How to Find the Perfect Wetsuit

Ahoy Mateys,

Commodore Pruitt is pleased to announce the Fall 2010 Wetsuit Guide brought to you by the Wet Dream.
We at the Wet Dream know that buying a new wetsuit can be tricky, not to mention pricey, so we've highlited a few of our favorites. Check them out.

Oneill Wetsuits

 

Here Dreamers is Oneill's Psychofreak. Equipped with:

• Pullover internal neck seal that blocks out water for maximum performance
• Plasma seals on the wrist and ankles
• A double seal neck
• Lightweight firewall thermal insulation jersey that wicks away mositure and increases warmth
• Available in 3/2 4/3 5/4 and 7/5mm. sizes
• msrp. $295-570

Commodore's Thoughts: A great wetsuit. Really the top of the line when it comes to innovation and materials.  Oneill has pretty much dominated the neopreme game since the 1970's and although they have some of the best products out there for all forms of acquatic sports, $300-600 is a lot to pay for some stretchy rubber.

Rip Curl Wetsuits

What some call the greatest suit ever made, Rip Curl's H-Bomb literally is the bomb. Featuring built in body warmers, this wetsuit has taken the first step into the future of wetsuit design.

• Non-metallic heating element is evenly dispersed on the rear of the suit, and a high-stretch titanium lining reflects heat back to your body
• 3-setting temperature switch located at right hip customizes the warmth for changing conditions
• 2 lithium ion batteries carried in internal pockets on lower back power the heating element
• 120g batteries are positioned to promote flexibility and require a 3 hr. charge time
• Stretchy neoprene forms to your body for a flexible, comfortable fit; the H-Bomb uses the lightest, most flexible and warmest neoprene available from Rip Curl
• Soft polypropylene inner lining wicks moisture and feels comfortable against bare skin

Commodore's Thoughts: The Best.  There are no wetsuits on the markets that can even come close. That being said I would recommend checking out Rip Curl's web site for something that will serve the same functions, but will cost a tenth of the price.  I have worn Rip Curl suits my entire life, so there is a little bit of bias on my behalf, but from what I have seen Rip Curl puts out a great product and offers some great warranties.

Quiksilver Wetsuits

Hello Cypher 2, I think I love you.

Quiksilver's Cypher 2:

• 3mm Hyperstretch II Neoprene body
• 2mm Hyperstretch II Neoprene arms
• 3mm Vaporstretch mesh chest and back panels
• Inner gusset panel HFT Heating System
• GBS (glued and blindstiched) seam seal with Flexmax seal seam taping
• Cypher seal wrist and ankle cuffs
• Cyberfuse kneepads
• Hydroshield water barrier with key pocket
• Hydrowrap neck closure 

Commodore's Thoughts:
Quiksilver will always offer a great quality product within the surfing industry.  Their Wetsuits have never been quite on the same level of Oneill and Rip Curl in terms of popularity, but they truly are works of art.  Quiksilver takes time when designing new models, and that time is reflected in the number of interesting gadgets and innovations that the Cypher has to offer.  Check out the site for other cool designs such as the "cell" and "syncro."

Patagonia Wetsuits

Long renowned for its outdoor clothing Patagonia has recently released a Men and Woman's Wetsuit line. Pictured here the "R3" is a finely tuned machine.  With a little help from the Malloy Brothers, Patagonia was able to launch a wetsuit line that has since become a staple for the modern day cold water adventurer. Check out these specs...

More Environmentally Conscious
Patagonia wetsuits use the highest quality Japanese neoprene. It has a 98% closed-cell ratio, which adds dead air space and with it, warmth.R3 48° - 55°F

• Made for cold water, 3mm smooth-skin neoprene lined with chlorine-free merino wool grid lining.Features - Men's R3® Front-Zip Full Suit We use high-quality 3mm neoprene backed by a grid patterned recycled polyester/chlorine-free merino wool laminate to increase warmth by creating a larger dead air space (Patented)
• Smooth skin exterior on torso, back and hips results in greater warmth by eliminating evaporative cooling in windy conditions
• Dual neck gaskets (internal and external) keep water from flushing in• Internal silicone bar tacks reinforce cuff and ankle seams• Critical seams reinforced; all seams glued and blindstitched
• Overlapped back yoke for easy on/off
• Anatomical, PVC-free kneepads

Fabric: Torso & Back: 3mm smooth skin neoprene exterior lined with chlorine-free merino wool laminated to recycled polyester. Arms & Shoulders: 3mm nylon-faced neoprene exterior lined with chlorine-free merino wool laminated to recycled polyester.
Seat & Legs: 3mm nylon-faced neoprene exterior (with smooth skin at hips) lined with recycled polyester jersey.

Commodore's Thoughts: Perfect for the NYC surfer.  Patagonia understands adventure surfing, and let's face it, surfing NYC is advenutre surfing.