While I'm OK kiting in my 6/5/4 wetsuit into the teens (oC), I'd like to be able to stretch my season here in the great lakes just a little bit further. Doesn't seem like there are many up-to-date reviews around drysuits suitable for kiteboarding. I would like to get one if I can find something for ~$500 or less. For the $1k+ price that some go for, well, I'd rather get another kite. I also think I'd rather go with the thinner goretex type suits rather than the neoprene options for the extra flexibility (I could also use it kayaking). The obvious options are:
1. O'Neil Boost: Inexpensive but quite a few poor reviews regarding zipper failure, etc.
2. NP Lucifer: Not sure if I want to kite with Also, people on AMZN complain that it leaks. Price is right thought..
3. Ocean Rodeo Soul: Expensive; but perhaps I could find 2017 model for ~$500?
There are a few other brands of wetsuits available on Amazon, etc. such as Gul, Crewsaver, and Stohlquist, but I'm not sure how well they'd work for kiteboarding. The minimal list of things I think I need to look for includes:
1. Breathable
2. Non-integrated booties
3. Not too baggy, so I can still retain some degree of directional authority when bodydragging
4. Pee zipper (added)
Anything else?
Does anyone know if there's a list of drysuits that are acceptable for kiteboarding that I could refer to? Appreciate any other suggestions/lessons-learned.
Thank!