Recently ScubaBoard gained a new member - procella. Out of curiosity (and because of the 25% SB discount! 
) I checked out their website, as well as running other searches on the Net to discover more about this company. I was in the market for a new 3mm wetsuit to use in the tropics - last year my rental 3mm shortie in Thailand left a lot to be desired! I decided that I had very little to lose so I went ahead and ordered wetsuits for my wife and myself, hoods, and a pair of boots.
They arrived yesterday.
My first impression came from the neoprene itself. It's quality, good quality! It also appears to be slightly thicker than other 3mm suits that I have seen. It has a nylon coating inside that made it no problem to slip into even though there are no ankle or wrist zippers. I was already impressed!
The second thing I looked at was the stitching. Procella have double stitched all the joins and it's very nicely done. There seems little chance that this is going to come apart any time soon. The neck and cuffs are fitted with a smooth rubber seal that I have only seen used in much more expensive suits. It feels very comfortable to wear.
The YKK zipper is both glued and stitched, again very nicely.
I won't be able to use it in the water until March, but I have to say that I'm really looking forward to that! I have a feeling though that this suit is going to last for years.
The hoods that we got are made with the same quality of neoprene and stitching, except the neoprene used is 5mm. They have a nice cape at the bottom which looks like it will insure a very good seal in the neck area. They fit well.
The boots I will reserve comment on for later as I ordered the wrong size (my fault) and will be exchanging them. I will say now though that (in my albeit limited experience with boots!) they look like the best boots I've ever seen. Take that as you will....I haven't seen many!
All in all, for a wetsuit that cost me GBP 42.21 (US$ 72.43), I feel that I have got a very good deal. This was one hunch that I'm very glad I followed!
) I checked out their website, as well as running other searches on the Net to discover more about this company. I was in the market for a new 3mm wetsuit to use in the tropics - last year my rental 3mm shortie in Thailand left a lot to be desired! I decided that I had very little to lose so I went ahead and ordered wetsuits for my wife and myself, hoods, and a pair of boots.They arrived yesterday.
My first impression came from the neoprene itself. It's quality, good quality! It also appears to be slightly thicker than other 3mm suits that I have seen. It has a nylon coating inside that made it no problem to slip into even though there are no ankle or wrist zippers. I was already impressed!
The second thing I looked at was the stitching. Procella have double stitched all the joins and it's very nicely done. There seems little chance that this is going to come apart any time soon. The neck and cuffs are fitted with a smooth rubber seal that I have only seen used in much more expensive suits. It feels very comfortable to wear.
The YKK zipper is both glued and stitched, again very nicely.
I won't be able to use it in the water until March, but I have to say that I'm really looking forward to that! I have a feeling though that this suit is going to last for years.
The hoods that we got are made with the same quality of neoprene and stitching, except the neoprene used is 5mm. They have a nice cape at the bottom which looks like it will insure a very good seal in the neck area. They fit well.
The boots I will reserve comment on for later as I ordered the wrong size (my fault) and will be exchanging them. I will say now though that (in my albeit limited experience with boots!) they look like the best boots I've ever seen. Take that as you will....I haven't seen many!
All in all, for a wetsuit that cost me GBP 42.21 (US$ 72.43), I feel that I have got a very good deal. This was one hunch that I'm very glad I followed!
