Carve Winter Wetsuit Guide 2012

New for winter 2012 and now the pinnacle of the Xcel range. The major feature of this suit is the introduction of Powerseam. It’s a machine welded seam with a thin bead seal which means that there is now no restrictive stitching on the major seams. Xcel say you will not find a better wetsuit on the market… And they know their stuff. £390

The Infiniti has been in the Xcel range since day one, but this year it has had an overhaul. The new metallic tape has a higher sheen

to make it both more comfortable and more durable, and the upper body has been totally redesigned so it is now possible to have a single piece of tape seal running from wrist to wrist. No joins, no junctions, no problems. £270

On first look the X-Flex is easily mistaken for the Infiniti and for good reason. Xcel have worked hard to make this suit the best value for money possible. Features include minimal seams, X-Zip 2 entry and bamboo lining. Less money and no compromise on performance, what more could you want? £200

After the success of the F.U.Z.E entry in the Psycho RG8 series in 2010, O’Neill’s Area 52 team have incorporated the same entry for the new SuperFreak series. With GBS seam construction and a super-flexible combination of Ultraflex DS and FluidFlexTM materials, the Superfreak keeps water out, and keeps you warm… £145

The Psycho 1 is back again for some minimal seam madness. Built with Techno Butter neoprene and ultra-minimal seam styling,

it offers unrestricted mobility, enhanced durability and incredible fit, and will raise your performance level to new heights. With the patented Z.E.N zip entry which featuring a pullover internal neck seal that blocks out all water for maximum performance and minimal drippage… £200

The Psycho 2 was known for warmth, flexibility and superior fit. For 2012 it’s evolved into

the Psycho 3 and has been upgraded to the exclusive Techno Butter Neoprene. Combined with XDS-Air Firewall in the chest and back, and double super seam weld, the Psycho

3 will keep you warm and loose. The latest evolution from Area 52 continues to be an industry leader and keeps you performing at the top of your game… 4/3mm £280 5/3mm £290

The Syncro is the first entry level series

of suits made exclusively with 100% Hyperstretch II material, making it much more flexible than many other entry level suits

on the market. It also has Quiksilver’s HFT (Hollow Fibre Technology) heating system

in the chest panel and the Hydroshield zip barrier. £140

The Cypher is available in two entry systems, chest zip or back zip. Both featuring Fiberlite, biofleece thermal neoprene and Quiksilver’s flexmax seal seam sealing. Add to that the new and improved bead lock seal, thermal smoothie and hydroshield in the back zip, and you have one of the warmest, most flexible and lightest weight cold water suits available. £260

The Cypher is available with a chest zip entry system and features Fiberlite, biofleece thermal neoprene and Quiksilver’s flexmax seal seam sealing. Add to that the new

and improved bead lock seal and thermal smoothie, and you have one of the warmest, most flexible and lightest weight cold water suits available. £270

New for 2013 Osprey have introduced a neck entry suit with a front zip closure to their range. Offering great all over comfort and durability, with flexibility further enhanced by the use of super stretch upper body zones around the collar, armpits and shoulders. Triple glued and blindstitched and with all new graphics. £170

The Flo–Tech is Osprey’s classic all round back zip winter suit. Offering great flex and featuring Ergonomic Panel Design which greatly increases comfort and also enhances the full body wetsuit’s durability and warmth. The Flo-Tech uses Osprey’s superstretch fabric and is triple glued and blindstitched as standard. £120

With an ergonomically designed female panel layout, the new Osprey C-Crest is super comfortable with superstretch triple glued and blindstitched neoprene and is further enhanced by a chest and back windproof mesh which prevents chilly winds from affecting body temperature. Plus there are stylish graphics and fresh colours as always from Osprey. £120

This year’s entry level suit from Billabong features AX2 Airlite Superflex neoprene, strategic seam and panel placement, horizontal dislocating chest zip entry and internal welded stress point reinforcement. So plenty enough to keep you smiling through even the darkest moments of the winter months. 4/3mm £130, 5/4mm £150

The REVOLUTION is made with a Superflex AXR neoprene, Recycled polyester jersey laminated to our AIRLITE sponge core,

with strategic seam and panel placement for optimum flexibility. Combined with Furnace thermal lining on the back and 80% welded seam, the Revolution is the best compromise flexibility and warmth at an economical price. 4/3mm £175, 5/4mm £185

The SG5 combines all of the top-end design elements at a competitive price. It utilises Billabong’s exclusive AX1 Superflex neoprene, double welded sealed seams and internal Drymax furnace quick dry lining in the chest, kidney and back panels. Designed with one thing in mind: “keeping you flexible and warm every session.” 4/3mm £240, 5/4mm £260

The SGX is all about lightweight performance and utilises Billabong’s exclusive AX1 Superflex neoprene, combined with innovative features which serve to make a wetsuit that feels like a second skin. This year’s SGX is

the lightest and most flexible yet and utilises strategic seam placement for optimum flexibility. 4/3mm £280, 5/4mm £300

The Xero is Billabong’s premium cold water wetsuit designed to be worn in the coldest harshest conditions. The combination of Billabong’s new and exclusive AX1 Superflex neoprene, internal Drymax furnace quick dry lining throughout, and Xero stitchless welded seams, makes for an incredibly advanced, incredibly warm and incredibly flexible performance wetsuit. 4/3mm £320, 5/4mm £340