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The best wetsuits in the world
Wednesday, 30 November 2011 09:41

Modern wetsuits: there's always a winning button

Wetsuits are one of the most important inventions in the history of surfing. Wearing a wetsuit is the best way to keep us in the water, for more time. Cold water surfers know that very well.


Buying a wetsuit is always an important moment. Wetsuits are an investment for, at least, two or three years, if you're an avid and regular wave rider. It is also possible to combine winter wetsuits and summer wetsuits, depending on your budget.

There are three main wetsuit decisions that you should make. First, select whether you need a short or spring wetsuit or a full suit. Then, it's time to pick the ideal thickness, depending on the temperature conditions of your most surfed spots.

The main neoprene thickness types in modern semi-dry wetsuits are: 3/2mm (mild to warm temperatures), 4/3mm (mild to cold temperatures) and 5/4mm (cold to very cold temperatures). If you're surfing quite regularly in Alaska, a dry wetsuit, hood, booties and gloves are compulsory.

Finally, select the stitching variables that suit your pocket. In the flatlock stitching models, each panel is stitched both on the outside and inside of the suit. Sealed panels are blind stitched and then glued to prevent water from entering through the seams.

If you're buy a sealed and taped wetsuit, then you'll have panels that are blind stitched and glued, and then tape is applied over the glue on the inside of the suit.

For the more high tech surfers who need to feel 100% comfortable, there's always the battery-heated wetsuit that will keep you as if you were in front of a fireplace.

Wetsuits have two more important variables. The stretch and flexibility of modern neoprene can range from 30% to 100%. The full super stretch wetsuit are great and can be more expensive.

Also, some surfers have special zipper preferences. The most common models are sold with full zipper, half zipper and zipper less options. The best wetsuit for you height and weight is the one that stays close to your body, perfectly fit in the neck, torso, arms and legs.

The best surf wetsuits in the world are developed and produced by Billabong, Body Glove, Hurley, O'Neill, Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Roxy, Volcom and Xcel. Check the wetsuit size chart to pick the right model for your body. 

Here's our wetsuit pick for 2012:

BRAND

WETSUIT MODEL

OTHER MODELS

Billabong

3/2mm SGX Full Wetsuit

here

Body Glove

3/2mm Method Back Zip Full Wetsuit

here

Hurley

403 Chest Zip Wetsuit

here

O'Neill

Psycho II Zen Zip 3/2 FSW Wetsuit

here

Quiksilver

Cypher PS + Heated Wetsuit Vest

here

Rip Curl

Dawn Patrol Back Zip 3/2 GB Wetsuit

here

Roxy

5/4/3mm Syncro Full Wetsuit

here

Volcom

Stone Zip Rashguard Jacket

here

Xcel

4/3mmInfinity Drylock Men's Surfing Fullsuit

here


 

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