SPRING 4/3 WETSUIT REVIEW AND BUYERS GUIDE BY PIONEERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Water temps are freezing now but before long it will be 4/3 season! Here is a peak at some of our favorite spring Wetsuits and Accessories Below….
O’Neill 4/3 Mutant w/ Hood System Included
Accept no limitations. O’Neill’s unique Modular Closure system makes the Mutant the most versatile wetsuit in our line. Now with an easier entry and new graphics. The Mutant is built with UltraFlex DS, UltraFlex Firewall and our all new FluidFlex neoprene technology, making the Mutant warmer and more flexible than ever before. Two suits in one, now do some work son. The Mutant Features: MODULAR CLOSURE SYSTEM: Comes with both a regular neck closure and can be interchanged with an included hood depending upon the conditions. 50% ULTRAFLEX DS / 50% FLUIDFLEX: Lighter weight with improved stretch SINGLE FLUID SEAM WELD: Keeps water from entering at all seams and critical points. INTEGRATED KEY POCKET: Your key is easy to access and completely secure.
The BOTTOM LINE;
This suit is one of my all time favorite, warm and flexible with a zip on/zip off hood system… You can’t go wrong!!! This Suit gets two thumbs up in all categories!
Price $350
Ripcurl 4.5/3.5 E-Bomb Hooded
While this specific suit is new in the Ripcurl line this year the E-Bomb has been in the game long enough to establish it’s self as a suit to be reckoned with. I personally wear an E-Bomb 2mm, a 3/2mm, and last winter I wore a 5.5/4.5. This suit is something Steve and I asked for and Ripcurl listened. We both loved our E-Bomb so much we wanted the same suit only thinner and Ripcurl gave us exactly that.
The E-Bomb series of wetsuits provides the ultimate in performance and flexibility. 100% E3 and 3/4 E3+ tape seams provides a high standard of flexibilty while maintaining durability. The contoured pattern incorporates a 4 way back stretch panel and a minimal bulk, easy entry chest zip.
The BOTTOM LINE;
I haven’t worn this suit yet because it just released but if it’s anything like my 5.5/4.5 it will be a winner. With the full time hood I anticipate being able to surf this suit through much of the winter.
Price $340
O’Neill 4/3 Superfreak
The totally insane SuperFreak is now warmer than ever. The wetsuit is built with 100% Superstretch neoprene and FluidFlex(TM) Firewall in the Front Chest and Back. The 2014 SuperFreak keeps the water out and keeps you warm like no other wetsuit ever offered at this price level.
The BOTTOM LINE
At the Price of $215 you get a lot for your money. Chest zip, 100% superstrech neoprene, and suit designed with minimal panels and seams. A great suit to get you comfortably in the water with out maxing out the Credit Card.
Price $225
Ripcurl 4/3 E-Bomb
The E-Bomb series of wetsuits provides the ultimate in performance and flexibility. 100% E3 and 3/4 E3+ tape seams provides a high standard of flexibilty while maintaining durability. The contoured pattern incorporates a 4 way back stretch panel and a minimal bulk, easy entry chest zip.
The Bottom Line
Insanely flexible suit with neoprene taped seams. A little more pricey than the Oneill Superfreak but made with a more technical seam and some of the most buttery neoprene on the market! As with anything fit is important and trying on any wetsuit is an important part of picking a new one out.
Price $339
BOOTS, GLOVES, LAYERING, AND HOODS
BOOTS- You name it, they make it!!! 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, split toe, hidden split toe, round toe….. It’s all there!!!!!! My two favorites for fall and spring are the O’neill Heat 5mm round toe and the Ripcurl Flash Rubber Soul Plus 5mm split toe.
GLOVES- Again it’s all there… 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, five finger glove, 3 finger glove, and mittens. Here are two good 3mm gloves. The Psycho from Oneill and the Ripcurl Flashbomb
LAYERING AND HOODS- If your suit doesn’t have a hood and you want to get into the cold water then you’re going to need one of these. If you’re looking for a way to add some warmth to a suit check out some of Ripcurl’s Layering pieces. Layered with titanium to reflect you body’s warmth.