STEAMERS – What’s ‘HOT’ and from who?

Autumn… it’s a great time of year!  The wind is off shore for the early, and there always seems to be a consistent swell running. 
But with these great conditions comes a chill in the air, and a plummeting water temperature that can take some of the pleasure out of getting in the water.
Thankfully we have a number of amazing wetsuit companies within the surf industry who continue to revolutionize the winter wetsuit, making them better and better every year.

Listed below are the stand out 2012 WINTER wetsuits for the Gents from the worlds leading wetsuit companies that are perfect for the coldest winter conditions that Sydney and the East Coast can dish up! So if it’s warmth that your after, take a close look at the following:

O’NEILL – PSYCHO 3 3/2, RRP $549-

If you are a back zip wetsuit person then this is the suit for you. The All new Psycho 3 draws on the key features of the Psycho 2 of warmth, flexibility and superior fit but takes it to a whole new level. Featuring double super seam weld, O’Neills all new narrower silicone based urethane seal applied to both sides of a triple glued seam. Creating a stitchless seam that is 60% thinner and lighter than other seam seals. Also, Introducing “Technobutter” O’Neills new and exclusive most advanced neoprene. “Technobutter neoprene boasts a 17% lighter with 30% less water absorption and quick dry properties that makes this the most technical and buttery neoprene on the  market.”

 Features:
*Double super seam weld (water tight and stitchless)
*Pull over barrier 2
*Patented Zen zip closure system with drain hole
*Double super seal neck 
*Handcuff wrist seal
*External key pocket with loop

RIP CURL – FLASHBOMB 3/2, RRP $549-                                                                     

The latest edition tho the Rip Curl “Ultimate” range is the Falshbomb. The Flashbomb is “the world’s fastest drying wetsuit with flash-dry lining.” This suit has been constructed with “the most advanced neoprene and is loaded with the latest technology.”
It has a chest zip entry system for maximum flexibility through the back of the suit and a hydro lock collor for an ultra water tight neck seal. It is constructed in 100% E3 neoprene for that super flexible feel, has a mesh skin chest and kidney panel. The panels are glued together with Rip Curl’s stitchless seam technology, which is externally aquaban taped, and internally sealed with E3+ tape that creates an extremely flexible, water proof and durable seal.

  Features:
*Flash lining
*Chest zip
*Mesh skin
*E3+ tape
*Drainage system
*Hydro-lock colar
*100% E3+ neoprene
*S-Flex Knees
*Stash pocket

BILLABONG – SOLUTION XERO 3/3, RRP $549-

The all new Solution Xero is a full 3mm wetsuit designed to be worn in the coldest harshest conditions. The combination of exclusive AX1 superflex neoprene that is 10% lighter than previous airlite neoprene, internal drymax furnace quick dry lining throughout and xero stitchless welded seams, a stitchless welded seam that is light and durable, all make for” the most advanced incredibly warm, flexible, lightweight performance wetsuit.”
It has a new xero entry system designed to lock water out, without sacrificing the size of the opening, the first internal barrier for a chest zip design.

Features
*AX1 – Airlite superflex neoprene
*Drymax furnace lining (with irrigation channels for fast drying)
*Xero entry opening and seal
*Xero stitchless seem
*Key pocket

XCEL – INFINITY DRYLOCK 3×2, RRP $575-

The Infinity Drylock steamer has won the prestigious SIMA title of Wetsuit of the year 3 years running! “Stay dry, stay warm, stay in!”
Features Xcel’s waterproof Drylock zip system with zipper attached at one shoulder for a more water tight fit. Also features Xcel’s all new Water-Repellent Fiber (WRF), with material fibers that resist saturation and last longer than alternative water-repellent coatings. Also new to the Infiniti Drylock is an inner geometric patterned ankle seal, which drastically cuts down on flushing.
In keeping with Xcel’s goal of minimizing product impact on the environment, all Infiniti Drylock wetsuits feature Xcel’s eco-friendly ThermoBamboo inner lining, and cleaner limestone-based neoprenes and glues.

Features:
*Drylock zip system
*Air chambered insulating airprene (chest and back)
*Thermo carbon lining (thermo bamboo)
*QDF quickdry fibre exterior

Well there you have it, the best of the best!

Remember these are the top of the range suits from these manufacturers, but there are many other suits available that are suitable for a Sydney winter that are a cheaper price point.

So come on into Wicks, have a chat to our friendly staff and check them all out for your self!