New Patagonia R3 without Smoothskin

xander.arch · Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 217

I'm looking for anybody with experience using the new Patagonia R3 that does NOT have smoothskin. I just got it as a warranty replacement for my two year old smooth skin R3 whose zipper car kept popping off. I've got to admit that I'm pretty impressed that Patagonia volunteered to warranty the suit as repairing the car should have been an easy fix - pretty amazing service! Besides the zipper problem I loved my original R3.

It certainly looks like the new R3 is a much improved suit but I am worried about evaporative cooling for windsurfing now that they got rid of the smooth skin. Patagonia told me that they were having problems with seams splitting on the older generation smoothskin suits so the solution was to get rid of all the smoothskin. I'm especially concerned with how warm the suit will be on the coast - especially late in the day during the spring/fall. I tend to spend a lot of time down and out in the rinse cycle. The suit is rated for 48-58 degree water so it should have no problem with the water temps. It may be that this suit has become more surfing specific and just won't work in the wind?

slk · Joined: 17 Jul 1998 Posts: 4

I haven't noticed a compromise with the new suit. The old and new suits are both great in my opinion.

slk · Joined: 17 Jul 1998 Posts: 4

I haven't noticed a compromise with the new suit. The old and new suits are both great in my opinion.

koogzah · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 530 Location: right here

VinceSF · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 249 Location: Maui, HI

SPQR · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 274

I have used both, my original from three years ago split a seam on the arm, although it didn't completely split. I took it in for a repair and when i went to pick it up I was presented with a brand new suit, which I think is even better than the original. I have used O'Neil, Neil Pryde, Victory, Excel et al, but have to say the Patagucci is the best I have used.

jse · Joined: 17 Apr 1995 Posts: 1460 Location: Maui

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Although I can't comment specifically on Patagonia's product, the issue of smooth skin versus fabric covered neoprene is not that important while in the water. Both do the job well when you're active. It's only standing around wet in the wind that the smooth skin gains some advantage, as it's less apt to introduce a refridgeration type effect. However, the fabric covered neoprene is far superior at resisting tears and the affects of abrasion.

Another thing to keep in mind about different suits (surfing versus windsurfing models) is that the shape and cut in the arms and legs are usually different. Surfing suits have tighter arms and a relatively loose lower leg around the cuff. Windsurfing suits tend to be the exact opposite in design. Also, surfing suits tend to have a more complex zippered entry point to preclude or resist water entry while getting worked in the waves.

spennie · Joined: 13 Oct 1995 Posts: 975 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

Surfed for 40 years, windsurfed for 20, never had a better suit than my ProMotion. Warm, stretchy, not a bunch of gimmicks, just a good, solid suit. Seams are guaranteed for LIFE on most of them, too. Their windsurfing suits have oversized forearms so your forearms won't cramp up on you, and the legs release at the bottom for easy in/out. Great service, too, you can call & talk to them about sizing & fit. You won't have to pay $500., either!!

www.wetsuit.com

koogzah · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 530 Location: right here

Patagucci... nice.

How about Pradagonia?

Any love out there for the Pryde 3000?