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Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

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pj sofine
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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby pj sofine » Fri Dec 01, 2017 2:02 pm

alford wrote:
Fri Dec 01, 2017 1:32 pm
NorCalNomad wrote:
Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:18 am
alford wrote:
Fri Dec 01, 2017 2:59 am
Seems like many dedicated kite and windsport shops are still heavily stocking back zip suits.
That's because the majority of the kiteboarding user base is older men...not known for being limber.
Was thinking exactly that too but didn't want to admit it!
I've come to embrace my "condition". Bad back,loss of some range of motion in shoulders,medium beer belly,6'4" height,etc.I sometimes get out of breath just putting on my back zip suit,get cramps trying to get it off over my size 14 feet.If I went front zip I think they would have to bury me in it! :o :help:

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby Jelle_vw » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:30 pm

alford wrote:
Thu Nov 30, 2017 3:43 am
That video is a total waste of time.
Indeed.

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby ChickenD!ken » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:02 pm

I still posit, once you’ve broken in a zipless there is no comparison. Fat, old or whatever your ‘disability’, zipless is the way forward..

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby Wind Runner » Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:41 pm

I don't want to get too far OT, but i'd like feedback on the NP Edge 5/4/3 rear zip suit. I have this suit, but am disappointed that the 5mm area is really just the chest and back maybe. Everything else just feels thin. Is the Edge a comparatively low-end suit or is it pretty good? When I bought it (online of course) I was hoping it would be a good suit for really cold weather (45F is really cold for me), but I'm kind of thinking it's better for moderate temps (50-55F+). Did I get suckered by the 5/4/3 designation?

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby Flyboy » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:00 pm

IBaKiteboarder wrote:
Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:41 pm
I don't want to get too far OT, but i'd like feedback on the NP Edge 5/4/3 rear zip suit. I have this suit, but am disappointed that the 5mm area is really just the chest and back maybe. Everything else just feels thin. Is the Edge a comparatively low-end suit or is it pretty good? When I bought it (online of course) I was hoping it would be a good suit for really cold weather (45F is really cold for me), but I'm kind of thinking it's better for moderate temps (50-55F+). Did I get suckered by the 5/4/3 designation?
I have a NP Edge 5/4. When it's below 50 F I wear a 2mm vest under the suit for extra warmth. I don't think the 4/3 part is really a problem - if you are actively kiting you should stay warm enough down to about 40F as long as the water is not too cold. You will need good gloves & booties too, of course. However, IMO the Edge is a relatively "low-end" suit. I find it doesn't seal at the neck well & after 2 seasons use (this really means only using in cold weather), it is leaking quite a bit of water through the sealed/taped seams. It's just not a top quality wetsuit & then price reflects that. My previous suit was an ION - definitely superior quality.

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby alford » Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:45 pm

Zipperless means Velcro, right?

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby ChickenD!ken » Sat Dec 02, 2017 12:53 am

No velcro on mine. Panel overlay. Takes a few tries to make sure they overlap smoothly, but once you’ve got it down the freedom of movement is better than anything I’ve used. First chance I get I’m replacing my back zip winter suit with a zipless..

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby alford » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:15 am

How does it stay closed without a zipper or Velcro? Magnets or magic?

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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby ChickenD!ken » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:32 am

Uh, magic? Hehe. Here is something to illustrate. I haven’t had to use the little cord. Fits great. True body condom!
Attachments
B222E77D-9C5A-406E-8B44-CCF10F0F265E.jpeg
D51D9DC8-09A9-45E8-BBB0-6E6A9E02353A.jpeg

alford
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Re: Wetsuits: Front Zip Vs Back Zip

Postby alford » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:42 am

I believe that you love it and I'd like to see one but I still don't understand how it works.


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