VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

AJSpencer wrote:Is this all still relevant for wetsuit brands? Xcel, Ripcurl?
My 5/4 Ion from about 6 months back is on track for a 6 month lifespan...
Not really up for stitching much.

what one did you get? My ION Onyx select is the most bomber winter suit i have ever had. The ION element editions are cheap and dont last.

Ya it was an Ion Strike Element.
Any local (Victoria) shops to support or just order from online windsurf shops?

island surf for local or I have had great experiences with Bellingham Kiteboarding, fair, easy to deal with, great prices my 5:3 hyperflex suits have been quite good and very inexpensive....tho I don't see a 5:3 listed anymore, too bad. the only front zip where you don't have to kill yourself to get in or out

AJSpencer wrote:Ya it was an Ion Strike Element.
Any local (Victoria) shops to support or just order from online windsurf shops?

I would say warranty it from who you bought it from.

I would not recommend the element grade ION to anyone. Core, Amp or Select. I can order in and drop ship ION. Their close-out deals of previous-year warehouse in-stock harness, wetsuits and accessories are stupid good.

The local surf shops in Vic will have Oneil and Quicksilver. Modern neoprene in surf suits is pretty stretchy so the crossover to windsports less noticeable.

Was cheap entry level and my first real full wetsuit, and got it from Airtime so I’m ok with it being the sacrificial first suit. Now pay a bit more for a longterm suit.
Looks like the ones from Island Surf are either $300 or $500. Assuming about the same prices in stores. I guess most brands have a high quality $500+ model and a medium quality $300 or so, then a $100 “element” type 1 year one. Would a $500 suit last over 5 years? Maybe get 5 years out of a $300 suit?
I no rush. This ripping element will be good until it gets colder... Oct-Nov. Maybe get a Summer deal on a full suit 5/4 though, is my thinking..

Yes and no. The same barnacle or fin will ruin either. It's hit or miss if the premium ones last longer. I think the sweet spot are the $350-425 ones. If you can make either last 5 years you aren't on the water much.

nanmoo wrote:Yes and no...If you can make either last 5 years you aren't on the water much.

Indeed
As to $$, i paid almost $700 (most ever for me) for my Excel top line 5:4, warm and well made....so stiff and water tight I use up 50% of my energy putting it on...front zips suck for me but are much warmer....cost more....take more energy ...and cost me time on the water....IMHO. I have had luck with middle of the road suit as above, 199US, last 3 years maybe

Patagonia. Best wetsuit I have ever purchased.
Used to buy "Promotion" in Hood River for many years.
They go on sale occasionally at patagonia.ca

Yulex R2? Is that equivalent to 5/4? Didn’t see mil thickness.
Might go middle of road ~$300 Xcel suit from Island Surf. Thanks for all feedback!

AJSpencer wrote:Yulex R2? Is that equivalent to 5/4? Didn’t see mil thickness.
Might go middle of road ~$300 Xcel suit from Island Surf. Thanks for all feedback!

No, Yulex 2 is similar to 4/3. Use it in Baja for the winter.
Haven't tried it here. I am older, the water is colder!
Still using a Promotion 5/4.
Waiting for a sale on the Yulex 3 which is similar to a 5/4.
This would replace the Promotion.

The first Ripcurl Flashbomb I bought lasted 200 sessions. I paid nearly $700 for the second one but someone (Tweezer?) bought exactly the same suit a couple of weeks ago for half that price.

Ya that’s the kind of deal I’m looking for!

Patagonia Yulex 1 on sale right now

tempy wrote:Patagonia Yulex 1 on sale right now

Where?

was on the Canada website. I got one - half price and it is awesome.