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I have come to the conclusion that my wetsuits suck for anything colder than a cool day, and have decided to shell out for a new wetsuit. I live in Jhb, but this year will (hopefully) be spending half of my time in Langebaan. Do any of you cold water kiters have any suggestions for a good wetsuit? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am heading down to the Cape for two weeks from tomorrow, and plan to buy a wetsuit then. Thanks.

If you are going for warmth only I would go for one of the windsurfing wetsuits that basically blocks out the wind (surfing suits don't really do this too well)

However, the windsurfing suits aren't the most flexible, so if you want a good combination of flex and warmth I'd go for the warmer surfing suits like the Billabong Solution Gold or the Quiksilver Cell suits (4/3)

I have both the Billabong and Quiksilver suits - my Quiksilver suit is a lot warmer and the blind seals don't go open like they do on the Billabong, so my vote is with the Quiksilver

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iKiteboarding.com

Thanks for the feedback, Carlo, I was actually considering getting the Billabong Gold, and had been advised that the life expectancy of the Quicksilver Cell wetsuits left a bit to be desired? In terms of flexibility, are they both pretty much the same?

Hi DvB ,

 

The Cell suit by Quik is definetly the most flexible and durable on the market . To top it all we are running a special on our wetsuits and have the complete range at the Slingshot shop in CT .

Give Dave a call on 021 5543418

 

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Regards
Gavin Spowart

Cyclone Extreme Products
25 Hunter street Durban
27 31 3686864
083 4638025

Slingshot CT
shop 38 Seaside Village
Big Bay , Blouberg
Cape Town
021 5543418
www.cyclonekiteboarding.com

Oh and I almost forgot to mention the most important issue : Warranty !!!

Quik has an awesome Warranty Policy on all their suits and the turnaround time for repairs or replacement is super fast .

   

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Regards
Gavin Spowart

Cyclone Extreme Products
25 Hunter street Durban
27 31 3686864
083 4638025

Slingshot CT
shop 38 Seaside Village
Big Bay , Blouberg
Cape Town
021 5543418
www.cyclonekiteboarding.com

I'd def. go for the Quiksilver - the seals open on the Billabongs and I know of quite a few that have the same problem. Also the Quiksilver suit is so much warmer - they are both equally flexible - Quiksilver is just so much warmer and more durable IMO.

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iKiteboarding.com

Thanks for the feedback, guys, I will definitely check them out.

also check out Oneil's Psycho - fitted me better than the Quick for some reason.

http://www.oneill.com/mens-products.php?sport=surf&categoryID=-1&typeID=20&seriesID=40&id=180

Warmth is not really an issue when kiting, but the flex helps. These top-end surf suits are not as durable as cheaper less flexible suits, and take a beating when kiting - mainly from the sun. Don't buy too big - it needs a tight fit when dry.

 

 

 

 

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Cheers

Andre

hi mate, I moved to Ireland last year, and even in the summer the water is icy. Last week (spring here now) I spent 2 hours in the water and lets just say the ambient temp was approx 5degrees before the wind chill was taken into account. the water temp was 4-6 degrees.

I bought myself an ALDER wetsuit when I arrived here last autumn, (Plasma Storm) comparative to the O'Neill psycho when I reviewed them. (4/3mm) I think, and not the most flexable, but has some really cool features which I think would do well in the Cape Town winter. It has sealed seems(as do most top suits now), internal chest liner and back liner so no need for rashie, really soft neck liner, and an integrated "collar" which runs down the back and allows for the drainage of water entering the neck down through a small hole and the end of the zipper, preventing those cold rushes you get when you hit the water (okay I hit the water often) i think ONeil do a design which incorporates this and I have really enjoyed this feature. In my mind the Psycho and this suit were very closely matched, (I had searched for the quicksilver but not really liked what was available here) I went for the Alder as it felt more flexable instore (not a great indicator) and it was 40 euro cheaper! If you cant find the Alder go for the psycho.

I find the tight fit definately helps the warmth factor and the suit gets more flexable when wet, I had to be convinced by the salesman not to go a size bigger and he was dead on. Booties have really allowed me to extend my time on the water, but I have yet to find gloves that dont drive my foremans screaming mad with pain after half an hour.

Good luck, and enjoy the "warm winter"

Check out the all-new 4/3 Reef suit.  Super comfy, bullet proof contruction and stylish.  The suits retail about R2000 so pefect for most people's pockets.

Great local brand too! 

Rob

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Naish Africa

www.naishafrica.com
info@naishafrica.com

+27 79 569 4688
Skype:: robmunro65

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