WINTER WETSUIT GUIDE BY PIONEERS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Not all wetsuits are created equally and while a basic 3/2 will work all summer long you’re gonna need a quality suit when the water dips into the lower 40s and upper 30s. I can’t recommend O’neill and Ripcurl enough. Both are based in areas where wetsuits are a necessity all year long. The big secret is most wetsuits (no matter what they say) are all made at a big factory and the only difference is the logo they stamp on the low quality rubber. O’neill and Ripcurl both own and operate their own factories and produce some of the best and most reliable wetsuits in the world.With advancements in technology and rubber, wetsuits get better and better every year. Gone are the days of bloody armpit rashes and surfing like Frankenstein. Today’s wetsuit are all about warmth, flexibility, and comfort. Give a look below and get in touch with us or stop in to see the suits in person or try one one for yourself!
O’NEILL PYROTECH F.U.Z.E. FSW 5.5/4MM HOODED MSRP $450
O’Neill’s new Pyrotech Series combines our exclusive TechnoButter Neoprene with TechnoButter-Air Firewall insulation, Single Fluid Seam Weld and a F.U.Z.E. Closure System. Lighter, warmer, more insulating and quick drying with improved ease of entry. Pyrotech is the latest advancement in cold water wetsuit technology from the leaders in innovation for over 60 years. The NEW
O’Neill PyroTech FEATURES: TechnoButter Neoprene – The most advanced super stretch neoprene available on the market. 20% lighter, 30% less water absorption with quick dry properties.
BOTTOM LINE- An amazingly light and flexible suit that is built around some of the best neoprene available in the world. O’neill leads the way in neoprene development. I wore this suit last year and it’s amazing. Not a single complaint, I’ll be wearing it again this year. This is the forefront….
RIPCURL FLASH BOMB HOODED CHEST ZIP 5.5/4 MSRP $460
*this suit available for ladies as well….
The Two Time SIMA Award Winning Flash Bomb has been updated with E4 Neoprene to make this suit 30% more flexible and 20% lighter. Minimal panels and stitch free construction make this suit a winner. BOTTOM LINE- No suit is dryer to the touch in the time the Flash Bomb is. If you want tight seams, high quality rubber, and a suit that will be ready for a second session after a quick break this ones for you. It’s probably the warmest suit we have in the shop as well.
The insane SuperFreak. Now warmer than ever, the SuperFreak is built with FluidFlex™ 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. More freaks of nature from your friends at O’Neill.
The O’Neill SuperFreak Features: 100% Superstretch (60% FluidFlex™, 40% UltraFlex DS), Glued and Blindstitch Seam Construction (GBS), Critically taped seam junctions, and Double Super Seal Neck.
BOTTOM LINE- amazing price for a great suit that will keep you warm when the water gets cold…
RIPCURL E-BOMB HOODED 5.5/4.5 MSRP $350
*this suit available in youth sizes as well
The E-Bomb is the go to suit based on price, flexibility, and warmth. It provides the Ultimate in stretch and durability. E4 rubber throughout with E4+ action panels and E4 seam tape. . The suits are flexible, warm, and easy to get on and off.
BOTTOM LINE- a perfect mix of technology and tried and true rubber and seam construction. No bells and whistles, just quality neoprene in an affordable price range.
BOOTS AND GLOVES
Both Ripcurl and O’neill offer and assortment of winter rubber to keep your hands and feet as toasty as the rest of your body. 7mm mitts and 7mm boots have become the standard for cold water and both companies make bullet proof options for you. Some like it thinner and if that’s you there are 5 mi lobster claws and gloves available as well as a great selection of 5mil boots. All in stock and ready to keep you happy.
Please feel free to call us or come see us with any questions. We’ll get you dialed with what you need to stay warm when the temps are nearing the freezing mark!
