best wetsuit

[sonicwind]

What's your favorite wetsuit brand/model? I'm getting ready to buy a new one and am shopping around. I'm leaning towards one of those ProMotion suits. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's opinions, good or bad about any wetsuit brand they've used. I definitely want one that is made specifically for kiting/windsurfing and I'm planning on getting a 5/3. I'm basically looking for comfort and performance (less restriction of body movement) over long lasting and durable.

The brands I've looked at so far are:
Oneil
Neil Pryde
ProMotion

[piedroporto]

i still think surf wetsuits are the best.
try billabong and rip curl. for 150 to 200 euros/dollars, you should find a wetsuit that with good care, should last about 3 to 4 years!
and theyre really elastic now, which is very good for kiting.
but if you want something special for kiting... then i guess i dont really have any special recommendations!

[R Soul]

My favorite wettie is a 1 1/2 mm Titanium lined rashie in tropical waters...
You know, just for when it gets a little overcast in winter!!!

[Xtream]

I bought a Promotion 5/3 last year and used in October - November in NJ I also used in March - April in 42 degree water temp Great suit, I really couldn't believe how warm the suit is. Its really comfortable and flexible.
There are extra velcro closures that makes is easier to get in and off.
Excellent Wet Suit I highly Reccomend ProMotion.

[Taz P]

I used to have a basic Oneil wetsuit... not great...
This year, I invested in an expensive Psycho II from O'neil 4/3. Woo!
Nice! Flexible, warm, very warm! I get cold easily and with this one, no problem!!! I come back from riding and sometimes it's not even wet inside.
If you can afford it, go for it. I honesly think it's one of the best on the market. Can't go wrong.

[murdoc]

supercold: ocean rodeo drysuit.
cold: neilpryde apex5000 E3 suit (5/3)
less cold: neilpryde NPX 5000 (5/3 double sided)

the E3 is the most comfy suit for cold conditions.
i've tried rip curl, mystic, sola, camaro, pro limit and a few more, but nothing beat it. the 04/05 model has supersoft neoprene, that is quite fragile, so you have to look out for it.

when the E3 is too warm i switch to the npx, which is a lot more durable and still quite warm - and even more comfortable.

[garrett]

I have a promotion 5/3. windsuit. the slick skin material SUCKS. The durability factor is terrible. I will not buy another one until they stop using the slickskin. The suit is/was very warm, but it has so many gaping holes in it now that I am shopping for a new suit. I had heard the best reviews about promotion, and that is why I went with them. It must have been for the previous generation of suit. I have 3 buddies that share the exact same problems. My next suit will be an ocean rodeo pyro. You should really check them out. And keep dry.

[Darktanyan]

In twenty years of surfing/sailing and one year of kiteboarding, virtually everyone who came up to me asking for help zipping up their wetsuit has been in an O'Neill. I hate to bag on them but their zippers can be sticky.

IMO, the best wetsuit is the one that fits the best. And, the cheap ones do not last very long. (I KNOW THIS).

[doublerumandcoke]

SE Asia can get chilly in the depths of the NE monsoon. So i wear long shorts to cope with it. Winters suck eh?

[sonicwind]

Thanks for the replies everybody. Based on the input it's obvious to me that the thing for me to do is move to SE Asia.