You’re at the beach, new kit, F5, sunshine, the
only thing that will stop you having a good day is
if you get cold. A good summer wetsuit is vital to
making the most of warm(ish) weather, and a good
one can find some use well into spring and autumn.
There are three main factors of a wetsuit to
consider: warmth, flexibility and durability. Wetsuit
companies search for and develop new kinds of
neoprene, aiming to get the best balance of these
properties in different areas of the suit. Finding the
correct suit is essentially choosing the balance of
these three factors to suit you.
Rather than just buying the first one you see in the
shop, here’s a guide on what to look for when
buying a wetsuit.
Neoprene
The first thing that’s immediately noticeable is the
types of neoprene used in the suit; is it mostly
single-lined neoprene (which is shiny) or doublelined
(fabric texture)? Single-lined neoprene, which
only has nylon on the inside, is warmer as water
runs off the smooth outside surface, reducing
windchill. Single-lined neoprene is also slightly more
flexible, but is susceptible to nicks and tears on
sharp objects. Double-lined neoprene has a thin
outer layer of nylon, which protects the neoprene
from damage and makes for a more durable suit.
However the nylon layer on the outside holds water,
increasing the wind chill effect, especially when out
of the water.
Modern suits often feature titanium-lined neoprene,
the metal layer is designed to reflect heat back
toward the wearer. Different manufacturers claim
different values for the heat-reflecting properties of
titanium, but it is recognised to produce a warmer
suit. It is difficult to tell which parts of a suit feature
titanium; tiny metal flakes can sometimes be seen
(this is a bad thing as the titanium should stay
inside the neoprene), but the information is often
contained in the guide attached to the suit.
Alongside the single and double lined forms of
neoprene, there are different grades of neoprene,
with different flexibility. The extremely stretchy types
are used sparingly in wetsuits, as they are easily
damaged by nicks, which will grow rapidly because
of the extreme stretch. Grabbing the suit and giving
it a good stretch is the best way to find out the
flexibility of the neoprene – the arms and legs will
typically be more flexible than the body of the suit.
High spec suits will use very soft, flexible neoprene
in high-stretch areas such as the neck and
shoulders for comfort. If a short zip has been used
to limit water ingress, then more high-stretch
neoprene will have been used to enable easy
access to the suit, which will reduce durability.
SUMMER WETSUITS 2006
Seals
Have a look at the back of the suit, where the zip is.
Some wetsuits use shorter zips, often with a
neoprene panel which sits behind the zip to block
water access, the drawback is that high-stretch
neoprene needs to be used to allow access to the
suit, which increases cost and reduces durability.
On the ankles, look for some form of adjustable
strap or high-stretch neoprene which will provide a
good seal.
Seams
Inspect the seams on the suit, on less expensive suits
flatlock stitching will be used, and a band of interlinked
thread can be seen on the outside of the suit. Because
the needle and thread penetrates straight through, the
seam will allow water to leak into the suit. The seams
are flat for comfort.
Higher spec suits use blindstitched seams, where no
thread can be seen on the outside of the suit. The
panels are glued together and a curved needle is used
to pass thread through the join. This avoids holes
penetrating all the way through the neoprene, and
prevents water from getting in.
Most wetsuit companies tape seams in areas where
extra strength is required. Look for a ~20mm wide line
of black nylon tape on the inside of the suit in high
stress areas such as the crotch and arm/body joint.
One of the latest developments in seam technology
is the liquid seam, where an advanced high-stretch
liquid (silicon-based urethene) sealant is applied to
the inside of the seam, to make it completely
watertight. An evolution of this concept, seen
exclusively on O’Neill’s Psycho II suit is the double
fluid seam weld, where the seam is devoid of any
stitching, but is sealed on both sides using a fluid
weld. This makes the suit completely watertight and
super flexible at the seam.
Other features
Pre-bent knees remove some neoprene from behind
the knee, to prevent bunching up and increasing
comfort. The suit should have some form of
kneepad, to protect the suit from nicks and
scratches in this vulnerable area. A reinforced
crotch resists abrasion from seat harnesses; useful
as water entering here is especially noticeable!
Fit
The most crucial factor to wetsuit warmth and
comfort is the fit. If it doesn’t fit then it doesn’t
matter how many snazzy features the suit has. If the
suit is too big, then water will get in at the seals and
fill the suit up. If the suit is too small but can still be
squeezed into, then too much stress will be put on
the seams and they will be slowly pulled apart,
gradually letting water in. Check the fit in the
following areas:
Chest: The suit should be relatively tight across the
chest, but it shouldn’t be difficult to breathe.
Shoulders: Full mobility in the shoulders is essential
in windsurfing; the wetsuit needs to be flexible
enough to waterstart with arms above the head.
Legs: The legs should be flexible enough to allow
easy movement, but still be relatively tight fitting for
warmth. Check the knee angle doesn’t cause too
much irritation with neoprene bunching up behind.
Arms: Upper arms in a windsurf-specific suit can be
cut quite loose, to allow the biceps to expand when
sailing. Adjustable arm seals on the short arm suit
should allow for any expansion.
Neck: The neck seal should be tight without causing
choking, and any velcro flaps need to be
comfortable and not rub against the skin.
What type of suit to go for?
Here are a few different cases when you might want
to veer toward a specific type of suit.
Winter suit is a dry zip seamer If the summer suit is
to be paired with a very warm, but slightly restrictive
cross shoulder dry zip winter suit, then get the
warmest summer suit out there, so that the winter
suit can be left behind as early in the season as
possible. Dry zip suits are very warm, so a good
summer suit will prevent overheating and
dehydration by wearing the hot winter suit in spring
and autumn.
Surfing as well If the suit is to be used for both
surfing and windsurfing, look for a suit with some
double lined material in the lower half of the suit.
Windsurf-specific suits are slightly different in cut to
surfing wetsuits, but not so drastically different that
one couldn’t be used for both sports.
Intermediate sailor If the suit is going to be worn
when uphauling, have a good look at the knee
pads, check they are solid enough and there isn’t
too much exposed stitching which will get damaged
on the rough non-slip deck surface.
Racing Look for the most flexible suit, to make
pumping as easy as possible.
BILLABONG FOIL
2/2mm
PRICE: £109.99
MATERIALS:
SF50 - 50% superflex
neoprene
SEAMS:
Glued blindstitched
ZIP:
Vertical with Gasket Seal
SIZES:XS, S, MS, M, MT, LS, L,XL
FEATURES:
Seamless underarm
design, supratex
compression moulded
kneepads,
colours: Grey, blue
DISTRIBUTOR:
Billabong Europe
T: 02392 465 555
E:gemma@billabong.tm.
GUL DELTA
3/2mm SHORT ARM
PRICE: £130.00
MATERIALS:
Titanium 2, X-Flex
Neoprene with 100%
stretch panels
SEAMS:
Blindstitched with liquid
seam sealing
ZIP:
Vertical with Gasket Seal
SIZES:
S, MS, M, MT, ML, L, XL,
XXL
FEATURES:
Pro neck, DKS (Durable
Knee Skin), Colours:
Blk/Blk, Blk/Lime,
Blk/Electric Blue.
DISTRIBUTOR:
Gul international
T: 01208 262400
E: gul@gul.com
W: www.gul.com
GUL DELTA
LADIES 3/2mm SHORT ARM
PRICE: £130.00
MATERIALS:
Titanium 2, X-Flex
Neoprene with 100%
stretch panels
Seams:
Blindstitched with liquid
seam sealing
Zip:
Vertical with Gasket Seal
Sizes: 8, 10, 12, 12/14,
14, 16
Features:
Pro neck, DKS (Durable
Knee Skin), Colours:
Blk/Blk, Glacier/Grey.
Distributor:
Gul international
T: 01208 262400
E: gul@gul.com
W: www.gul.com
MAUI MAGIC MYSTIC
SHORTARM DL 4/3
PRICE: £139.99
MATERIALS:
TriSpan Neoprene,
Skyflex Neoprene
SEAMS:
3x glued & blindstitched
waterproof seams
ZIP:
YKK with Backup shield
SIZES:
XS-S-M-MT-L-LT-XL-XXL
FEATURES:
V-shape flexneck,
sandwich neck closure,
anatomical panel layout,
easy entry armcuffs,
harness non slip system,
extreme precurved
knees, aquaflush
legpanel, keypocket.
Also available in black
DISTRIBUTOR:
Maui Magic
T: 01376 345339
E: info@interfield.nl
W: www.mauimagic.com
MAUI MAGIC VENOM
SHORTARM DL 3/2
PRICE: £74.99
MATERIALS:
Duraflex Neoprene
SEAMS:
Flatstitched with twinlock
technology
ZIP:
Vertical YKK zipper
SIZES:
XS-S-M-MT-L-LT-XL-XXL
FEATURES:
Sandwich neck closure,
anatomical panel layout,
cross knees, keypocket,
velcro adjustable arm &
leg cuffs
DISTRIBUTOR:
Maui Magic
T: 01376 345339
E: info@interfield.nl
ION QUANTUM
3/2mm STEAMER
PRICE: £169.00
MATERIALS:
C_Mesh, Smoothskin
and GravelSkin
SEAMS:
Fully Glued and
Blindstitched
ZIP:
SlipLoc Zipperpull
YKK Zip
SIZES:
46 - 106
FEATURES:
WaterGate panel plus
overhead panel behind
zip, Titanium metalite
glue, comes complete
with wetsuit bag/
change mat.
DISTRIBUTOR:
604 distribution
T: 01202 813413
E:info@604distribution.com
W: www.ion-wetsuits.com
MAUI MAGIC MATRIX
SHORTARM DL 3/2
PRICE: £119.99
MATERIALS:
TriSpan Neoprene,
Skyflex Neoprene
SEAMS:
3x glued & blindstitched
waterproof seams
ZIP:
Vertical YKK
SIZES:
XS-S-M-MT-L-LT-XL-XXL
FEATURES:
V-shape flexneck,
sandwich neck closure,
anatomical panel layout,
easy entry armcuffs,
precurved knees,
keypocket.
DISTRIBUTOR:
Maui Magic
T: 01376 345339
E: info@interfield.nl
W: www.mauimagic.com
NEIL PRYDE 5000 SERIES
SHORT SLEEVE 3/3
PRICE: £179.99
MATERIALS:
Entire suit from apex flex
neoprene with FLX
zones.
SEAMS:
Triple glued &
blindstitched seams with
liquid sealant
ZIP:
Vertical YKK, with E3
backup system
SIZES:
Euro 48, 50, 52, 53, 94,
98, 106
FEATURES:Embossed knee,
reinforced crotch,
removable ankle strap,
easy step in system, free
floating neck.
DISTRIBUTOR:
Ultra sport
T: 0115 9731001
E:info@ultra.sporteu.com
W:www.neilprydewaterwear.com
ION LADIES JEWEL
STEAMER 3.5/2.5
PRICE: £129
MATERIALS:
C_Mesh, Smoothskin
and GravelSkin
SEAMS:
Fully glued and
blindstitched
ZIP:
SlipLoc Zipperpull YKK
Zip
SIZES:
36-44
FEATURES:
WaterGate panel behind
zip, Titanium Metalite
Glue, comes complete
with wetsuit bag/
change mat
DISTRIBUTOR:
604 distribution
T: 01202 813413
E:info@604distribution.com
W: www.ion-wetsuits.com
MAUI MAGIC SOURCE SHORTARM LADIES DL 3/2
MATERIALS:
TriSpan Neoprene, Flame
Skin Neoprene
Seams: Heat Sealed
Seams outside
Zip: YKK with Backup
shield
Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
Features: Active Arm
Construction, Water
Relieve Hole, Key pocket
inside, Cross Knees,
Aquaflush Leg Panel,
Velcro Adjustable Arm &
Leg Cuffs
Distributor: Maui Magic
T: 01376 345339
E: info@interfield.nl
W: www.mauimagic.com
NEIL PRYDE NPX SERIES
SHORT SLEEVE 3/2
PRICE: £149.995
MATERIALS:
Upper body in power flex
stretch material with FLX
zones.
SEAMS:
Glued & blindstitched
seams
ZIP:
Vertical YKK
SIZES:
Euro 48, 50, 52, 53, 94,
98, 106
FEATURES:
TPU knee, reinforced
crotch, shin pads,
armourtex lower leg
panels, aquablock water
repellent coating to
reduce wind chill.
DISTRIBUTOR:
Ultra sport
T: 0115 9731001
E:info@ultra.sporteu.com
W:www.neilprydewaterwear.com
MAUI MAGIC MATRIX
SHORTARM DL 3/2
PRICE: £119.99
MATERIALS:
TriSpan Neoprene,
Skyflex Neoprene
SEAMS:
3x glued & blindstitched
waterproof seams
ZIP:
Vertical YKK
SIZES:
XS-S-M-MT-L-LT-XL-XXL
FEATURES:
V-shape flexneck,
sandwich neck closure,
anatomical panel layout,
easy entry armcuffs,
precurved knees,
keypocket.
DISTRIBUTOR:
Maui Magic
T: 01376 345339
E: info@interfield.nl
W: www.mauimagic.com
NEIL PRYDE 5000 SERIES SHORT SLEEVE 3/3
MATERIALS:
Entire suit from apex flex
neoprene with FLX
zones.
SEAMS:
Triple glued &
blindstitched seams with
liquid sealant
ZIP:
Vertical YKK, with E3
backup system
SIZES:
Euro 48, 50, 52, 53, 94,
98, 106
FEATURES:
Embossed knee,
reinforced crotch,
removable ankle strap,
easy step in system, free
floating neck.
DISTRIBUTOR:
Ultra sport
T: 0115 9731001
E:info@ultra.sporteu.com
W:www.neilprydewaterwear.com
NEIL PRYDE NPX SERIES SHORT SLEEVE 3/2
PRICE: £149.995
MATERIALS:
Upper body in power flex
stretch material with FLX
zones.
SEAMS:
Glued & blindstitched
seams
ZIP:
Vertical YKK
SIZES:
Euro 48, 50, 52, 53, 94,
98, 106
FEATURES:
TPU knee, reinforced
crotch, shin pads,
armourtex lower leg
panels, aquablock water
repellent coating to
reduce wind chill.
DISTRIBUTOR:
Ultra sport
T: 0115 9731001
E:info@ultra.sporteu.com
W:www.neilprydewaterwear.com
0,NEILL EVOLUTION CONVERTIBLE 3/2
PRICE: £180.00
MATERIALS:
100% SL ultraflex superstretch
neoprene
SEAMS:
Glued & blindstitched
seams with 100% fluid
seal.
ZIP:Zen closure system
SIZES:
S-2XL,MS,MT,LS,LT,XLS
RRP: £180.00
FEATURES:
Thermo/Glideskin shirt
convertible system,
firewall chest and lumbar
panels, minimal seam
design, plasma harness
anchors, knee and shin
plasma pads, detachable
ankle cinches, hidden
key pocket.
DISTRIBUTOR:
O’neill wetsuits limited
T: 01730 811460
E:
wetsuits.uk@oneill.com
W: www.oneill.com
0,NEILL FLX CONVERTIBLE 3/2
PRICE: £130.00
MATERIALS:
100% SL ultraflex superstretch
neoprene
SEAMS:
Glued & blindstitched
seams
ZIP:
3Q easy entry zip closure
SIZES:
S-2XL,MS,MT,LS,LT,XLS
FEATURES:
TFX torso flex panel,
critically taped (CT) seam
junctions, plasma knee
pads, wear resistant DL
crotch, detachable ankle
cinches, hidden key
pocket.
DISTRIBUTOR:
O’neill wetsuits limited
T: 01730 811460
E:
wetsuits.uk@oneill.com
W: www.oneill.com
0,NEILL PSYCHO I 3/2
PRICE: £180.00
MATERIALS:
100% SL ultraflex superstretch
neoprene
Seams: Glued &
blindstitched seams with
exterior 100% fluid seal.
ZIP:
Zen closure system
SIZES:
S-2XL,MS,MT,LS,LT,XLS
FEATURES:
Super seal glideskin
collar, firewall chest
panels, minimal seam
design, stitchless knee
protection, wind
resistant smooth skin
chest and back, plasma
interior wrist and ankle
seals, hidden key
pocket.
DISTRIBUTOR:
O’neill wetsuits limited
T: 01730 811460
E:wetsuits.uk@oneill.com
W: www.oneill.com
0,NEILL PSYCHO II 3/2
PRICE: £230.00
MATERIALS:
100% SL ultraflex superstretch
neoprene
Seams:
Double fluid seam seal.
Zip:Zen closure system, with
pullover neck seal
Sizes:
S-2XL,MS,MT,LS,LT,XLS
RRP: £230.00
Features:
Wind resistant
smoothskin chest and
back, super-minimal
seam design, stitchless
knee protection, plasma
interior wrist and ankle
seals, hidden key
pocket.
Distributor:
O’neill wetsuits limited
T: 01730 811460
E:wetsuits.uk@oneill.com
W: www.oneill.com
PRO LIMIT ASSAULT SERIES STEAMER SHORT ARM 3/2 SKIN
Airflex Skin neoprene/
ICE 2 Thermo neoprene/
G-Rex Skin neoprene
SEAMS:
Fully Glued and
Blindstitched
ZIP:
Short Zip with Waterblock
panel
SIZES:
XS – XXL
FEATURES:
Anti-Choke Collar,
Extended Cuffs, Velcro
Leg Cuffs, Union Knee
DISTRIBUTOR:
604 distribution
T: 01202 813413
E:
info@604distribution.com
W: www.pro-limit.com
PRICE: £159.00
PRO LIMIT GLOBAL SERIES STEAMER SHORT ARM 3/2 SKIN
PRICE: £139.00
MATERIALS:
Airflex Skin neoprene, GRex
Skin neoprene
SEAMS:
Fully glued and
blindstitched
ZIP:
Short Zip with Waterblock
panel
SIZES:
XS – XXL
RRP: £139
FEATURES:
Anti-Choke Collar,
Waterblock Zip,
Extended Cuffs, Velcro
Leg Cuffs, Dual Protex
Knee
DISTRIBUTOR:
604 distribution
T: 01202 813413
E:
info@604distribution.com
W: www.pro-limit.com
PRO LIMIT PURE GIRL STEAMER SHORT ARM 3/2 SKIN
PRICE: £139.00
MATERIALS:
Airflex Skin neoprene,
G-Rex Skin neoprene
SEAMS:
Fully glued and
blindstitched
ZIP:
Short Zip
SIZES:
XX – XXL
FEATURES:
Anti-Choke Collar, Short
Zip, Extended Cuffs,
Velcro Leg Cuffs, Dual
Protex Knee
DISTRIBUTOR:
604 distribution
T: 01202 813413
E:info@604distribution.com
SOLA INFERNO CONVERTIBLE 3x2mm
MATERIALS:
100% Mesh Titanium
neoprene.
SEAMS:
Glued and blindstitched
construction. Biaxial
stretch tape in critical
areas with dot patch
reinforcement.
ZIPS/FASTENINGS:
Standard Metal YKK zipper.
FEATURES:
100% stretch water
barrier with Lycra collar.
Anatomical pre-bent
design. Fused kneepad
system. Fully adjustable
ultra block collar system,
(zip lowered for extra
comfort) Anti-snag flex
fabrics, protecting suit
from Velcro damage.
SIZES AVAILABLE:
SML, MSM, MST, MED,
MLG, MLT, LGE, XLG, XXL
DISTRIBUTOR:
Sola Wetsuits Ltd
T: (01752) 854400
E: admin@sola.co.uk
SOLA FURY CONVERTIBLE 3x2mm
MATERIALS:
100% Super-stretch
throughout, using SS-1
foam.
SEAMS:
Glued and blindstitched
construction with full
liquid seams. Biaxial heat
tape in critical positions.
ZIPS/FASTENINGS:
Standard Metal YKK zipper.
FEATURES:
Total water barrier to
prevent flushing. Fused
kneepad construction.
Velcro repellent material.
Anatomical pre-bent
design. Glideskin O-ring
seals on arms.
Smoothskin collar.
SIZES AVAILABLE:
SML, MSM, MST, MED,
MLG, MLT, LGE, XLG, XXL
DISTRIBUTOR:
Sola Wetsuits Ltd
T: (01752) 854400
E: admin@sola.co.uk
W: www.sola.co.u
