Author Topic: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?  (Read 5679 times)

Zooport

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Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« on: October 07, 2015, 06:19:57 PM »
We don't need it here in SoCal on even the coldest winter days, but I was wondering if any of you cold climate guys find any value in them.  It looks like somebody has a website dedicated to heated suits: http://www.heatedwetsuits.com/
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kayadogg

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2015, 07:00:01 PM »
I just ordered this about an hour ago: http://www.quiksilver.com/ps%2Bqs-heated-vest-HV915MF.html?dwvar_HV915MF_color=blk&dwvar_HV915MF_size=01-xxs#cgid=sales_men_surf-accessories&start=3&hitcount=7

The code STOCKUP that someone else posted for a PFD works on all Quiksilver sale items so even though the reviews aren't great, $62 for this seemed to good to pass up. Hopefully it's not a complete waste. I've never tried a heated wetsuit, I've always thought they were gimicky but maybe this will prove me wrong.

Zooport

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2015, 08:16:03 PM »
$62?  Woah, I didn't even want one, but that price makes me want to give it a try.   
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mrbig

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2015, 06:20:38 AM »
No one that I know..
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Bean

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2015, 06:23:55 AM »
Nah, keep it simple...

outcast

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2015, 07:21:34 AM »
RipCurl tried the full suit.  battery was too far outside...the wires too spread out, that got pulled.

Water and electicity doesn't make much sense to me, but there are def days when it's a core temp drop issue....Other days, hands feet and face limit the fun ...Know two guys who swear by the vest, but we all justify what we buy.

I have been waiting for 2nd/third generation stuff

Winter takes all kinds of adaptations...having a rinse bucket of hot water in an cooler seems paradoxical too....

And Mr Big......let's just be clear on this.....you already have your batteries and wires.....don't go all AC/DC on us



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andygere

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2015, 08:31:56 AM »
Gary was an early adopter on these, and wrote a comprehensive review on his blog.  Check it out here:

http://srfnff.blogspot.com/2009/11/quiksilver-heated-vest-review.html

Henrik F

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2015, 12:38:08 PM »
Not sure what you consider as cold but here in Sweden (the Baltic sea) I use a 6/5/4 wetsuit with a hood in winter. No need for anything with a battery. 3mm gloves and 7 mm booties.

Henrik F
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stoneaxe

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #8 on: October 08, 2015, 12:43:47 PM »
Same here, I layer up. 5/4/3 with a 2mm hooded vest (hood is 5mm) 7mm boots and just 2mm gloves. I always bring a few gallons of HOT water with me. Drink a bunch before going in, pour 1/2 gal into my suit before going in. If I start getting cold I come in and drink more and pour more into the suit. No batteries needed.
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PDLSFR

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2015, 03:52:02 AM »
I just ordered this about an hour ago: http://www.quiksilver.com/ps%2Bqs-heated-vest-HV915MF.html?dwvar_HV915MF_color=blk&dwvar_HV915MF_size=01-xxs#cgid=sales_men_surf-accessories&start=3&hitcount=7

The code STOCKUP that someone else posted for a PFD works on all Quiksilver sale items so even though the reviews aren't great, $62 for this seemed to good to pass up. Hopefully it's not a complete waste. I've never tried a heated wetsuit, I've always thought they were gimicky but maybe this will prove me wrong.

Thanks for that Code reminder Kaya, and this might be a good call for you since your heading back east and you may have forgotten how cold it is surfing in a blizzard in February !!!!!
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linter

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2015, 07:02:11 AM »
    i had the thermolution vest and it did nothing for me.  then again, i am very sensitive to cold.

   otoh, i have an isurus wetsuit that keeps me pretty darn warm in all temps.

   it's my fingers and feet that are a problem.  if someone could come up with a heated boot or glove, man o man, i bet i wouldn't have to leave RI for San Diego every damn winter.

newton333

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #11 on: October 09, 2015, 06:39:24 PM »
Patagonia all u need. Better then any heated suit ever made.

mrbig

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #12 on: October 10, 2015, 05:11:25 AM »
Henrik - How cold does your water get? Here as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit. 6 5 4 with a hood is the gold standard. Global warming? In the 80's I remember seeing water temps below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Really not fun. FROZEN!
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Henrik F

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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2015, 01:25:56 PM »
Henrik - How cold does your water get? Here as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit. 6 5 4 with a hood is the gold standard. Global warming? In the 80's I remember seeing water temps below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Really not fun. FROZEN!

Hello! Wintertime it can creep down to 32°F. Been paddling in icy waters. No problem except that carbon doesn't like ice very much. Fortunately my Fanatic didn't go Titanic last winter. Hand to fix the nose after that session :)

Henrik F
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Re: Any of you cold water guys ever used a heated wetsuit?
« Reply #14 on: October 13, 2015, 06:42:33 AM »
Think the coldest our water gets is 5 degrees C.....air temp much colder.   6mm hooded suit big boots and gloves and thermal rashy keep me okay for a few hours.

 


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