baggy for my liking, and i want to wear this for occasional triathlons as well, so baggy is not ideal). Now I'm considering the Neil Pryde 3000 line or the ProLimit 4/3 Steamer (although the PL is difficult to find online).

Complicating matters, my old 4/3 steamer was a "rip curl girl" size 6, which fit amazingly (but was a surf suit & chilly), but Prolimit size 6 was huge on me, and I ordered a RipCurl shortie in size 8 which was way too small.

Anyway, thanks for reading all this & any help is greatly appreciated.

mogunn · Joined: 03 Apr 2006 Posts: 1307 Location: SF Bay

amarie,

I had a PM 5/3 Storm last season and didn't like the amount of cold water that came in thru the neck and back zip. This season I got a NPX Sinner 5/3 and it's hands-down the best suit I've ever owned.

The suit material is something called Apex-Flex. The outer part is a slick material laminated over some kind of magic fabric/rubber concoction...the construction is detailed on the website if you're interested.

The point is, it's not the traditional smooth skin on the outside, but it's warm, toasty and very stretchy. It doesn't feel thick and heavy like the ProMotion. The comfort factor for me is a 10. Wind chill is almost nonexistent, nothing like the old non-smooth skin suits. This material seems to keep the shoulders and other high stress areas from premature cracking and disintegrating. I've worn the suit at least 100 days so far and it looks like it can last several seasons.

Compared to the ProMotion suits the NPX feels like it's cut 1 size smaller. The arms are snug but not uncomfortable like the older NP long sleeve neo suits could be and it's very easy to get on and off.

Some of the other ladies around here wear similar suits by O'Neill. I don't recall the specific style name, but they also have fabric rather than the traditional smooth skin as an outer layer. Those suits get good reviews from their owners too.

IMHO, suits constructed like the NPX and O'Neill will likely outlast and outperform the smoothies. If you get a chance to try one on I think you'll see and feel the difference.

pacopicot · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 35

I agree with Mo. Material in wetsuit changed a lot in the past few years.
The O'Neill wetsuits mentioned in his message and that a lot of sailors at Coyote or Third have, are Psycho2 and Psycho Freak. Both are really warm, durable and extremely comfortable. I am using the Psycho2 for over 14 years in different activities ranging from Surfing, windsurfing and white water kayaking.
I used the size chart to look at the size and it was perfect.

http://www.bravesurf.com/Knowledge/ONeillWetsuitSizeCharts/tabid/111/Default.aspx

I highly recommend these wetsuits

mogunn · Joined: 03 Apr 2006 Posts: 1307 Location: SF Bay

geffert · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 123

As you already know, buying a wetsuit online is one of the toughest purchases you can make. It's all about finding the right fit for your body as well as the right warmth.
From what you've described, the Prolimit Puregirl sould like they will work. The steamers are all slick skin like the ProMotions, but the arms are less baggy. They tend to work well on a lankier builds (5'5" and petite is the right description). Prolimit's sizing is Small, Medium, Large. Sounds like you are a medium.

Other suits I would recommend are: Xcel's Infinity or Xcel's Superflex, O'Neill's Psycho, or ION's womens' steamer. I can personally vouch for the Xcels as I own one of each. They are surf style suits but are significantly warmer than your Ripcurl. The Infinity was awarded wetsuit of the year last year. Blind stitched, bonded seams, bomber proof. Oh, and extremely comfortable! Smile

I have a shop and we do carry the Puregirls and the Xcels. I also know a great shop that carries O'Neills and I'm happy to make a recommendation for an ION dealer too.

Feel free to call me at 415.385.1224 if you want further advice or would like a Prolimit.

Cheers and good luck in buying a wetsuit.

-Rebecca

Boardsports School & Shop
San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda
www.BoardsportsSchool.com
info@boardsportsschool.com
415.385.1224

amarie · Joined: 25 Aug 2003 Posts: 233 Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Thanks so much. I'll research these and hopefully get one soon. looking forward to being toasty this winter.

outcast · Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 2724

Wife is very happy with the xcel infinity.....womens cut

sailingjoe · Joined: 06 Aug 2008 Posts: 1087

outcast · Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 2724

And Sailingjoe has Man-Boobs, so he should be able to judge the fit.

ron.c · Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 1460

I'm with Jeff

My wife has had great sucess with an Excel Infinity, this summer my daughter feel in love with it too.

We're also an Excel boot family, with with 3 of 4 wearing them. My daughter with her summer growth spurt is wearing Oneil round-toes too small for me.

When we're not wearing wetsuits, you can find us watchIing Zach and Cody the Suite Life, Hannah Montanna, Fairly Odd Family, The Witches of Waverly Place and the old standby SPONGEBOB. Man what ever happen to Johnny Quest??

RC