Good afternoon NZ kiters,

As winter brings cooler waters, and my 5/3 steamer is becoming harder and harder to fit into, I feel the need to splash out on a new wesuit.

I'm after some advice on people out there with titanium wetsuits. Do you swear by your wetsuit having titanium? Is is 'way' warmer than a normal wetsuit? Is it as flexible as neoprene?

www.point5.co.nz offers two piece titanium lined wetsuits, does anyone use these? They seem to be pretty cheap, wondering if they alone will get me through winter in Auckland.

Cheers
Reuben

dont have a ti wetsuit, but i do use a ti vest under my 5/3. seems to make a big difference. and just got the 5m ti mitts, now i can say they for sure are better than my old 5m mitts. was out today ,dodging the icebergs, air 5c, water maybe 5c, was good for more than a couple of hours. but it does still take the breath away when you get your head under in temps like that :shock:
still, good to have the season on again.

I have a ripcurl ti 4/3 and swear by it.
I spent some time in Wellington and kited Petone with snow on the Rimutukas mid winter. My hands will freeze to the point that I can't hold the bar before my body gets cold.

i have a 7th wave Ti hydration vest/short sleeve shirt and Point5 shorts which are perfect to keep the core warm even under a regular springsuit this weather

also have 7th wave Ti 3/2/ one-piece steamer which is perfectly warm all winter although so light it feels like a rashie - weird... only gripe is the legs fill with water - may have to get them to sew in a vent

Ti feels clammy on your skin but you'll be glad of the warmth and low weight, some of which comes from the wind imperviousness too i feel

My Seventhwave Viper 3/3 Zipless Titanium Steamer provides all the warmth and comfort I need for the deep south, even though I'm lacking blubber being somewhat tall and skinny. I do add a titanium long sleeve top, plus a hood and booties to get me through autumn & winter. As for the legs filling with water, I use velcro ankle straps or ankle high booties. It wasn't cheap, but I'm worth it.