Hi AUS4,
And apologies to other readers, but the below comment gets my goat!!
Probably why as an industry person I have only made 74 posts since joining in 2003.
"Please don't mislead the public with double lined, I worked for O'Neill for 7 years and I know the real sale figures."
Do you seriously think our business intent would be to mislead the public??
How long has it been since you worked for O'Neill? And did you leave because they did not share your vision and make single lined suits?? Even in their current Wind / Kite range they do not seem to have a single lined suit, maybe they are onto something
I highly doubt that you would have access / know the real sales figures for all brands in recent times or even what we sell. We are not just an Australian based brand, we sell our products into 25 countries and most of which are in Europe. Our range is shaped over many years by customer feedback / demand, so we focus or designs on what works and therefore sells.
Guess we have to agree to disagree, but I am not real sure what your beef is with our brand??
Regards,
Marco
Hirarious to hear from NSW folks on how you dont need a 5/3 wetsuit...http://www.metoc.gov.au/products/data/aussst.php?search&Sydney
www.metoc.gov.au/products/data/aussst.php?search&Melbourne
www.metoc.gov.au/products/data/aussst.php?search&Hobart
www.metoc.gov.au/products/data/aussst.php?search&Perth
www.metoc.gov.au/products/data/aussst.php?search&Adelaide
Also worth mentioning that the Tassy folks sail when it is snowing... and Port Philip Bay gets significantly colder that the ocean.
www.baywx.com/temps.2011.html
What I want to know is, why does every wetsuit wear out in the shoulders?
Oneil physco freak and physco 2 are the 4/3s that I have been most impressed with. They are not the cheapest but like a lot of things, you get what you pay for.
Mathew said: “What I want to know is, why does every wetsuit wear out in the shoulders?”
Well, it's for two reasons: think about the very small radius curves that are in your shoulder (sideways and front-to-back) and think how the wetsuit must fit around those curves all of the time and flex at the same time. The material on the outside is under tension all of the time, stressing it and leading to eventual failure.
The second reason is the sun: your shoulders are always facing toward the sun and, even in winter, there is a fair amount of UV rays that are hitting the material and breaking it down. You can try to stop/reduce the effect of UV on single-lined wetsuits by using this: .mcnett.com/UV-Tech-Protectant-Rejuvenator-P243.aspx. My winter wetsuits get it sprayed on them twice a year: once in March, just before I start to use the suit in winter and then once in November, when the wettie gets shampooed/cleaned and put away until next March.
Never used the anti-UV spray on double-lined wetties, because I'm satisfied with the life I get out of them (years) and besides, a new wettie feels SO GOOD!
Hope this helps.
I've recently got an Attica wetsuit, a Victorian brand!! can't fault it, and it just so happened to be cheaper than 80% of online offerings. I surf as well so a specific one wasn't even considered. While I don't expect to break any wetsuit, it happens and that is another key factor in ignoring online stores
I am in the market for a new wettie and will probably buy F.O simply because it is aussie and their sales service is spot on.
But Marco is there a flux 3/2 with back zip? I think my shoulder injuries may make a chest hard to climb out of
$600 for a wetsuit is fkn madness, I use the cheapest Ripcurl 3x2 from 5 years ago, about a $250 suit then, and am plenty warm enough windsurfing in it. Maybe if surfing anywhere south I'd want warmer but bloody hell $600+
But what is single and double lined? You can have neoprene, or neoprene smooth skin used in some panels. ?? does double refer to the neoprene that is like cloth both sides, and single is what we always called smoothies?
I might add I would not pay top off the line prices! Every one has been at half price, I don't buy it when I need it, I buy it when I see a good one at an affordable price.
Been surfing and sailing for 30-40 years. Had every kind of wetsuit.
The biggest factor is AGE!
A wetsuit over 2 years old is going down fast. Ditch it and get a new one. Be amazed how warm the new one is!
Me?
Peak 4/3 surfing. RR was 240. 20% off sale = $200. Now coming up to 2 years old and I am on the lookout for a new one.
Very bad strategy to buy a super expensive wetsuit and then hang on to it for 5 years to try to justify the cost. Better to get a new cheap on every year.
Each to their own I guess, but I would prefer to support the local retailer I just used to get my wetty size and who spent their time explaining one suit from another to me, and who I will probably rely on should anything go wrong with the wetty. Having a real shop and not just an online store costs money, but adds a lot of convenience. But that's just me.
I hear you - I would really prefer to support the local retailer, but honestly, if there is a 40% difference in price, I can't justify it. What I won't do it use them to try on sizes and then buy online. Something feels not quite right about doing this.
Thanks to Marco and the boys for my new 3/2 flying objects wettie.got sick of wearing black like everyone so got a nice bright one.
Very soft,warm wettie to wear windsurfing,SUP and surfing. Most of crew over here wear flying objects gear and you can't bet value for money
Great gear:.......keep up the good work
For what its worth [and this might prompt a very different discussion] I just got the new winter wettie. Very happy with it, bought it online from OS and it was delivered to my door in less than a week for $220 (including delivery).
I know a lot of you advised against buying online, a lot of advice to buy local or support the local shop, but if you find good online retailer (and there are many) they will do the sizing piece really well, as well as provide you very quick feedback if you have questions.
I got a wetsuit I am really pleased with, fits perfectly and was cheap.
I just received a 2013 Flux 3/2 steamer and did a bit of a review here ozwindrider.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/new-suit-ready-for-business/
I am stoked with what I have in front of me, the new design looks great - I am a fan of chest zip suits and have had them for a few years.
Disclaimer: I do receive FO gear at a discounted rate.