Decoding the 6/5MM vs. 5/4MM Hooded Winter Wetsuit Dilemma

Time to settle the debate, in this article we present you with the roadmap to navigate your biggest unsolved problem this winter. Namely: Choosing between basking in warmth for extended sessions or optimising surfing efficiency through enhanced flexibility. In other words, do I buy a 6/5mm or a 5/4 mm hooded wetsuit?

Though choice, staying toasty and extending your time on the waves, or amplifying your surfing prowess by embracing flexibility? In this article, we guide you through the uncharted waters of this age-old conundrum, ensuring a seamless transition to a surfing experience tailored to your preferences.

TIME 7 minutes

AUTHOR Augustus Schraven

4MM Hooded Winter Wetsuit Dilemma

DISCOVERING THE NEW PINNACLE OF WARMTH IN OUR COLLECTION: THE 6/5 MM HOODED WETSUIT

To ensure you select the perfect heating solution for the upcoming winter, allow us to provide a brief introduction to our latest heating model.

Prepare to conquer the chill with our newest addition – the 6/5mm hooded Heat wetsuit. Meticulously crafted for the most extreme surf conditions imaginable, this cutting-edge wetsuit represents the pinnacle of warmth in our collection, ensuring a comfortable surfing experience even as the ocean begins to freeze. Engineered with the most flexible Japanese limestone neoprene available, the 6/5mm Heat minimizes the perception of thickness, allowing for unrestricted movement in the water. Building upon our established 5/4mm Heat model, the 6/5mm incorporates:

SMOOTHSKIN CHEST AND BACK PANELS TO PREVENT WINDCHILL

Smoothskin is heat-treated neoprene that possesses superior insulation qualities. For example, there is no outside lining on smoothskin panels. This means the wind chill factor is dramatically reduced, keeping your upper body much warmer without affecting the overall performance of your wetsuit. Furthermore, Smoothskin is less flexible than untreated neoprene and is used only to make up the chest and back panels. Due to these qualities, your sessions will last longer with insulation where you need it most, keeping you protected from wind chill.

PLUSH LINING ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE LOWER LEGS

Plush lining, also known as plush insulation or quick dry lining, describes the fluffy, wool-like inside lining of some neoprene wetsuit panels. This is mostly used to add an extra layer of insulation by using hollow nylon fibers that trap air bubbles and therefore act as insulation. Some high-end plush linings have a quick-dry function, meaning the material dries quicker than normal inside lining. When wearing it, it feels comfortable, warm, and dry on the skin. This comes from channeling the water to the back of the fabric so it can run down the wetsuit, away from the skin. Plush lining is mainly used on the body and upper legs only, as it slightly reduces the stretch of a wetsuit. Therefore, arms, shoulders, and lower legs often use the most flexible lining to enhance mobility in these areas.

ADDITIONAL 1MM THICKNESS IN ALL PANELS (EXCLUDING THE HOOD) COMPARED TO OUR 5/4 HEAT

The 6/5 mm is equipped with an additional millimeter of thickness. This allows it to withstand even the coldest conditions.

LIQUID SEALED OUTSIDE SEAMS AND FULLY TAPED INSIDE SEAMS

Liquid sealed outside seams: The SRFACE sealing technique blocks out water and is guaranteed to last for years. External liquid rubber seams offer additional strength and durability.

Fully taped inside seams: Taping the inside of our seams is the third line of defense against water entering your wetsuit. This new generation of 0.5mm thin neoprene tape is neatly heat welded onto the seams, eliminating excess glue on the tape’s edges and reducing chafing against the skin.

CONQUER THE CHILL: NAVIGATING THE CHOICE 6/5MM OR 5/4MM HOODED WETSUIT

Now that we’ve introduced the latest addition to the SRFACE winter collection, let’s delve into some crucial questions that can assist you in choosing between our two most heated models.

First question to ask yourself would be: Are you willing to sacrifice a bit of flexibility for extra warmth, or do you believe that your fully rotated turns will provide sufficient heat?

Second question would be to consider when envisioning your winter surf sessions. Are you considering whether you’ll be braving the freezing cold in Northern Europe or basking in the warmth of Indonesia?

All jests aside, there are indeed essential factors that will contribute to resolving your dilemma. The extra 1 mm thickness on the body, arm, and leg panels does reduce the wetsuit’s overall flexibility compared to a 5/4mm. Striking the right balance between warmth and flexibility is crucial. This is because we all aim to use the thinnest wetsuit possible without compromising comfort in cold waters. Therefore, deciding between the 6/5mm and the 5/4mm hooded wetsuit is a personal choice based on your cold tolerance.

OUR GUIDELINES TO SOLVING YOUR BIGGEST WINTER PROBLEM: 6/5MM OR 5/4MM HOODED WETSUIT?

As a general guideline, consider opting for the 6/5mm hooded wetsuit when the water/air temperature hovers around 5°/0°C. However, be mindful that in more active water sessions, the 6/5mm may become overly warm once the air temperature exceeds 5°.

On windy and cloudy days with water/air temperatures around 5°C, the 6/5mm hooded wetsuit proves to be a suitable choice for added protection.

If you plan to stay in the water for more than 2 hours in conditions around 5°C and find yourself feeling colder sooner than others, the 6/5mm hooded wetsuit could provide better insulation than a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit.

For areas where the water/air temperature approaches 10°C, a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit is likely a more comfortable choice. Our experience indicates that, in these conditions, the 6/5mm hooded wetsuit tends to be too warm for most people.

Solved the long-standing conundrum? Let’s reap the benefits and test them in the water. We hope to see you out there!

Haven’t solved the problem yet and curious to learn more? Feel free to reach out to our online support team!

The ultimate wetsuit for every surfer

From €159

TIME 7 minutes

AUTHOR Augustus Schraven