At A Glance
Having a proper wetsuit is crucial in the UK during the harsh winters. When it’s cold enough to consider if you really want to get out for a session, the right wetsuit can make the decision an easy one. It’s a good thing I had the latest Ion Amaze Core 5/4 Front Zip in my closet, or the late winter sessions wouldn’t have been very much fun!
You can always count on Ion to have a high quality product that uses the latest technology, and doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to style. Taking a look at Ion’s Wetsuit Guide on their website, the Amaze Core sits in the middle of the women’s wetsuit range, between the more premium Amp and the entry-level Element. This wetsuit combines the best of both worlds with plenty of features at a price that (hopefully) won’t empty your bank account.
The Amaze Core 5/4 Front Zip ticked all the boxes for me. It is stretchy, always a bonus in a 5/4 wetsuit, and with minimalistic colours, which is just what I was looking for. The black colour way features a subtle tropical print on the shoulders and sleeves, and a pale coral highlight colour in a few areas. If you’re feeling feisty, you can choose the Concord Blue colourway which really pops! All in all, I was happy to find a front zip that was within my budget that would allow me to stay in the water longer during the winter.
Sizes: 34/XS, 36/S, 38/M, 40/L
On The Water
As great as the wetsuit looked, we all know looks aren’t everything! When I put the suit on, it was a game-changer. Its Plasma_Plush thermo lining made it extremely warm and soft even in areas without the thermal lining. At the same time, Hot_Stuff 2.0 is fully stretchable and insulates heat. This wetsuit is so stretchy that you wouldn't need to change if you fancy a pre or post session yoga!
The front zip keeps you warm and offers even more flexibility - making the hassle of getting into a front zip wetsuit well worth it! Although the water was choppy, the SEAL_TITE performed extremely well on the water, thanks to the drain holes.
Overall
Overall, ION has an excellent reputation, and the Amaze Core 5/4 did not disappoint me. It fits like a dream and offers an impressive range of motion - the perfect choice for kitesurfing in colder climates!
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This review was in Issue 94 of IKSURFMAG.
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By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.