I tried on a Chest Zip wet suit in the store and couldn't get out of it so I didn't buy it.

However, one of my friends was wearing one and I asked him how he managed to get out of it. He said it was his first time so he hadn't tried yet. I asked him if he tried it on and told about my attempt. Now, this guy is even a little older and perhaps a bit fatter than me so like most men in his situation he has some well developed moobs, covered in grey hair. He said that, like me, he got stuck in the changing room but did not have anyone to help him so after getting all hot and sweaty and stuck he had to come out of the change room into the shop with his arms stuck to his side and just his moobs hanging over the front of the wetsuit. The shop was filled with young girls and he had to ask for help. He said it was amongst the most humiliating times of his life. After I laughed out loud with his story I went out for a quick kite and he went to pack up. When I finished I was surprised to see him still there at his car. I said - you took a while to pack up and -you guessed it - he had got stuck again and had needed help from a passer by!!

It seems you can only buy chest entry 4:3 steamer now. Post your experiences.

Simple. I have a 4-3 NPX assassin chest zip. Getting out is a pita and you look like a sealion doing the hula.
Solution: I put a cover on my carseat, open all the windows and cruise home.

Maybe you guys have bought the wrong size suits.

I have a Rip Curl Flash Bomb. It is effortless to get in and out of.

The interior fleece lining touch dries in 20 minutes as they say in the ads. It's a little bit of a trick. The fleece wicks the water away from the surface so it feels dry. The moisture is still there under the fleece and you can feel it if you squeeze it. It is still dry enough to have multiple sessions in a day in winter and it feels like putting on a dry suit.

There is technique to it for sure. First time I tried it on in the shop yeh had that awful sensation of being trapped in it and unable to get it off. Ha ha

But they do stretch and become more supple. Eventually even when old an used like mine it still fits like a glove but much easier to get in and out of.

Yep new can be an adventure but after a while no probs.

Maybe you guys have bought the wrong size suits.

I have a Rip Curl Flash Bomb. It is effortless to get in and out of.

The interior fleece lining touch dries in 20 minutes as they say in the ads. It's a little bit of a trick. The fleece wicks the water away from the surface so it feels dry. The moisture is still there under the fleece and you can feel it if you squeeze it. It is still dry enough to have multiple sessions in a day in winter and it feels like putting on a dry suit.

Adfreetv said...

I tried on a Chest Zip wet suit in the store and couldn't get out of it so I didn't buy it.

However, one of my friends was wearing one and I asked him how he managed to get out of it. He said it was his first time so he hadn't tried yet. I asked him if he tried it on and told about my attempt. Now, this guy is even a little older and perhaps a bit fatter than me so like most men in his situation he has some well developed moobs, covered in grey hair. He said that, like me, he got stuck in the changing room but did not have anyone to help him so after getting all hot and sweaty and stuck he had to come out of the change room into the shop with his arms stuck to his side and just his moobs hanging over the front of the wetsuit. The shop was filled with young girls and he had to ask for help. He said it was amongst the most humiliating times of his life. After I laughed out loud with his story I went out for a quick kite and he went to pack up. When I finished I was surprised to see him still there at his car. I said - you took a while to pack up and -you guessed it - he had got stuck again and had needed help from a passer by!!

It seems you can only buy chest entry 4:3 steamer now. Post your experiences.

I tried on a chest zip steamer a long time ago and I hated it! I felt almost claustrophobic in it, I felt like I couldnt get it off quick enough as I found it to be quite a struggle to get out off.
Reluctantly, I tried on a ripcurl flashbomb (with chest zip) earlier this year and went ahead and bought it. Am used to it now and I find that its actually easier to get in and out of than my old back zip steamer. It is so much more warmer and doesnt leak any water in. The flashbomb (available in mens also) has this nice furry material on the inside and when I get out of it, its almost completely dry, its amazing - highly recommend it!
Cheers

Plus one on the polo fleece. Wear it during summer as well without the wetty. On of the most useful purchase I ever made.

puppetonastring said...
Just an idea - a good one imo.
Try going a full rating down in the thickness & wear a short sleeved poly fleece thermal rashie underneath.
Tried it myself - went from my regular 3/2 to 2/2 last winter & with my Poly Fleece rashy underneath was way warmer than Ive ever been. Going to a 1.5/1.5 super stretch this year - reckon it will be more than cosy here in Perth
NB where water temp rarely gets below 20 degs - 18degs at its worst.
The poly fleece is a great item for year round. It is a stay-dry, wind chill proof fabric which is super comfy & gives plenty of insulation to cover wind chill which is actually worse when wearing normal lycra that really only protects from UV.

Long sleeves great for summer but not a good option for under the wetty.
Poly Fleece Hoodys in now as well - great for those who hate neoprene. I havent tried it yet but expecting it will cover the head-chill & aching ears really well. Just $10 crazy price.

Puppet, your dead set on this poly fleece arent you.
im going to have to give it a shot, where can i buy?

kitegirl21 said...


pretty sick wetsuit! Glass of wine not so bad either!

That arm hold the wind glass dosen't match the suit?