What's the deal with wetsuits?

(nauty) · (nauty) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 10-14-2010, 12:26 PM

So I'm getting ready to do some Fall riding last week and I can't seem to find my heater top. Now I'm in the market for a new one, but I just can't believe how expensive they are, especially compared to full size wetsuits.

In some cases the heater top is actually more expensive than a thicker full size wetsuit from the same brand. Why on earth would they charge $89 for a 1.5mm top when a 3/2mm full size suit from the same brand is $79? This makes absolutely no sense to me. Am I missing something?

(cwb4me) · (cwb4me) **Join Date: Apr 2010** 10-14-2010, 12:30 PM

usually heater tops are more flexible and less restrictive.

(nauty) · (nauty) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 10-14-2010, 12:34 PM

So that makes them more expensive?

(cwb4me) · (cwb4me) **Join Date: Apr 2010** 10-14-2010, 12:49 PM

people pay more for what they want more. how come a bikini is more than pants and a shirt?

(nauty) · (nauty) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 10-14-2010, 12:51 PM

Touche.......

(bruizza) · (bruizza) **Join Date: May 2009** 10-14-2010, 12:59 PM

I got a brand new hyperlite 2mm heater top off ebay for $23 shipped. Might want to look around some more before dropping ~100 on one.

(nauty) · (nauty) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 10-14-2010, 1:29 PM

Was it the one with red sleeves? Yeah, I saw that one and it was indeed a smoking deal, but they don't have the size I need.

I ended up buying a Billabong 2mm heater top for $50 FROM Hansen's Surf shop. It was $59, but I found an online coupon code for 15% off and it actually worked!

(sexyws6mama) · (sexyws6mama) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 10-14-2010, 1:55 PM

ebay.............

(stephan) · (stephan) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 10-14-2010, 2:45 PM

After years of riding a heater top, I would recommend getting a long sleeve shorty. They offer more warmth, protection for "da boys" and in my opinion are a lot more comfortable (I hate how heater tops move around). I went to a surf shop and tried on a bunch (as they all do fit different), and ended up with an O'neill, best $90 I ever spent.

(nuckledragger) · (nuckledragger) **Join Date: Jun 2004** 10-14-2010, 5:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nauty

So that makes them more expensive?

It can. Different material costs drive the price. The 3/2 suit may be made from standard rubber, while the heater top may be "superflex" rubber. Doesn't make one better than the other neccessarily just because it is superflex.

Look at the boardshort market, prices from $30 to $100 for trunks. The $60 -$100 range are super stretch, show your package to the world, fabric. Not necessarily more functional or more durable but definitely a higher material cost, which in turn drives the retail price. Now the marketing engines are trying to convince everyone that they need overengineered trunks.

....stepping off my soapbox quietly....