3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit

(laidback) · (laidback) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 01-06-2007, 7:50 PM

How hard is it to move around in a 4/3 compared to 3/2 wetsuit?

(midwesty) · (midwesty) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 01-06-2007, 7:57 PM

when i was looking i thought the 4/3 was quite a bit thicker then the 3/2. i went with the 3/2 but also have a 2/1 top that i will wear over it if need be,

i havent tried it yet but people have told me the 3/2 should be fine in the waters we ride

(midwesty) · (midwesty) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 01-06-2007, 7:58 PM

well. obviously it is thicker but more "restrictive" then the 3/2

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 01-07-2007, 11:35 AM

Depends on which one you get. Mine, and Ocean Tec, has Super Stretch in the back, arms, and shoulders. It feels "heavier" but my movement is the same as my 3/2. Don't buy a diver's 4/3. They are cut different.

(derby) · (derby) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 01-07-2007, 12:07 PM

Get the 4/3. The new suits are super strechy and you can always let some water in to cool off. With a 3/2 you cant get any warmer. Adding a 2/1 top will be more restictive then the 4/3.

I use a 4/3 Ripcurl Core and love it. Although the Batwing part can make it a little more difficult to get in and out of.

(midwesty) · (midwesty) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 01-07-2007, 12:12 PM

well..the 2/1 top will be for if it is really cold but with water temp at 56-60 i dont see that as a problem

(derby) · (derby) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 01-07-2007, 12:33 PM

I understand what you're saying Jonny. In a pinch your method would work great. My prefrence would still be just starting out with the 4/3. To each his own...we all still have the same amount of fun.

(liquidmx) · (liquidmx) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 01-07-2007, 12:37 PM

Vince, your adjustment to a 4/3 may be minimal depending what suit you are coming from. The older 3/2 wetsuits are far more restrictive than the new higher stretching material. I had a pretty old excel 3/2 and recently upgraded to a 4/3 JP capsule suit. I noted being both warmer and having more mobility due to the new material being much more stretchy. If you can go try them on and check things out. I would also suggest not skimping on a wetsuit if you plan to spend a decent amount of time in one. A crappy suit can ruin a winter set.

(firedawg) · (firedawg) **Join Date: Oct 2006** 01-08-2007, 1:44 AM

I have an oneil 4/3. For me, it works great. It is a bit more restrictive, but i never get cold. I have been in high 40's /low 50's and dont feel the slightest chill. My .02...

(firedawg) · (firedawg) **Join Date: Oct 2006** 01-08-2007, 1:53 AM

I have an oneil 4/3. For me, it works great. It is a bit more restrictive, but i never get cold. I have been in high 40's /low 50's and dont feel the slightest chill. My .02...

(laidback) · (laidback) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 01-11-2007, 12:20 AM

I'm buying online (i know, not such a good idea) but nearest shop is 45min away and don't carry a large assortment.
I was going to go with the oneil phsyco II 4/3 from killer dana
any experience with this suit and store?

(blabel) · (blabel) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 01-11-2007, 6:52 AM

Vince, if you are getting that suit get the 4/3. That is one of the most flexible suits available but they aren't as warm as others. THe psycho I is warmer. I have a psycho II 3/2 for surfing and it's not quite warm enough in the mornings with the offshore winds. Kind of bummed that I have a nice new expensive suit that isn't warm enough!

What's the water temp you ride in?

(laidback) · (laidback) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 01-11-2007, 3:45 PM

last time i checked was 2-3 weeks ago and it was 55. We've had two cold spells since then with air temps down to 31 and 30.
thanks

(blabel) · (blabel) **Join Date: Jul 2001** 01-11-2007, 4:05 PM

Get a drysuit.