Wetsuit Recommendation for Slalom and Possibly Barefoot?

[gimmemoedmb]

I am asking for a wetsuit for Christmas and I'm not quite sure what to get. I was thinking of going with a shorty because of the increased mobility over a full suit and the possibility of using it as a barefoot suit as well. I currently do not barefoot but I wanted to learn next year. I will most likely be learning on the boom so I was wondering if I could just get by with a shorty wetsuit as I learn, and then upgrade to a real barefoot suit later on. Maybe I could use the iron shorts for additional padding? What is really the difference between a wet and barefoot...is it just the padding and additional flotation?

As far as which wetsuit to get...I like the o'neil assault but I cannot find my size anywhere. I've also read good things about the SWS. Anybody have any other recommendations for a warm, relatively inexpensive (under $100) shorty wetsuit?

http://www.waterskis.com/O-neill-Assault-Spring-p/oneill_assault_spring.htm
http://www.lakeelmosports.com/product.php?productid=718&cat=67&page=1

I was also looking for some advice on heater shirts. Would I be able to wear one of these over or under a wetsuit for colder days?

[Wacko]

You are right in the fact that the main difference is the padding in the barefoot suit. It is padded in the butt, the back and the chest. the padding does add flotation which helps when doing deep water starts. Most also have cinches on the legs. You could get away with a regular shorty and iron shorts, but it probably wouldn't save you any money.

Over all it depends what you want the wetsuit for? If it is for warmth, I would get a full length suit. That is what I have for skiing, i only use it when its cold. I also have a barfoot suit which is used strictly for barefooting.

[atlfootr]

Liv'n in MN, I'd go w/ a fleece lining :D

Eagle Polar Fleece Heater Shirt
Eagle Polar Fleece Heater Shirt $99.98

Also try BarefootCentral for drysuits and heater shirts BEFORE you buy anything.
Their pricing is reasonable and the quality is very good.

http://www.barefootcentral.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=37

http://www.barefootcentral.com/ProductImages/eagle/9018.jpg

[Sodar]

The Oneill is a nice suit, just remember that you get what you pay for. The higher the price, the better the suit. Look for glued and taped seams... it will help with the longevity of the suit.

I have always been a fan of Xcel. Their suits usually last be 2 or 3 seasons without issue. I also think they are the most flexible suit I have owned. Their 4/3 is just a flexy as my 3/2 Oneill.

[Hollywood]

In no way is a shorty a substitute for a barefoot suit, forget it.

You can ski however in a barefoot suit. I'd go with a sleeveless barefoot suit and a nice heater shirt. O'Neill makes a fleece lined shirt for much cheaper than $99, the Thermo-X.

Your "do everything wetsuit under $100" is completely unreasonable. I'd go with a full 3/2 or 4/3 along with a barefoot suit and heater shirt. If you aren't afraid of used gear you can get all this for $200.

[atlfootr]

If you aren't afraid of used gear you can get all this for $200. If don't you care that someone may of peed in it, enjoy.
NO sir re' not me .. I buy new!

[Hollywood]

Everyone pees in the same water you're skiing on...

[D3skier]

I just got a good deal on an O'Neill Epic at this website
www.pleasuresports.com

[tex]

I have had an Assault for years. It is a very warm and sturdy suit. I bought it in 93 and used it 2 years of show skiing in Germany(cold as hell). I still wear it today. Just take care of it. Yes I do foot in it on occassion but would not recomend it for learning to foot in!

[Kevin 89MC]

For footing, you need a dedicated footing suit, even on the boom. I footed on the boom once with my shorty suit, only a few swing arounds and my hip was bruised for days. As far as wetsuits, I've been quite pleased with my Overton's Gladiator full suit. Very flexible & durable, and inexpensive. I have a Wet Tech shorty that has started to rip on a few seams, but it's lived a hard 12 years: 3 years of show ski practice with girls climbing on me, tons of skiing, not much washing, so I can't really complain about it's durability either. If you want to extend your skiing season in MN, you'll appreciate a long wetsuit as well as a shorty. I haven't seen much need for a shirt, but my ski partner has one & loves it.
Good luck,
Kevin

[gimmemoedmb]

Thanks for the good advice all. I was obviously hoping to save some money by getting by with just a shorty because of the money factor. The many $200-400 items I want right now add up very quickly so if I could put one off for a year or two it would be very helpful. I will probably see if I can swing a full wetsuit and a barefoot suit for now. I would love a drysuit but I think that will have to wait.