ADVERTISEMENT

Wetsuit Test: Ocean and Earth Zero Zip 3/2mm Steamer

Zip-free comfort, thanks to a clever folding system.

TESTING RESULTS – COMMENTS ON EACH OF THE FOLLOWING

Flexibility /fit/comfort:

The comfort and flexibility of the suit are immediately striking. It really is like climbing into a second skin and feels the same way in the water. Comfort and quick dry aspects make it a great suit if you are surfing multiple times in a day or lucky enough to get through a few heats in the local boardriders.  

Ease of entry & exit

There is a little bit of origami/intricate folding involved with the, Zip-Free, 3-Fold entry. It’s pretty self-evident how to get in and out of the suit but it’s worth checking the instruction guide or asking the shop assistant when you try it on. It’s a clever design and obviously a lot of thought has gone into it.

Warmth

Enhanced by the grid mesh plush lining the suit is snug. You are not thinking about the cold, you are thinking about your next wave. The fact that you can paddle and move so freely helps ensure you keep the core body temperature up also because you are not sitting stiffly, reluctant to move until a wave comes right at you.  

Grid mesh lining adds comfort and warmth.

Water Entry

Surprisingly minimal. I feared the zip-free folding system may be vulnerable to excess water entry, but it wasn’t a problem at all, providing you put the suit on correctly in the first place.

The unique O and E folding system utilised in the Zip Free suit.

SUMMARY

A super-flexible, high-performance suit that offers plenty of warmth and won’t have you balking at pulling on the steamer for a surf or two in winter. A great price-point that leaves money in the account for the Indo trip or new board. Important to get the fold right when putting it on or it can feel like there is rubber bunching up at the back. However, once you get the hang of the entry you won’t even notice you are wearing a wettie.  

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/G0t96B9BBpg” frameborder=”0″ allow=”autoplay; encrypted-media” allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

Essential Info:

Make: Ocean and Earth 3/2mm Zero Zip Steamer

Price: $450.00

Website: www.oceanearthstore.com

Insta: @ocean _earth79

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS
A bi-monthly eclectic tome of tangible surfing goodness that celebrates all things surfing, delivered to your door!
SUBSCRIBE NOW
HAPPENINGS
Your portal to cultural events happening in and around the surfing sphere.
Find Events
SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS
A bi-monthly eclectic tome of tangible surfing goodness that celebrates all things surfing, delivered to your door!
SUBSCRIBE NOW
HAPPENINGS
Your portal to cultural events happening in and around the surfing sphere.
Find Events

LATEST

Ellie Harrison's dream CT debut just got a whole lot more dreamy.

Pairing Italy's famous delicacies with a healthy dose of barrels.

The formation of Goons of Doom, why you should get pissed at their gigs and what a band with Occy, Steph Gilmore, Yago Dora and Jacko Baker would sound like.

ADVERTISEMENT

PREMIUM FEATURES

Bestowing the highest praise upon a surfer.

An edited extract from ‘The Immortals of Australian Surfing’ by Phil Jarratt.

How a land-locked mainlander chased ocean dreams to the North Shore lineups and beyond.

TRACKS PREMIUM

Get full access to every feature from our print issues, read classic Tracks issues from the 70s, 80s and 90’s, watch all of our classic films & more …

TRACKS PREMIUM

Get full access to every feature from our print issues, read classic Tracks issues from the 70s, 80s and 90’s, watch all of our classic films & more …

CLASSIC ISSUES

A threat to Angourie, the death of vibes, and a tongue in cheek guide on how to become a surf star.

PREMIUM FILM

YEAR: 2008
STARRING: JOEL PARKINSON, MICK FANNING AND DEAN MORRISON

This is the last time the original cooly kids were captured together and features some of their best surfing.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

PRINT STORE

Unmistakable and iconic, the Tracks covers from the 70s & 80s are now ready for your walls.

Tracks
Kandui Resort Interstitial