At A Glance
With so many kite specific wetsuits to choose from, where does one begin? Finding the wetsuit that is right for you can be a challenge, especially if you don't have a whole day to spend going from shop to shop and trying them all on! Luckily, there are brands like Ion that put so much effort into developing their suits that you could be forgiven for not shopping around!
At first glance, the new Ion Seek Select in the 4/3 Back Zip model looks super sleek. It's a clean design without too much fuss, though there is a lot of hidden technology beneath the surface. With Max_Flex in the arms and shoulders, this wetsuit promises uncompromising flexibility. The Graphene_Plush inner lining is so cushy and warm that it won a Nobel Prize, but also the award of Ion's warmest wetsuit ever.
With even more features like ultra slim Power_Seams and highly elastic Maki_Tape 2.0, reinforced seams, shin guards, water barriers, and a lot more, there is a laundry list of features that make this wetsuit worth its price tag. Not to mention, there are nearly as many sizes as there are features, meaning that you can find your perfect fit!
Sizes: 48/S, 50/M, 52/L, 54/XL, 56/XXL, 25/MS, 26/LS, 27/XLS, 28/XXLS
On The Water
I tested this wetsuit for kitesurfing, foiling, and surfing, and it was a winner in every category. In the wetsuit market, front zip wetsuits have gained in popularity as many people have had bad experiences with back zip suits, with cold water rushing through the zipper. However, Ion's Seek Select Back Zip is super well designed with a water gate, an extra panel of material that is ever present between your skin and the zipper. All of these features kept the majority of the water where it belongs, in the sea and out of my wetsuit!
I noticed if water got up into the legs of the wetsuit, most of the time, it would drain on its own through the drainage area in the back of the ankles. Not having to worry about jelly legs is always nice! There are carefully placed (and reinforced) drainage holes in several areas that did a great job. There are also small rubber tabs on the inside of the wrists to keep the suit in place, even if you've come out of place on your board!
The suit was so warm, I was blown away! If you think you need a 5/4 but typically run warm, you just might get by with this 4/3. Not to mention, the flexibility and comfort of this super warm wetsuit was seriously impressive. To be able to get in and out of the suit so easily and still be toasty warm on the water was a pleasure.
Overall
The Seek Select is Ion's top-of-the-range wetsuit, delivering a winning combination of warmth and flexibility. It has rubber in all the right places, a whole host of innovative materials and technology, and a sleek design. The flexibility and comfort of this super warm wetsuit was impressive. It's a back zip I can definitely get behind and a wetsuit I would strongly recommend trying out if you're in the market for a top quality suit!
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This review was in Issue 93 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit ION ProductsRelated
By H. De Villiers