Wetsuit Buying Guide

If it's time for a new wetsuit or if you are a first time buyer then hopefully this wetsuit buyer's guide will help you.  Wetsuits have changed drastically over the last few years.  The wetsuits of today are more flexible and warmer then ever.  The days of feeling stiff and restricted in your wetsuit are over.  Newer suits are also much warmer.  The new 3/2 mm wetsuits of today keep you just as warm as an old 4/3 mm from a few years ago.

Shorty's, full suits, spring suits?

Wetsuits are available in many different styles for different types of climates.  If you live in he Northeast US like me then you will need an arsenal of wetsuits for every season.  See below:

	Spring Suit or Shorty  The Spring suit or shorty is a must for the summer months when the water or air temps drop a bit.
	Short Sleeve Full Suit The short sleeve full suit is a great suit for when it's a bit to chilly for the shorty.  If you live in southern cali then the short sleeve full is a must have for you.  Good for water temps around 65 - 70.
	Full Suit The full suit is usually available in either 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm.  You will need a 3/2 for the late spring and early fall months in most locations.  Good for water temps from about 55 - 65 with gloves and boots for the colder temps.  The 4/3 full suit is needed if you are going to be surfing in water temps below 50 with hood, boots and gloves.
	Winter Full Suit Break out the hot cocoa!  The winter full suit usually comes in 6/4 mm, 5/4/3 mm, or 5/4 mm.  The winter full suit is needed for very cold conditions and water temps below 45.  You won't need one of these unless you live up in the northeast during the winter months.  If you don't want to miss out of the winter swells then your going to need a winter full suit.

Wetsuit Thickness 3/2, 4/3, etc.

The thickness of suits is measured on millimeters (mm).  The colder the water and air temps the thicker the suit you are going to need.  Full suits range in thickness of 3/2 mm to 6/4 mm and up.

What Are Wetsuits Made Out Of?

When buying a wetsuit you have 2 materials to choose from... either regular neoprene or the new superstretch material.  Superstretch is a lot more less restrictive and more expensive than regular neoprene but it doesn't hold up as well.  Regular neoprene will last a lot longer than superstretch.  It's up to the buyer.  Would you rather have a very flexible suit or a suit that will last a few years longer?

Choosing The Right Size

Wetsuits should be skin tight but not too tight so that you feel restricted.  If it's not skin tight the suit is not going keep you warm.  There is nothing worse than a cold water flush because your suit is to loose.

Buying a Wetsuit Online

If you want to save some cash on tax then buying a wetsuit online is a good option.  BeckerSurf.com has a very large selection of O'Neill wetsuits to choose from and great prices.