wetsuit reviews

We got our team rider Cian to review the O'Neill Psycho Freak 4.5/3.5 and staff member Shane reviewed the Xcel Infiniti hooded 5/4/3. Both suits have their own selling points. Sounds like it may be a case of the Freak for the groms and competition surfers, and Infiniti for us older folk?

O'Neill Psycho Freak 4.5/3.5
The O’Neil psychofreak is definitely the warmest and best wetsuit I have ever had. But my favourite thing about the wetsuit is it is only a 4.5 3.5 and this makes it really flexible. I would recommend this suit for anybody who would like a really warm suit and for it to be flexible. It is perfect for all the groms.
Costs €374 at Bundoran Surf Co.
By Cian Logue.

Xcel Infiniti Hooded 5/4/3
The Xcel infiniti wetsuits have been on the market here in Ireland for the past four years or so. Within this period they have established a reputation for keeping surfers warm and in the water for longer on even the coldest days in the depths of winter.
The model I went for this year is the 5.4.3 infiniti hooded. The suit is very comfortable and extremely warm! I have had an xcel suit before but used a different suit all last winter. This break fom xcel suits made me appreciate how warm they actually are. I noticed that between sets, when I would usually be hunched up with my hands stuck in my armpits for warmth, I was instead comfortable and my muscles were relaxed. Another pleasant surprise was that my session ended due to tired arms and not the onslaught of Hypothermia!
Although xcel suits are perceived by Irish surfers as being amongst the warmest on the market, I have heard some surfers question there flexibility. I found my suit plenty flexible. The fact of the matter is that your body is going to be more flexible when your warm and there is steady blood flow through your muscles. Maybe if your Kelly Slater you might feel limited by the slight extra weight in this suit. But then again if you were Kelly Slater you’d probably head off to Hawaii for Jan/Feb rather than staying here freezing your nuts off!
Costs €335 at Bundoran Surf Co.
By Shane Mc Manus.