wetsuit: HYPERFLEX VS. others (need advice)

to be honest, i dont think hyperflex came up with that name to promote the flexibility of their suits. I actually use a 5/4/3 AMP as my winter suit and I love it. Honeycomb lining all around the torso and inside the hood makes it very warm. If you get the right size, movement won't be restricted at all especially in your arms and legs for paddling and such, otherwise you might be in trouble. For that retail price, it really is the best suit out there

 

I felt no difference between my Amp and my Billabong Solution Gold 5/4/3

 

I wear a Hyperflex 6/5/4 winter suit and love it. I do not find it restricts me in any way and it keeps me nice in warm for hours in water as cold as 37 degree and air in the mid to high 20s.

 

Steep and Cheap.com, a sister site of Whiskey Militia, was unloading Amp 5/4's and 6/4's all summer long. The 5/4's were priced at $99 plus shipping. I decided that for $99, what the heck, my Xcel Inifiniti 5/4 was starting to show some age.

Anyway, when I get it, it looks fine, but the first thing I noticed was the smell. Like neoprene - but not quite. There was definitely an extra chemical odor to it. I look closer - made in China. Most wetsuit brands are from Thailand. I don't know if Thailand has better labor policies than China, or better environmental policies, but somehow the chemical smell and China tag seemed to go together.

Then I tried to try it on. I ordered a M, as that's the size I've worn for over a decade. And at 5'9", 150 pounds, I was theoretically on the small end of a Hyperflex medium. I own nothing but chest zips, Rip Curls and Xcels, and immediately could tell that the neoprene on the opening of the suit wasn't all that stretchy. And as I put my legs in - with a Wawa bag over my feet - it was so tight that the plastic bag got caught and ripped. I finally wriggled the thing up to my torso, and couldn't get my arms in. As in, I couldn't stretch the suit enough to even slide a single arm into the sleeve. I've owned chest zips suits since 1998, and even in the early days I'd never experienced anything like it.

So...I know a lot of guys have had great success with Hyperflex and like them a lot (that's why I tried one). And I'm not doubting the guys who've posted here. But there must have been a reason that hundreds of Amp's from last season made it onto the liquidator web sites. Either the sizing was off, the neoprene wasn't right, or something. Because even at $99, it was no bargain. I sent it back.

If your friend is getting this suit off the Clean Snipe site, I would say beware (it's part of Steep and Cheap). Sometimes you are getting what you pay for. For a winter suit, get it right. Got to a shop and get one that fits properly.

 

go for it. my 6/5/4 is Heaven.

 

hyperflex flow 6/5/4, works great can surf all winter - ny.

 

Last season (2010/2011) I asked for 5/4 suit input, got a lot of response, ended up with Hyperflex 5/4/3. My short review ( as some of you had asked for): I'm 5'10" Now 165-170 (weighed 177 when I bought it). I needed a large, yes something was up with their sizing because I have a 3/2 Medium from previous year that fits perfect, even my shop guy noticed the size issue when I tried to get into a medium last year, wasn't happening.
The suit is very warm, no flushing, very flexible. I had two issues, one the draw cords are very light and too flexible, two my left leg ripped at the opening (possibly from me being too rough, maybe a defect) sent it back for warranty one week ago...... today a received a Brand New 2011/2012 5/4/3 replacement!!!!!!! Totally expecting a repair and would have been happy with that. I think thats great customer service.
Yes there may be some notable differences with high end suits but it your watching $$$ and need a good 5/4 now Hyperflex works and works well.

Definitely buy through a shop unless you're certain with your size. The second very good reason to buy through a shop is if you do have a problem you're more likely to have better results getting the issue resolved.

 

I highly recommend a FLOW or AMP series suit. Can't go wrong. Just make sure it fits you appropriately. Check out the vendor's return policy before you are committed.

I would not necessarily recommend booties or gloves made by HF though. Mine leak excessively. Xcel makes the best if you ask me.

 

i have a 4/3 hyper flex amp sick suit and for a great price would not spend the extra money for a better name brand when this does the job

 

its not just the discount sites suits with issues..one of the shops in OCMD stopped carrying Hyperflex because of complaints over quality.

 

The entire AMP line was redesigned and is now called the AMP-3.

The new AMP-3 SURF Series suits have stepped up in every way: material, construction and warmth. The inside is 100% lined with AQ3 (grey stuff) and is really comfy and warm.

Hope this helps!

http://hyperflexusa.com/categories/wetsuits/


This video is for the AMP-3 WIND (our kitesurfing model) but is identical to the AMP-3 SURF except for the ADS ankle drain system and velcro strap.
[video=youtube;W0FsOo8MvsU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0FsOo8MvsU&feature=channel_video_title[/video]

 

I have a 2010 Hyperflex Amp 5/4/3. I'm 5' 7" 165ish and my MS fits me perfect... nice and snug. It's super stretchy and very warm. I've worn it in 38 degree water with 7mm boots (o'neal) and 5mm drylock lobsta claws and been toasty. I've worn it maybe 14-20 days without issues.

 

I had a bad experience with Hyperflex boots (poorly made) and gloves (two pairs, just really bad fit, tried M and L). Not to say I wouldn't wear one of their suits, but haven't had the chance to try one on, and I've got Xcel dialed in and fitting perfect.

 

I have a 2009 5/4/3 with attached hood. At 6'3", 185lb and long arms I had a difficult time finding a suit that was long enough and tight enough in the body. The Amp is great, warm and has held up. My shop told me that the Hyperflex is a local (NJ) based company so any problems with the workmanship will be quick. I did send it back for some misgluing in the neck. It was repaired quick and free. That said I bought a long sleeve loose fit rash guard (XL) and I felt like a 10 year old wearing my Dad's clothes. The wetsuit wearhouse doesn't take exchanges but they cut me a deal on a 1.5mm rash guard. Size is the same but the sleeves are 2"-3" too short.

Moral of the story - Great product but try before you buy!

 

I've been using an AMP 6/5/4 for the past three seasons. Warm, flexible, an dhas been a solid suit. Seams aren't leaking, but they will soon. However, I'm going into winter 4, and the suit doesn't owe me anything at this point. I will replace it with another, but I'll probably get the flow, because it's basically the old AMP, and that works for me.

I bought this after wearing a Rip Curl 5/4/3 for a few winters. The Hyperflex was warmer (expected as it's thicker) and the sizing was pretty much the same. The fit and finish was better on the Rip Curl, but not worth the extra price tag at the time.

The Hyperflex boots I had were bad. Not warm, and not sized well. I used a few times and now only carry them as a backup pair.

All that said, I was told by a shop owner that carries Hyperflex, there was a period where they pushed out some bad suits. Apparantly they changed prodiuction or something, and for a short peirod of time there were suits that had issues....he cited they ripped easy! Hyperflex made good on them though, any issues they were replaced not repaired. I suspect some of these places that pump stuff out for "too good to be true" prices, may be pumping those bad suits out. Of course this is really hearsay, because it's just something a shop owner told me, so i can verify if it's accurate, but I believe it.

My advise, buy your suits from a shop, and as much as it sucks to do, try one on to get sizing correct. You'll pay a little more, but shops are much less likely to carry leftover, or bad rubber....and if they sell you a bad one, you can go through them and have the situation remedied, as their rep is on the line so they'll want to make good on it. Plus, it'
s always good to support a local shop.

 

+1 on bad Hyperflex boots and gloves. Bought 5 mm a couple years ago and they were so cold and leaky I gave them away after two sessions. Saving money is great, but if your hands are freezing then whats the point?

 

Anyone have any experience sending suits back to HF? I want to send my suit back, will they repair or replace it? The chest panel and back panel are separating at the seams. It is still under warranty...

 

If you bought it through a shop, I would go through the shop for warranty repairs. If you end up going direct with hyperflex call them first. They'll probably assign a reference number you'll need to include and you may have to include a copy of re receipt.

You probably won't know whether they will replace or repair until they look at it and make an evaluation as to what makes more sense.

 

I tore the leg in my 5/4 at the opening. Sent it back expecting a repair, they replaced the suit, had it back in less than two weeks.