ESM 2013 Wetsuit Buyer's Guide

E A S T E R N S U R F M A G A Z I N E

W E T S U IT BUYER’S GUIDE New Hampshire. Photo: Brian Nevins

B O D Y

G L O V E

VAPOR X

Thickness: 5/4/3mm Hooded, 4/3mm, 3/2mm.

Zipper: Chest and Back.

MSRP: $499.99 (5/4/3mm), $469.99 (4/3mm), $459.99 (3/2mm).

Features: After 10 years as the warmest suit in the water, Body Glove built the most technologically advanced suit ever dreamt of. The Vapor X introduces a revolutionary advancement in seam sealing with the LIQUID WELD inside and MICROBEAD outside. Keeping the tradition of warmth, we’ve added a new THERMOPLUSH and the quick-drying X-DRY throughout. Epitomizing WARMER, DRIER, LIGHTER, the Vapor X crams more technology into this suit than thought possible. c l i c k

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B O D Y

G L O V E VOODOO

Thickness: 4/3mm Hooded, 4/3mm, 3/2mm Zipper: Chest.

MSRP: $319.99 (4/3mm Hooded), $299.99 (4/3mm), $279.99 (3/2mm).

Features: Rising from the depths is a creature of groundbreaking strengths, a midlevel fullsuit dreamt up by our mad scientist to offer extraordinary performance. By extrapolating the DNA of our Vapor X and cross-pollinating it with the exceptional Siroko, our lab has created a mystic beast that is the VOODOO. c l i c k

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H O T L I N E REFLEX1.0

Thickness: 4/3mm, Hood 5/4mm.

Zipper: Front.

MSRP: $379.95, $399.95.

Features: Designed in Santa Cruz, CA, the 5/4mm Reflex1.0 premium fullsuit features 100% “like butter feel� neoprene for ease of entry and effortless paddling.

This suit includes an anatomically correct, heavy-duty hood with drawstring. 50% wider Magnum FireSeam GT Tape for max leak protection and TRI-PLY Bubble Rubber technology aids in core warmth and wind resistance in harsh conditions.

Available in 15 sizes! c l i c k

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H U R L E Y FUSION 202

Thickness: 2/2mm Color: Neon Orange MSRP: $230 Hurley Fusion Series: 1. 100% Flex light neoprene with 20% more stretch.

2. Light Weight.

3. Anatomical seam placement. c l i c k

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H U R L E Y FUSION 302

Thickness: 3/2mm Color: Legacy Navy MSRP: $250 Hurley Fusion Series: 1. 100% Flex light neoprene with 20% more stretch.

2. Light Weight.

3. Anatomical seam placement. c l i c k

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H U R L E Y FUSION 302

Thickness: 3/2mm Color: Electric Green MSRP: $250 Hurley Fusion Series Features: The zip is a No.8 YKK that’s open-ended (open at both ends and has no stress points). The closure has a break in the shoulder allowing the suit to be more flexible, having only one layer of neoprene. We have used split neoprene tape, which is a very labor-intensive process as it has to be done by hand and won’t crack like liquid tape. We have also triple-glued the seam with a compressionbonded blind stitch on the exterior. On the interior, we have used a hollow fiber yarn, which is air rated to increase the warmth, along with a jacquard pattern to reduce contact with the skin. Our suits have been anatomically designed to work with the body. All seams are in “COMPRESSION” areas not “EXPANSION” areas. c l i c k

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H U R L E Y FUSION 302

Thickness: 3/2mm Color: Combat MSRP: $250 Hurley Fusion Series: 1. 100% Flex light neoprene with 20% more stretch.

2. Light Weight.

3. Anatomical seam placement. c l i c k

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H U R L E Y FUSION 403

Thickness: 4/3mm Color: Cyan MSRP: $275 Hurley Fusion Series Features: The zip is a No.8 YKK that’s open-ended (open at both ends and has no stress points). The closure has a break in the shoulder allowing the suit to be more flexible, having only one layer of neoprene. We have used split neoprene tape, which is a very labor-intensive process as it has to be done by hand and won’t crack like liquid tape. We have also triple-glued the seam with a compressionbonded blind stitch on the exterior. On the interior, we have used a hollow fiber yarn, which is air rated to increase the warmth, along with a jacquard pattern to reduce contact with the skin. Our suits have been anatomically designed to work with the body. All seams are in “COMPRESSION” areas not “EXPANSION” areas. c l i c k

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H Y P E R F L E X CYCLONE

Thickness: 3/2mm, 4/3mm, 5/4mm.

MSRP: $99.00 (Flatlock 3/2mm), $119.00 (GBS 3/2mm), $129.99 (4/3mm), $169.99 (5/4mm).

Features: With Cyclone, we had a simple goal: bring out a wetsuit that stands “toe to toe” with other suits — for half the price. Cyclone features Hyperflex’s new exclusive Quantum Foam neoprene, Mini BackZip entry with integrated Water Entry Barrier (W.E.B.), Duratex Knee Pads, and Chillbreaker Mesh skin on chest/ back. Cyclone boasts a combination of limitless stretch, pro-level performance, and a value no other brand can match. c l i c k

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H Y P E R F L E X AMP-3 BACK ZIP

Thickness: 3/2mm, 4/3mm.

MSRP: $269.99 (3/2mm), $289.99 (4/3mm).

Features: AMP-3 Back Zip has been completely redesigned and is the warmest and most flexible back-zip suit we have ever produced. The Mini BackZip entry point incorporates Hyperflex’s integrated Water Entry Barrier (W.E.B.) anti-flush gusset system, AQ3 thermal interior lining fabric promoting core warmth and quick drying without sacrificing flexibility, Chillbreaker Mesh skin chest/back, Duratex kneepads, and GBS seam stitching throughout. c l i c k

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H Y P E R F L E X A M P - 3

F R O N T

Z I P

Thickness: 3/2mm, 4/3mm, 5/4/3 mm Hooded, and 6/5/4mm Hooded.

MSRP: $269.99 (3/2mm), $289.99 (4/3mm), $300.99 (5/4/3mm Hooded), $310.99 (6/5/4mm Hooded).

Features: AMP-3 is Hyperflex’s warmest and most flexible wetsuit. Highlighting the AMP-3 is our new AQ3 thermal-lined interior fabric, which promotes core warmth and quick drying without sacrificing flexibility. All AMP front-zip suits feature double-glued and blind-stitched Liquid Fusion Taped Seams, Hollow Fiber Firewall Chest/Back interior panels, Chillbreaker Mesh Skin chest/back exterior panels, and Duratex kneepads. c l i c k

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H Y P E R F L E X TEAM SERIES - VOODOO

Thickness: 3/2mm, 4/3mm, 5/4/3mm Hooded.

MSRP: $248.99 (3/2mm), $279.99 (4/3mm), $310.99 (5/4/3mm Hooded).

Features: Wear the wetsuit the Hyperflex pros wear — but bring your A-game, because you won’t be missed in these colors! Like a fine microbrew, these suits are available for a limited time only, so get it while you can. Hollow Fiber Firewall + Mesh Skin chest/back panels, Moon Taped GBS Sealed Seams, Duratex kneepads, Waterproof & Corrosion resistant PK Front Zip, and Limited Edition “Voodoo” Colorway. c l i c k

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P A T A G O N I A M’S R2® FRONT-ZIP

Zipper: M’s Front-Zip (shown). Also available in: M’s Back-Zip, M’s Front-Zip Hooded, W’s Front-Zip. MSRP: $479 Features: The entire R2 series has 100% external seam sealing, internal taping on all critical areas, and is made of high-quality neoprene that passes Patagonia’s standards for long-lasting performance and durability. The R2 features our proprietary mid-weight merino wool lining in the entire torso and thighs for core warmth and comfort. The sleeves, inner/outer thighs, and lower legs are lined with a lightweight green recycled-polyester grid for warmth and increased flexibility. c l i c k

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P A T A G O N I A . c o m / w e t s u i t s

P A T A G O N I A M’S R3® FRONT-ZIP

Zipper: M’s Front-Zip (shown). Also available in: M’s Front-Zip Hooded, M’s Back-Zip, W’s Front-Zip. MSRP: $549 Features: The entire R3 series has 100% external seam sealing, internal taping on all critical areas, and is made of high-quality neoprene that passes Patagonia’s standards for long-lasting performance and durability. The entire torso and thighs are lined with our original heavyweight merino wool for core warmth and comfort, while sleeves, inner/outer thighs, and lower legs are lined with our proprietary mid-weight merino wool grid for warmth and increased flexibility. c l i c k

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R I P

C U R L

E-BOMB PRO ZIP FREE

Thickness: 4/3mm, 3/2mm.

MSRP: $319.99 (4/3mm), $299.99 (3/2mm).

Features: The Zip Free Entry is back! Now with E4 Super Stretch Neoprene, which allows easy entry and exit with the extra freedom of no zip. 100% E4 Neoprene and GBS Sealed Seams with stress point taping for a sealed seam with maximum stretch. c l i c k

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R I P

C U R L

FLASH BOMB

Thickness: 6/4mm Hooded, 5/4mm Hooded, 4/3mm, 3/2mm, 2/2mm.

MSRP: $469.99 (6/4mm Hooded), $459.99 (5/4mm Hooded), $439.99 (4/3mm), $419.99 (3/2mm), $379.99 (2/2mm).

Features: The two-time SIMA award-winning Flash Bomb and World’s Fastest Drying wetsuit just got better! It has been updated with E4 Flash Lining to make this suit 30% more flexible and 20% lighter. 100% E4 Stitchless Double-Taped Seams create the ultimate durable seal consisting of E4 Tape combined with Aquaban liquid tape. c l i c k

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X C E L DRYLOCK

Thickness: 3/2mm, 4/3mm, 4/3mm Hooded, and 5/4mm Hooded.

MSRP: $469.95 (3/2mm), $484.95 (4/3mm), $514.95 (4/3mm Hooded), $549.95 (5/4mm Hooded).

Features: We’ve made the best even better. Trusted to deliver the most advanced levels of performance, the all-new Drylock features TD3 Th3rmoDry — the ultimate neoprene, our warmest, lightest, and driest system yet — and FusionWeld seams for a virtually stitch-free, watertight construction. A waterproof zipper plus exclusive warmth, stretch, and fit innovations make the Drylock a must-have for surfers seeking only the best. c l i c k

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X C E L DRYLOCK BOOT/GLOVE

Boot thickness: 3mm, 5mm, or 7mm. Glove thickness: 3mm, 5mm, or 7mm.

Boot MSRP: $69.95 (3mm Split Toe or 5mm Round Toe), $74.95 (5mm Split Toe or 7mm Round Toe).

Glove MSRP: $49.95 (3mm 5-Finger or 5mm Lobster Claw), $54.95 (5 mm 5-Finger or 7mm Mitten).

Features: SIMA Hardgoods Accessory Product of the Year, the Drylock Boot now has a thinner sole and angled Velcro straps for improved comfort and fit. Both the Drylock Boot and Drylock Glove feature seamless Drylock ankle/wrist seals, inner Quick dry lining, UltraStretch neoprene, and glued and blindstitched seams. c l i c k

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X C E L REVOLT X2

Thickness: 3/2mm, 4/3mm, and 5/4mm Hooded.

MSRP: $384.95 (3/2mm), $399.95 (4/3mm), $464.65 (5/4mm Hooded).

Features: Introducing our newest fullsuit series, the Revolt. This front-entry Revolt X2 features all-new TD3 Th3rmoDry — the ultimate neoprene, our warmest, lightest, and driest system yet. A close cousin of the Drylock, with similar exclusive material and seam innovations, the Revolt X2 delivers amazing performance, warmth, and stretch. c l i c k

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X C E L INFINITI COMP DIPPED BOOT/GLOVE

Thickness: 3mm Boot, 2mm Glove.

MSRP: $69.95 Boot, $39.95 Glove.

Features: These dipped accessories are high performance, ultra lightweight, and designed to let you really feel your board — even in colder conditions. Both are dipped in liquid neoprene, sealing all seams to keep water out and warmth in. The 3mm split toe boot features a low profile, sleek design, glued and blindstitched seams, and a back ankle pull loop. c l i c k

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Pete Polanski. Portugal. Photo: Nathan Adams