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What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

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omg
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What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby omg » Fri Oct 06, 2017 7:10 pm

What wetsuits do you recommmend for extreme cold weather? I am talking abt zero temps here.

I have a good deal (-50%) on 2015 Xcel Infinity X2 6/5mm but before committing, should I pay double for 2017 some other highend wetsuit? I wonder if flashbomb style furry fluffy innerside is the way to go and worth the extra euros? Also, is there a big difference in warmth for 6mm suits between "soft" outside and "gummy" type, closed cell/mesh?

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby matth » Fri Oct 06, 2017 7:17 pm

Drysuit only for me. Always warm, coming, going and on the water, never cold.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby nismo98 » Fri Oct 06, 2017 7:33 pm

matth wrote:
Fri Oct 06, 2017 7:17 pm
Drysuit only for me. Always warm, coming, going and on the water, never cold.
Drysuits can be sketchy when far from shore. If there is a rip in the suit you will quickly get cold and have a hard time swimming. I use a 6/5 with a wetsuit Hoodie. If you want the most of your winter session there is also heated Rashie that I have heard works well and last 2-3 hours before charging.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby vkngktr » Fri Oct 06, 2017 8:37 pm

Flashbomb is def worth extra money. Not only does it dry quickly it does seem to keep you warmer. My 3/2 flash bomb is warmer than my 4/3 regular. The best way to keep warm is not to get cold before you get in the water. I found if I do get cold prior my sesh is doomed.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby TomW » Fri Oct 06, 2017 9:32 pm

The fleece on the inside is really warm, and I'd get one with as much fleece coverage as possible for those Temps. rubber outside will also add warmth. Look at the Ripcurl Flashbomb, it's known to be a gold standard for warmth. If you got a 5-6 with hood, it's probably the warmest you'll find. Add an impact vest over and it's warmer.
I have a 5-4 Flashbomb and it's warm down to 3C, I've not kited in less.
The flashbomb 5mm booties are good, they have the fleece lining. and you'll need some good 3mm gloves.

I've also used a drysuit, and they are more comfortable and warmer, on or out of the water, but if you are in the water, they are colder because they compress out the air.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby waynepjh » Fri Oct 06, 2017 9:46 pm

The thing with wetsuits is that they keep you warm when your in the water. Wind on a wetsuit when your up and riding makes you cold. Dry suits protect you from the wind. Ive been using dry suits daily for 25 years and have never put a hole in one. Get a goretex dry suit and you will be happy. Kokotat makes the best one on the market and is guaranteed for life.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby juandesooka » Fri Oct 06, 2017 10:04 pm

omg wrote:
Fri Oct 06, 2017 7:10 pm
What wetsuits do you recommmend for extreme cold weather? I am talking abt zero temps here.

I have a good deal (-50%) on 2015 Xcel Infinity X2 6/5mm but before committing, should I pay double for 2017 some other highend wetsuit? I wonder if flashbomb style furry fluffy innerside is the way to go and worth the extra euros? Also, is there a big difference in warmth for 6mm suits between "soft" outside and "gummy" type, closed cell/mesh?
If you're talking about East Coast USA, surfing in semi slushy ocean water, then probably not. But for hovering above zero kiting, that suit would probably suffice for all but the coldest of days. Assuming it's hooded that is.

That is the middle range in xcel line ... 1 up is Revolt, then 1 up further is Dryloc. I am not positive about how much of the upper lines is hype and how much is improved quality. The infiniti should have the glued and double stitched seams and heavy duty tape ... that's key. I don't think there's all that much improvement between 2015 and 2017. They made the interior a little more fuzzy (quicker drying) multicolour material. I have been very happy with xcel quality over the years. I recently had a ripcurl flashbomb, also a good suit, found it pretty much comparable.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby Starsky » Fri Oct 06, 2017 11:56 pm

Drysuit is the warmest, but the drag is a deal breaker.

I have the last generation of the OR surf drysuit which is totally swimmable, but they don't make it any more. It works as advertised, super comfy, better range of motion than a wetsuit and as warm as you layer it. It's a crazy layering concept and too much hassle to put on, but once on, its awesome. The top wetsuits are killer too. Super happy with a patagonia, full lining, most of it wool. It's faultless.

If I'm leaving town... drysuit all the way.

Kiting from home, wetsuit every time.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby Peert » Sat Oct 07, 2017 3:14 pm

waynepjh wrote:
Fri Oct 06, 2017 9:46 pm
The thing with wetsuits is that they keep you warm when your in the water. Wind on a wetsuit when your up and riding makes you cold. Dry suits protect you from the wind.
This pleas for wetsuits..
Ik you are riding you need less isolation then when in the water..
I never get cold riding. (Impact vest) Always due to bodydrag / swimming or pausing on the beach.

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Re: What are best wetsuits for winter windy extreme conditions?

Postby Bradford » Sat Oct 07, 2017 5:40 pm

omg wrote:
Fri Oct 06, 2017 7:10 pm
I have a good deal (-50%) on 2015 Xcel Infinity X2 6/5mm but before committing, should I pay double for 2017 some other highend wetsuit? I wonder if flashbomb style furry fluffy innerside is the way to go and worth the extra euros? Also, is there a big difference in warmth for 6mm suits between "soft" outside and "gummy" type, closed cell/mesh?
Go for it! I wore that exact suit in 35 deg F water temp, 30 deg air temp, and 30 kt wind conditions and was fine with a .5 mm shirt underneath. Keep in mind surface area to volume matters...I'm 6'0" and 210 lbs...so it worked for me.


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