Matuse Womens Wetsuit Artemis 4mm Full Suit

Matuse vs. Pagagonia, Xcel, and O'neill; Matuse wins

Posted by Annie on 6th Mar 2011

I started checking out wetsuits when my current one, an Xcel Infiniti, started flushing water down the neck and chillng my skin. I liked the Xcel, but I was intrigued by suits that claim they are thinner and warmer (Patagonia, Matuse and O'neill Psycho II). So I gave each of these a go in the dressing room, and chose Matuse based on several factors. It's easy to get into, the rubber is buttery soft and thin, and it came in a tall size that actually fit like it was supposed to. But the real trial was taking it out in the water (Ventura, CA).
I was amazed at how flexible I felt. With booties on, I was warm enough for 2 hours but my hands started to get cold. So the next session I wore a rash guard underneath, and I was actually TOASTY for 2 hours! I ditched the booties, and the next session was perfect. I feel like I can last as long as I want, coldness not being a factor. And the suit dries in half the time as the Xcel, which I appreciate immensely the next morning. I love this suit.
Regarding the Patagonia and O'neill suits, Patagonia's only comes in a front zip and it's a bear to get in and out of. I almost had a panic attack getting out of it, so I upped a size and made sure that size was not the problem. WHen I needed help getting it off by the Patagonia store lady, she told me that if you cut off the key holder on the neck, the suit is much easier to get on. I guess it gave me cold feet to buy something that you have to immediately alter to use.
The o'neill psycho and deluxe seem like good suits.I actually liked the deluxe better because it's easier to get into, but supposedly the deluxe is way more flexible. They both have a back zip, but the psycho's is only half as long, to keep less water from getting in I guess. I wasn't blown away.
Get the matuse, if you're concerns are flexibility, fit, ease of entry, and warmth. Yeah, it's expensive, but it's not money you'll waste on something that will not address all of your wetsuit concerns. :)