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Rockin' Ron · barnacle Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Posts: 1939

been a long while since my wife attempted to buy me a wetsuit, but this morning (bein' my birfday an' all) I was presented with a West steamer. It fits and feels great...all the bells and whistles...

so does anyone know if they are any good?
whataddabout wear and tear?

thermalben · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 12:15 pm Post subject:

Happy b'day to ya Rockin Ron. I swore by West Suits ages ago. Back in the late 90's, they were regarded as being the pick of the bunch (well, by my mates anyway!). Well-made, quite flexible and very warm.

Haven't heard anything bad since, but then again I haven't needed a new steamer for quite a while either. But, with the Big Three having larger profiles in all facets of surfing now (clothes, boards, wetties, accessories), perhaps West Suits are finding it difficult to poke their head out from the crowd? There's certainly no bevvy of team riders scouring the globe for waves like a lot of other companies have, which seems to go a long way for brand recognition.

JaxonB · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:05 pm Post subject:

I have a west steamer. Its great, it was cheap, it has lasted a while, and works well in keeping me warm. Cool

Spoon · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject:

Happy birthday Ron. I got a West a couple of years ago mainly cause of the price and have had no probs.

Shaunm · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:41 pm Post subject:

Happy 52nd birthday mate.
Those suits are pretty good value for money and didn't seem to stretch too much.

Rockin' Ron · barnacle Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Posts: 1939

errr...that'd be 40 mate...Ffffffoooortyyy. For god's sake no one tell me life begins there...might've heard that a few too many times today.

On the upside at least i'm still getting in the water a couple of times a week whereas some of my old mates that i grew up surfing with only get in the water when the manatee convention is in town.

thanks for the tips boys, looks like I've scored a new steamer!

Shaunm · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:00 pm Post subject:

Oops sorry wrong person.
Don't worry I went 42 a couple of weeks ago.
Life doesn't start at 40 but it is where you can tell people to go away I'm going surfing, I'm not mowing the lawn etc. It means you can start using your age as an excuse to do more of what you want to do Laughing

moreorless · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:01 pm Post subject:

I just got a replacement West Suit steamer. I'd had my previous one for about five years and it held up really well. The new one is a lot more sophisticated and flexible. Fits really snug and keeps out the cold. It's really well made and looks like it will also last me a fair while. Recommended.

Da Duke · regular Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 382

I too have just recieved a new West Fluid Edge steamer and its pretty bloody good. Its 3x2 and I wore it for 2hrs at Jan Juc, no dramas.

Bit biased though as my bro works for 'em!

hamish · regular Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 129

my fluid edge is possibly the best suit i've ever had. heaps cheaper than any of the big three and imho - better made. i bought it cos my ripcurl 3/2 was falling apart and making more trips to torquay than i was. when i first got it i was dubious cos it felt so light but since using it i've found it the warmest flexiest suit ever.

mattsphat · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 4:57 pm Post subject:

on the topic of wetsuits do any of you think that the Quiksilver Hyperstrech ignite wetsuit is any good.

brenno05 · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 6:01 pm Post subject:

my first wetsuit was a west suit, unsealed and cheap...but did the job alrite and is stil around today for a 2nd back up
i have no issues with them at all, i reckon ther pretty decent, only reason people dont buy more of them i guess is because there not as well known as quikbillacurl

on the topic of ur question matsphat, i have one of those quiky ignite wetties and they go pretty well...i got mine over at mosman so it was half price....it is well sealed, good stretch and kept me warm...if uve got a few extra $ to throw maybe go for the next better suit, but if u dont u wont be dissapointed either

brenno05 · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 6:01 pm Post subject:

my first wetsuit was a west suit, unsealed and cheap...but did the job alrite and is stil around today for a 2nd back up
i have no issues with them at all, i reckon ther pretty decent, only reason people dont buy more of them i guess is because there not as well known as quikbillacurl

on the topic of ur question matsphat, i have one of those quiky ignite wetties and they go pretty well...i got mine over at mosman so it was half price....it is well sealed, good stretch and kept me warm...if uve got a few extra $ to throw maybe go for the next better suit, but if u dont u wont be dissapointed either

mattsphat · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 6:05 pm Post subject:

thanks a lot brenno Very Happy

stoive · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 6:29 pm Post subject:

it's a pity ya not still in size 16! ah top of the line 330$ wetsuits!

fong · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:20 pm Post subject:

happy birthday......u crack me up alot on these forums Laughing

i own a edge west suit

from last years tax check Rolling Eyes

it's great but i have managed tear a small hole under the zip....it's the light weight material and me in a hurry....so just go easy when u zip it up Very Happy

also the neck of it bit freaky......but they make a great suit....u scored well

old bugger Razz

ric_vidal · Snowy McAllister Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 5161

On ya 2xR, 40, ha, nothing ya big girl, wait to you’re confronting 50. You’ve been visible by your absence of late!

Go West! Wasn’t that a gay song?