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ONeill Pyscho II |
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Wet suits are warmer, cheaper and more comfortable than ever. BBC on-line reporter and cold water surfer, Steven Shukor, picks five of the best Click to view Top 5 Wetsuits.
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Best for Surfing (ONeill Psycho II, £250) |
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 Think fit, flex and durability. O'Neill's Psycho II wetsuits are probably the best available for surfing today. Features include waterproof seams and - crucially - one of the most flexible materials on the market. They're not cheap but if you surf a lot you should have one. |
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"Cross the line between sanity and madness," says O'Neill of its Psycho II range, claiming it cuts no corners in offering strictly the most advanced cold water technology available.
The Psycho II is designed with performance in chilly conditions in mind. Stitching, which is not waterproof, has been reduced to a minimum. The 2006 range sees the removal of back and knee seams and an improved neck fit. |
Super Flexi |
 The entire suit boasts liquid seams - a silicon seal that replaces the need for stitching which is 100% waterproof - inside and out of the suit. This, combined with a back zip entry and internal back-up rash vest system, vastly reduces the chances of cold water flushes - probably one of the most uncomfortable sensations a surfer experiences in cold water conditions.
While the outside liquid seams are a good idea, they are more vulnerable to wear and tear, especially from exposure to the sunlight, some reviews say. "The suit feels like a summer suit in terms of flexibility and you can move around with very little restriction," says UK reviewers Sunset Surf.
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No Cold Flush |
 "Having the dual liquid seams means you get pretty much no water through the seams, and the back-up internal rash vest system also keeps the water out the top end even when duck diving or wiping out! Having the fleecey lining on the chest also keeps you nice and toasty."
They were also pretty pleased with the snug fit around the buttocks, something which can be hit and miss with wetsuits. "This baby is the top of the line," says Surfing Waves website, while Carve surfing magazine calls the Psycho II a "top end suit".
The 2006 range is available in winter (including an attached hood) and summer options and comes in both mens and women sizes. This much hyped wetsuit does live up to expectations most reviews agree.
It's not cheap but you won't be thinking about the money when you realise how comfortable you feel even in the coldest of UK waters. |
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Pros:
- Super flexible
- Very well sealed on seams and neck
- Nice fit
- Good range, male and female
Cons:
- Not Cheap
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Other great reviews in Sport:
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