O'Neill Mutant 5/3 wetsuit

Well winter is in full swing pretty much, and although the sea has yet to drop a few degree’s its still starting to feel pretty chilly out there. I imagine most people will be looking to the winter suits now, and as with years gone by, the suits available today boast some impressive features / specifications..
The Mutant is no exception to this – its feature packed, and O’Neill have obviously spent time thinking up this suit. I like the modular idea they have, allowing you to either have a hooded or non hooded suit at the flick of a zip!
Putting the suit on via the top entry is pretty easy – the neoprene stretches so much that it’s not too tight, although getting the suit off takes some practice.
Once on the suit feels so very light, almost summer suit light. My initial thoughts were that whilst it was nice and light, it wasn’t going to be able to keep me warm enough – WRONG! A combination of super liquid seams, the top neck seal the O’Neill firewall and good arm and leg seals make the suit virtually water proof. Once in the water I was able to withstand long periods without even thinking about being cold, certainly the warmest suit I have reviewed in the winter to date.
The traditional problem spots on super stretch wetsuits has been the knee pads, but like many other manufacturers, O’Neill have invested time and effort in toughening these up, and whilst only time will tell, initial impressions are that they will last, and are improved over earlier suits.
Because of the top entry and the seal system they have developed there is no anti flush system, but because the neck seal doesnt have any velcro to tighten the suit up, it fits and seals extremely well – flushing wasn’t an issue.
The smooth skin chest did the job, and dispite a freezing northerly wind my core was kept lovely and toasty warm.
Its a very comfortable suit to wear, and for me anatomically fits extremely well, which allows me to concentrate on whats important – surfing, not being cold or getting flushed each time I duck dive.
To date, like for like and in the same price bracket the competition is the Xcel Infiniti – the Xcel has a formidable reputation and our previous reviews on these have testified to the quality of the suit. So how does the Mutant compare with the Infiniti? Well I would certainly say its right up there with it and possibly performance and spec aside the modular aspect of the suit could sway the balance.
The suit certainly lives up to the hype – it’s a superb suit, very warm, very light, and the modular bits make it a very versatile suit. It’s not a cheap suit, but then you get a lot for your money.
Overall I would happily recommend this suit to anyone, O’Neill have been in the wetsuit business for a long long time, and its great to see them continuing to push the boundary’s of wetsuit innovation, the O’Neill brand has become extremely popular, but the Mutant still has its roots very much in pure surfing rather than surviving on just a well known brand.
Completely Sunset Surf recommended – you won’t go far wrong here
 
 Press Release
O’NEILL RELEASE THE MUTANT WITH HOOD
BE PREPARED FOR ANY CHANGE IN CONDITIONS WITH THIS COMPLETELY NEW CATEGORY OF MODULAR SUITS.
This mutated two-headed monster is designed not just to be modular, but is also completely unrestricted, bone dry, Velcro-less, and easy on/off. We have seen the future, and it’s scary. Free-floating Zippers and shoulder Fluid Seam Seals minimize bulk and flush
HIGHLIGHTS:
100% Stretch (70% Ultraflex DS™ / 30% Fluidflex™)
Interior Fluid Seam Weld (100% Sealed)
Patent Pending Modular Closure System
Detachable Crew Neck and Hood Closures
LSD (Lumber Seamless Design)
Firewall Chest and Lumber Panels
Krypto Padz (Ergonomic Neoprene Knee Panel)
External Key Pocket with Loop
FEATURES:
Wind Resistant Smooth Skin: Chest & Back
Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones
Plasma Interior Wrist & Ankle Seams
Glued & Blind-stitched Seams
Style code for 5/4/3mm :2213
Sizes: S-3XL,MS,MT,LS,LT.
SRP: £260.00
Web: www.oneill.com
UK/Eire: +44 (0) 1730 811460
France : 0800 916 652
Germany : +49 (0) 8152 988776
Email: wetsuits.uk@oneill.com

West Pulse 5/4/3 wetsuit

For a lot of people, I think West is probably a bit of an unknown. They are not big in the UK at the moment, although fast picking up pace. The are a big operation in Australia, and are currently pushing their products in the US and the UK market. West are one of the few, perhaphs the only manufacturer to offer a LIFETIME warranty on their suits, which covers any manufacturing defect for the life of the suit. Now we think that has to say something about the confidence they as a manufacturer have in their own suits. The pulse is the budget market of the West suits and at £120 for a Winter suit with a host of features and a lifetime warranty, we would like to know where you can get better for your money! So on paper its all good, but are the suits any good in the water……..
Out the water.
The suit feels thick, possible due to the fact that the majority of suits we have tested have all been 100% superstretch neoprene which does tend to make them lighter. However the suit is really easy to get on with its regular length zip. The fit is nice on the arm and the legs and having superstretch neoprene around the arms makes it a nice flexible suit where you want it.
In the water.
We really were suprised by the pulse. For a suit that has stitched seams and no back-up system, it relies on good fit, good manufacturing and good anatomical shape to work. And work it does! The tester was really suprised at how well the pulse performed. In the water, it kept our tester really warm, the thermal mesh on the chest lining and the flash panels on both chest and back help to keep the cold away from the wearers body. You do feel like you have a thick suit on, but as mentioned above, because the arms are made up of superstretch neoprene it is still nice and flexible. Obviously as you would expect the suit eventually lets a small amount of water through the seams, but in our test situation, this was actually a welcome relief, as the tester was getting really hot! A key point to mention is that although the suit does let minimal water through the seam, with a good fit, its a minor problem as their is no where for the leaking water to go. The wrist and arm cuffs are a good fit and keep water from flushing up through. The knee pads are really thick and touch, and you would expect them to last a long time.
Back out the water.
Out of the water, the suit is so comfy and wind resistant that even with a strong wind you don’t notice the cold. Again with the regular length zip its not a problem getting out of the suit.
Overall.
Well, re-reading the review, we did think we were perhaps singing the praises of this suit a little to much, but then if a suit deserves it, why not? Ok its not got liquid seams and its not 100% superstretch neoprene, but West commented that when they are confident that any technical issues surrounding both of those features are resolved to their satisfaction, they will use them. Look out for that suit! Remember too the price £120! This suit really does live up to the good things we have heard about West products. Its good quality, its a great design, and its a great price. If you want more features the other suit in the West range, the edge, will only set you back £175. Keep your eye on West, we feel that very soon they will be an extrememly strong player in the wetsuit market in the UK.
We are also featuring the pulse in our extended wetsuit review, so remember to keep checking back to see how its lasting.
Press Release
RRP £120
 
25% Ultraspan
75% Superlight S-neo
Pyrofibre 75% coverage – chest, shoulders, legs and back panels
GBS triple glue and blind stitch
Pre-bent and contoured arm and leg panels
Thermal mesh
Concealed zip and reinforced base
PKK watertight zip
Forte collar closure
Seamless shoulder and underarm panels
Flatlock seams
Heat taped stress areas
Key pocket

Bodyglove Matrix Mens 5/4/3 wetsuit

A promising suit that is in the middle price bracket.
Out the water.
The suit was anatomically well shaped and fitted in all the right places. It offers a good range of features and the liquid seams sealed the seams well. The cuffs on both the legs and the arms look sturdy and look like they would stand a good test of time. The suit also has the back-up system employed by many of the others, where you have a pull over neck seal which is designed to stop water flushing down the suit, it also has a drain hole at the bottom of the internal back up vest to let water out. The neoprene is super light and soft and well flexible. The suit is really easy and nice to get on especially the troublesome areas – cuffs and ankles.
In the water.
The suit did a reasonable job of keeping our tester warm during a good couple hours of surfing. The suit is extremely flexible and you really dont notice you are wearing a winter suit, this is one of the suits real good points. Its got a good tough pair of knee pads and they are fixed on the suit well. The suit did flush a few times when our tester pulled out of a few waves, but the drain hole in the back-up vest lets the water run out quickly. The wrists let a bit of water in due to their being no specific seals or elasticated o-rings, but the flip side means that you are not restriced in any way. The lack of smooth skin on the back of the suit did mean that after a few hours when the wind got on our testers back it did make it a bit cold. However, this is most likely one of the reasons the suit is so flexible – if your the sort of person who doesnt feel the cold then the advantages of the suits flexability would most likely out weigh the lack of smooth skin panels on the rear.
Back out the water.
The suit was nice and easy to get off, which made changing a no-brainer. And when you got it off you realised what a good job the hollow fibre had actually done in keeping you warm.
Overall.
A nice and flexible suit, stacked full of top of the range features. In practice a few key things for a winter suit like smooth skin panels on the back let the suit down a little. The lack of tight wrist and ankle seals are a mixed bag, on the down side they allow for a small amount of water to seap in, but on the plus side they allow the wrists and the ankles extremely full movement. The hollow fibre provides good comfort and keeps the wearer both dry and warm. At the price its got some stiff competition, but a range of good features help the suit keep it in the running.
Press Release
G-Flex 100% anti snag super-stretch neoprene throughout
SS-1 super-light neoprene throughout
Pre-shaped legs and arms for maximum comfort
Glued and blindstiched construction
Total water barrier with Lycra roll over neck system to totally block out water
New bi-axial heat tape in all areas of the suit for total comfort and durability
G-flex SS1 neoprene, the warmest lightest most flexible neoprene available
Fused kneepads.
This is the top of the range Bodyglove wetsuit, which RRP’s at £210

O'Neill Psycho II 5/4/3 wetsuit

The Psycho II has a lot of hype around it. O’Neill wetsuits are widely regarded as extremely good suits, and the Psycho II being their flagship suit ought to mean its a very good suit. When it arrived we were initially very impressed, it really does look the buisness and O’Neill have gone to good lengths to make sure the Psycho II has features to hold it up at the top end of the market. So how did it perform.
Out the water.
The Psycho II is really flexible, and having the dual liquid seams both on the inside and on the outside gives you the impression that its going to keep the water out. Its a back zip entry suit, with a internal back-up rash vest system which is nice and substantial. Its also pretty easy to put on. The only slightly irritating part is due to the amount of velcro on the suit, around the neck area when trying to put the suit on, you find the velcro sticking to every part of the suit! Its only a minor complaint, but in the freezing cold it might be more of a problem. Having said that. how you resolve that issue we are not sure as you need good velcro to make sure the neck area sticks up well.
In the water.
Once on the shape of the suit makes it a really good fit. One area that suits can vary immensly is the buttocks! The Psycho II is probably the best fitting suit around this area we have tried which keeps you really warm. The suit feels like a summer suit in terms of flexability and you can move around with very little restriction. Having the dual liquid seams means you get pretty much no water through the seams, and the back-up internal rash vest system also keeps the water out the top end even when duck diving or wiping out! Having the fleecey lining on the chest also keeps you nice and toasty. The back-up vest makes things a little tight around the neck, but that could be attributed to size and fit. The ankles and writs cuffs are a good fit and dont let any water in the arms or legs of any import.
Back out the water.
Getting the suit off is no problem, as its so stretchy with the super stretch neoprene it slides off nice and easily, and because it lets virtually no water in when your in the water, you are nearly dry when you get it off already, which when your in a bit of a wind is a real comfort as it saves the getting changed chill factor!
Overall.
The suit does live up to its hype to be honest. Its not a particularly cheap suit, but it is built well, and O’Neill have concentrated on important areas to keep the suit performing well, such as the double liquid seams. The suit is not as thick once on as you might hope, and realistically with the stretch you are only getting maybe 4mm instead of 5mm, but the fit, the seams and the anti-flush system serves to counter act this which is probably why the suit is so flexible and still nice and warm.
Press Release
PSYCHO II SERIES
Always pushing for perfection the Psycho II is the overachiever in the O’Neill line up.

Exclusive Stitch less Double Fluid Seam Weld continues to define this series.
Reduced seams and Ultraflex DS for increased performance.
A newly modified Z.E.N. Zip with the Barrier-2 includes an interlock neck seal that pulls over your head creating a flawless, flush free seal.
Also available with the new CODE RED 3-Q Blackout Zip.
 
• DOUBLE FLUID SEAM WELD
100% waterproof stitch less seams creates insane flexibility.
An O’Neill Exclusive!
• DOUBLE SUPER SEAL NECK
Comfortable smooth skin necks keeps you rash free and dry
• DOUBLE FIREWALL INSULATION
A chest & back thermal lining wicks away moisture keeping you warm
• Z.E.N. ZIP CLOSURE SYSTEM
Now includes a pullover internal neck seal – The Barrier 2
• 100% ULTRAFLEX DS SUPER-STRETCH
Warm, flexible & durable high performance neoprene.
 
DOUBLE OR NOTHING
Double Fluid Seam Weld is a revolutionary new stichless seam construction that utilizes a non-chafing high grade, silicon-based urethane applied in liquid form to the backside and front side of a glued seam, completely blocking out water without restricting flexibility.
This new stitch less seam technology, combined with our multi-composite
super-stretch neoprene’s make this the most flexible fully sealed suit, O’Neill has ever designed.
AN O’NEILLEXCLUSIVE. PSYCHO II ONLY
 
Sizes: US: S-3XL,MS,MT,LS,LT,XLS,XLT
RRP for the 5/3mm: £249.95 / €369.00
Web: www.oneill.com
Tell: +44 (0) 1730 811460
Fax: +44 (0) 1730 816302
Email: wetsuits.uk@oneill.com

Snugg Silverback 5/4/3 wetsuit

The Snugg experience! The silverbak is one of the suits we will be doing our long term review on so we will keep you updated as to the performance of the suit and its build quality regularly.
Although Snugg do sell suits off the shelf, when its the same price, you may as well get one custom fitted. As we already mentioned in our pre review comments the most important thing about a wetsuit is its fit. The additional cost for a custom suit is something that you will have to decide for yourself, however we think considering the fact you get a suit that is guaranteed to fit you like a glove the extra is well worth it.
From start to finish – being measured up and receiving the suit took us about 5 working days. The guys at snugg are not new to the business of making wetsuits and can recommend which of their suits would suit you best, depending on where you surf the most, and your style of surfing.
With snugg your taken on an experience, Ok if you go for a custom fit suit, you can’t take it home that day, but the anticipation of waiting for a suit that has been hand made for you exact measurements by people who have been making suits for a long time is comparable to waiting for a present!
When the suit arrived, it was an exciting moment for the Sunset Surf team, as we took it out of its packaging, the fresh small of glue and neoprene soon filled the room. The suit really is a delight to look at, you can see the care that has gone into building the suit, and true to Snugg, it fit our tester perfectly.
Out the water.
Because the suit is such a good fit, it is tricky to get on, but then, whats a few extra minutes putting the suit on, if it will give a lot of extra time in the water. The suit has Aero Zirconium aka internal hollow fibre on the chest area like many of the other suits, but also on the thighs as well. Although the seams are not liquid Snugg tape all the seams, and using the official Sunset Surf hold the arm and blow down it method of testing the seam out the water, proved that taping provides and excellent seal on the seams very nearly if not completely comparable to the liquid seams out the water. The neck has a really nice anti rash system which is so soft around what is a “Snugg” fit around your neck (no pun intended!).
In the water.
Well after putting the suit on, we were almost boiling when we got down to the break. As suspected the suit hardly leaked any water at all through the seams, because the neck is such a tight without being uncomfortable fit, flushing also was negligable. The suit initially rubbed slightly around the arm pit areas, but the did seem to soften up once the suit got wet. The flexability of this suit again is really good, allowing complete free movement. The suit also being one of the 5mm neoprene once on suits, kept our tester really toasty throughout a good 2 hours + surf in some pretty frosty conditions. The thickness of the suit makes up for the lack of flash panels on the rear. And remember this is not Snuggs warmest suit! The suit is really comfy to be in, and you can forget about wearing the suit and concentrate on surfing, which is really the end goal of a wetsuit.
Back out the water.
Again as getting on, the fit made it difficult to get out of quickly, but because you were so warm in it, it was quite a relief to cool down for a bit.
Overall.
With Snugg you do get a lot of suit for your money, but you have to pay a fair amount of money for your suit! Its a whole experience, being fitted up, waiting for the suit, and then getting a suit that you know is the best possible fit for you as an individual. All snugg seams can be re stitched if required as well, so in the unlikely event you have problems, you can take it back to Snugg and they can put them right for you. Overall a really good quality suit, handmade gives it that completely unique feel. We had heard good things about snugg, and the silvabak lived up to them and more. Because of the price of this suit, we have choosen it to be one of our extented wetsuit suits. So make sure you check back regularly to read our updates on how the suit goes through out the season and the coldest bits of winter!
 Press Release
The most flexible custom suit available.
The Silverbak has Mega stretch arms,shoulders and lat panels for easy paddling also a mega stretch ‘Y’ flap preventing water entry into back zip.
Aero Zirconium is used in the chest, upper leg and crutch.
Smoothskin anti-rash neck roll.
Mega-stretch shoulder/back panel.
Raw edge wrist seal.
Resin impregnated nylon surface knee pad.
RRP £275

Xcel Infinity 5/4/3 wetsuit

Well, Xcel to those who know needs litle introduction, to those who are not familiar with Xcel they have a very high reputation in the hardcore surfing community as being the best. Along with that reputation, they are also priced to reflect that, coming out among the most expensive suits available. When we got the suit, it did look the buisness, and we think you know where your moneys gone. Nothing on the suit looks like its been spared, the liquid seams are thick and look like they will last a long time. The neoprene is soo stretchy it gives you the impression that its going to be like wearing a summer suit. And with the front zip and internal vest system you think its not going to let much water in.
Out the water.
Getting in the suit is initially slightly testing as its a top entry suit, but once you have the hang of it, its not really an issue at all. The super stretch neoprene make the suit slide on nice and easy. It feels like a durable suit, everything from the cuffs to the knee pads seep quality.
In the water.
Once in, you dont know that you are in cold water. The suit withheld any water penetration at all for quite some time The wrist and ankle cuffs are just cut neoprene but the size makes for a tight fit – which is all good as it keeps the water out. This suit was the warmest we have tested, it was almost too warm for this time of year! Unlikely that we would be saying that if it were March. With the Infinity you get 5mm when on rather than the 5mm when the suit is on the hanger approach some manufacturers seem to go by. The only small downside is around the neck area, because of the pull over front zip it does create quite a lot of tension around the shoulders and arms, which does reduce flexabilty a small amount.
Back out the water.
Again, the top entry system takes a while to get the knack of, but once you have it sussed getting the suit off isn’t a problem. Its actually a relief to get the suit off as going from the water to wherever you are changing you build up quite a sweat!
Overall.
The Xcel suit hasn’t got a hardcore surfer following for no reason. The suit is extremely well built in every area. The neoprene is so thick that it will keep you warm in the coldest of days. Its not a cheap suit, so you would want it to last and its for this reason that the Xcel is one of the suits that is featuring in the Sunset Surf Extended Wetsuit test.
 
Press Release
Description
The Infiniti incorporates its X-ZIP 2 System and the latest in sealed stretch seam technology with its Synergy S-Seal Seams and 100% snag resistant 300% PLUS stretch Ultraspan Superlight neoprene. Engineered Fit with Less Seams
Construction
Quadruple glued seams with S-Seal bonding over blindstitching on the inside. Pressure Bonded tape on the lower body, legs and hood.

Gul Nitro 5/4/3 Wetsuit

We had heard good and bad things about Gul suits, so keenly awaited the delivery of the Nitro.
When it arrived we were pleasantly suprised, as Guls flagship winter surf wetsuit we think they have done a pretty good job on the nitro.
Out the water.
Its a nicely built suit, with strong seams and a good amount of liquid sealing. Anatomically the suit fits and hugs in all the right places. The seams are sealed extremely effectivly and there is a good amount of smooth skin on both the front and the back of the suit which is essential for keeping you warm in the water. The back-up system is more comprehensive than some other manufacturers and is almost like a complete rash vest built into the suit. As a result the neck is very soft and comfortable as the internal rash vest is like a polar neck which prevents any part of the wetsuit from rubbing. The superlite neoprene is very stretchy and very comfy which makes the whole suit very light and flexible when on.
The 3/4 zip makes getting in and out of the suit a touch difficult which when you are changing on an extrememly cold day which might get you cold for a brief while, however the flip side is that as their is less zip the suit should keep more water out of the suit and therefore keep you warmer than a suit with a full length zip. The suit also has o-ring cuffs on both the leg and the arms, which keeps the cuffs on both nice and tight to your arms and legs, another must for preventing water from travelling up the respective parts of the body and cooling you down. The knee pads look tough and like they will take quite a battering.
In the water.
Getting the suit on once you have got the knack of the 3/4 zip is not too much of a task, and once on you feel like the suits just another layer of skin. When in the water, the suit didnt show any signs of leaking through the seams at all – the liquid seal obviously does the job very well. The suit also kept our tester extremely warm. The smooth skin on the front and back of the suit do their job by allowing the water to run off those parts of the suit almost instantly, thus keeping the wind chill down to a minimum. The suit also held up to numerous continuous duck dives without flushing at all, which we were well impressed with especially due to the conditions we were out in. After several hours of being out in the water, the suit had let a very small amount of water in through the sleeves dispite the pretty tight o-ring seals on the cuffs. Obviously this could be a “fit” issue, so we arn’t going to dwell on it, as you could also get velcro wrist straps if this proved an issue for you. The suit is nice and flexible in the water and doesn’t inhibit your movement hardly at all.
Back out the water.
Again the smooth skin means that once you get out the water, the suit still keeps you warm even with a howling wind. The suit was somewhat tricky to get off, but sometimes you have to sacrifice momontary comfort for a good fit and a well made suit.
Overall.
We liked this suit from start to finish and cant honestly say much bad about it. Our only negative observations are that the o-rings on the cuffs might not last as long as the rest of the suit, although thats something you will have to decide for yourself, but the neoprene is under an awful lot of stress especially when putting the suit on and taking it off, but the flip side is that they do a good job of keeping most of the water out. Obviously Gul offer good warrantly and repair programs for their suits, so if this did become an issue it would be covered by this. The other negative comments if you can call them that is that the velcro pads are so sticky that they tend to stick to whatever part of the suit they touch, we were also concerned that the stress put on the velcro do ups may also be subject to wear. For the money this suit performed as well as the top suits we tested, although the neoprene wasn’t as thick as some of the suits and might require a thermal rash vest in the depths of March. The design makes it a strong performer in its price range, considering its competitors.
Gul Nitro the specs
NT1203 Nitro 5/4/3 Blindstich Steamer
• 100% G-Flex Body panels giving increased flexibility and comfort.
• Superlite Neoprene is softer, stretcher and 20% lighter than regular neoprene.
• Gul Liquid Seaming increases the warmth and flexibility when compared to conventional seaming.
• Delta ¾ zip and collar adjustment increases back flexibility.
• Gul Back Up System reduces the chances of cold water flushes.
• Pre-shaped legs and arms for comfort.
• Mens Sizes: M, ML, MS, MT, S, XL, XXL, L,
• Ladies Sizes: 10, 12, 12/14, 14, 16
• Colours: Slate / Black, Black / Black
• RRP: 209.95
Gul Nitro 5/4/3 ~ Mens Blindstich Steamer
The Nitro is Gul’s top of the range winter suit and a favourite with the Gul Team including British No 1 Russell Winter and top European long boarder, Lee Ryan. 100% G-Flex body panels ensure total freedom of movement, whilst the Gul back-up system and liquid seaming give maximum warmth and durability even in the coldest winter surf.
RRP £209.95
Tel 01208 262400
www.gul.com

Alder Plasma 5/4/3

Alder are one of those brands that do have an amount of stigma attached to them to some degree. The suits are generally cheaper than the features they are packed with suggest they should be but that doesn’t mean its cheaper for a good reason. When the suit arrived, we were pleasantly suprised with the build quality general feel about the suit.
Out the water.
Fairly tricky to get on, due to the internal back-up system and smaller zip opening, but having the superstretch neoprene made it easier than it could have been. Once you have the knack you won’t be thinking about it. Once on it provided a very snugg fit, which is directly related to being difficult to get on, the good fit and shape out weigh being tricky to get on. Build quality is also very good, and puts some manufacturers to shame for the price!
In the water.
Once in the water the suit felt almost like a dry suit, with no leaking through the seams at all. A small amount around the wrists and ankles seaped in while wading through the water, but whilst duck diving and paddling through the oncoming surf, the suit held off the flushes extremely well. After around 2 hours in a good sized swell our tester was still comfortably warm, and would have had no problem staying in the water for another hour at least maybe more. The superstretch neoprene meant that the suit hardly rubbed at all around the usual tight contact areas, and the internal rash vest helped keep the neck both dry and comfortable. Whilst surfing the suit was really nice and flexible, allowing good movement throughout.
Back out the water.
Really easy to get off, probably attributable to the superstretch neoprene. The seams all look reasonably strong, and the knee pads pretty tough. The only small thing lacking perhaps is the lack of back flash panels, but the not everyone likes / needs those so not a big issue. The thickness of the neoprene is maintained once on also which all helps the suit keep the wearer warm.
Overall.
A very well made suit for the price. Even though its not one of the most fasionable brand names around at the moment, we reckon this is a really good solid suit. Why pay extra money just for a name? Well sounds good in practice, but obviously the question that would arise is does it last. Well for that reason the Alder plasma is one of the suits choosen for the extended wetsuit review. So keep checking back to see how the suit bears up the the punishing british winter!
 
 
Press Release
Alder plasma the specs
Available in Men’s 5/4/3
· 100% Double Lined “X” stretch on all panels.
· Fire wall heat system on chest panel.
· liquid Seal on all seams.
· Internal Bat flap with drainage hole.
· Titanium single lined torso with Aerocore lining.
· Twin needle blindstitched.
· Spanflex adjustable collar.
· Dual texture kneepads.
· Metal slider YKK zip.
· Pre bent knee and sleeve construction.
· 3mm behind knee.
· “O” rings wrist seals
 
 
RRP £180

Ultimate Fireskin 5/4/3

Rip curl need no introduction these are the daddies of wet suit manufacture, and most discerning surfers would agree they are synonymous with quality style and performance.
As well as being a long-term major player on the world surf market.
For this suit I am a standard medium as I am in most of the new ultra stretch suits – the rip curl ultimate fire skin is no exception.
Time of testing: early January.
  The stretch in this suit like many of the fabrics in today’s suits is to be commended.
The thickness: suit manufacturers vary a lot on what they describe as 5mm and that also varies within manufacturers own range and once the suit is on all changes again.
This is a hefty 5mm, and first impressions are you ain’t ever going to get cold in this sucker as thickness goes through to the bottom of the legs.
Weight wise, it is not light, especially when wet, but other suits compromise weight for less

Out of the Water

Slips on like a glove, the thickness is deceiving, you feel this as the beefy 5mm cuffs snap closed on the arms and legs and fit as good as you could wish.

Once on you realise this suit is as stretchy as any of the suits that are out there, and you feel equipped to take on the Baltic Sea as you instantly begin to heat up.

In the Water

Testing season being early January, wow, amazement, this is boiling, so much so that after the first test the boots are ditched, as a desperate need to vent was required and a twat cap, well, not even considered.

This is without doubt the warmest suit I have tested and that’s a lot now, and I was getting if anything too hot.

Very little, if any flushing as the bat wing is in full effect and no notice of the wind penetrating this suit.

The build of the suit is of top quality, liquid seems and stitching all exuding top quality.

Performance is good, full manoeuvrability with little compromise, paddling, movement etc is fine.

The zip is good being the short length giving more flex through the back.

Downside, and there is only the one, don’t use your thinnest summer board, as this suit weighs a lot when wet, more so than your average winter steamer, possibly down to all those extra air spaces filling with water, I guess I can only speculate to the reason, but I certainly noticed that I was bogging in the water a touch more than I was used to. This is the cost of the ultimate in warmth, and if you feel the cold this suit is for you. If performance, as in lightweight and a touch more freedom is key the Elasto 2 from the same stable fits the bill ( Elasto 2 is made of 100% elastomax 2 neoprene which is exclusive to Rip Curl).

Out of the Water

  Get this puppy off quick; else you may suffer a melt down in the car park. This is the time that re-emphasises how warm this suit is, as you are able to actually insert your keys in the car door first jab! And no need for the après surf shiver frenzy as your core temperature has remained unaffected by the surrounding cold, leaving you ready for more.

Overall

This suit has a niche, anyone who feels the cold badly in the winter.

In this category it is unrivalled providing maximum warmth and very good flexibility.

The cost is its weight, that said its brother the Elasto 2 fills that niche, and it’s only the most discerning toothpick jockey that would pick up on this.

So if the cold puts you off the great English winter swell, give this a go, you will not be disappointed.

Press Release

Rip Curl Neoprene -

The Rip Curl Ultimate Fire Skin is made from the lightest, most flexible neoprene ever developed – Elastomax 2. E2 uses the latest super stretch jersey to give the ultimate stretch, and the E2 sponge contains more air pockets per square centimetre than any other neoprene, making it lighter, warmer and more flexible than anything else around. Short back zip reduces water leaks and makes exit and entry to the wetsuit easy.

Rip Curl Fire Skin coating -

Cuts wind chill, less seams hence greater durability. The upper torso is covered with the latest Fire Skin Technology to keep you extra, extra warm!

Rip Curl Batwing system - 

The Rip Curl Batwing provides a barrier from water entry and cold w ater flushes.

Rip Curl Adjustable collar -

Fully adjustable collar system to minimise cold water flushes into the wetsuit

And is made of ultra soft smooth skin (No Need for a Rash Vest)

  Rip Curl 3/4 Grid lock zip -

  A shorter grid lock zipper for minimal water leakage and increased flexibility in the back

Glideskin mesh (exclusive to Rip Curl) on the upper torso region with Elastomax 2 everywhere else

Rip Curl K-Tron Knee pads -

Strong but flexible knee pads to handle copious amounts of duck dives

Rip Curl Aquaban -

  Liquid Silicon Sealed Seams

  Rip Curl critically taped -

Junctions and stress areas adds strength and durability to seams where required

• Lifetime warranty on all seems 
• 2 year warranty on knee pads
• 12 month warranty on materials