New Wetsuit

My view on suits is it's better to overdo it a tad. You can always fall in and to cool off. Once you're cold though, you are cold.
I wear a 4/3 and I wear a steamer top underneath. That top underneath is the deal maker. Without it, I get cold, with it, I am totally warm.
I also wear a hoodie gig when it's sub 60. Without it, my head gets real cold and that's where you lose a lot of heat.

I can't imagine only wearing a 3/2 full. That's me. Let's see what the others guys say.

[Chad085]

i currently only have a 3/2, and sometimes it's just not enough. I will say, however, that if you wear gloves, booties and a hood you will be as warm as you possibly can be in a 3/2. I'll be getting a 4/3 or maybe even a 5/3 in the near future and probly one of those kick-ass Gill windbreakers too. Just talking about this makes me cold, can't wait to 'trunk it in a nice spring seabreeze

[Steve-O]

I think if your gonna get a full, a 4/3 is the way to go, so when it does get really cold your covered. I have talked to some guys lately who are wearing a wind breaker pullover to help keep the chill off from the wind. Wetsuits are really designed for underwater use, but with the introduction of slick skin technology that can also help insulate against the wind. However, I have seen these slick skin suits not hold up so well over time. The rubber gets dry and cracks, and are just not as durable as straight up neoprene.

My advice is invest in something that really stretches as 4/3 tend to be a bit inflexible. On those really nutty cold days, wear a wind breaker over the top and you would be surprised the difference it makes in your warmth.

We have been carring these pullover tops by Gill that are really designed for sailors, but have been getting really good feedback. Hell, they can make a 3/2 feel a lot better.

Just some thoughts.

[pebbles]

4/3 works for most cool days for me. Check out the Neilpryde website for fit.

They have alot of different measurements. I ordered mine from Darryl and he said just pick my size online and let him know. 2 days later I had my perfect sized wetsuit. So much easier than trying on wetsuits!

Later

pebbles

I failed to mention the slick skin and the flexibility of the suit, like Steve mentioned. I wouldn't even bother getting a suit without both. It might add some to the cost, but man, it's worth it, imo.

Before the flexible material came out, I use to fatigue really fast, even just pumping up the kite. It was ridiculous.
The slick skin makes a huge improvement on keeping the wind from blowing thru the neoprene.

[toby wilson]

I hear the Mystic suits are kick @$$. I personally am fine in the $40.00 3/2 I bought used at a dive shop in the Keys with a top underneath in most conditions. I probably need to upgrade to a nicer 4/3 but just don't really get out all that much on the SUPER cold days. The frozen fingers and face just really isn't worth it to me. But when I do go out on those cold days I make sure to bring along my hoodie top and neoprene gloves just like the others have said on here.

[WindRyder]

Yes, the Mystic and Maui Magic wetsuits are great. I have a 4/3 Maui Magic Hana steamer (Mystic's line for women) and Roy has a Mystic Crossfire 5/3. Both of these suits are made with Metalite which resists both water and wind. I don't like the skinning, as it breaks down more easily and can limit mobility. These suits off great flexibility with wind and water protection. I know Emerald Coast Kiteboarding has the Crossfire on special.

[LSUkiter]

Thanks for the help. I'm glad I asked because it sounds like the concensus is 4/3 not 3/2 like I thought. I'm definitley looking for something that is flexible, because most of my time in suits is diving, and I know how it feels to come on the boat after kicking your legs in a thick suit. It tires you out and can make your knees hurt. I've looked at what they carry at WSW and saw some definite possibilities, but I aslo looked at the Neil Pryde and Mystic websites and just wish there were local spots to actually check 'em out in real life, cuz I'm always worried if I'm just reading too much into the advertising.
Thanks again