In terms of design and fit, the RRD winter wetsuit offers Italian chic. Predominantly black with a few design elements, the large smooth skin insert on the chest and back is well cut and contrasts with the elegant striped pattern of the neoprene unitard look: Discreet with a dash of style.
In terms of the stretchability of the material, the suit is in the lower mid-range - which can still be classed as good - ahead of the O'Neill and therefore offers a good compromise between ease of donning, comfort and waterproofing. The "Amazone" has a slightly slimmer cut on the arms and legs than other suits in size 10, which makes it a little tighter on muscular female surfers, but provides a very good seal. Getting into the suit is easy and the hood fits very comfortably, even on the chin.
RRD has gone to great lengths when it comes to features, sealing all seams on the outside (rubberised) and inside (tape), and there is also a key pocket under the front zip. Against wind chill, large inserts made of smooth neoprene ensure that water rolls off quickly, minimising cooling in this critical area.
The RRD Amazone in action
Despite the tight cut and slightly tighter neoprene, the RRD sits very comfortably - the fit is cut "to the waist" and offers good freedom of movement. On land, in the wind, the slightly thinner sections on the sleeves are slightly noticeable in low single-digit temperatures, but on the water, "in action", this fades into the background and the suit impresses with its very good seal against water ingress - usually the number one source of cold in icy winter water. This is where the slightly tighter cut and the tight seal around the neck really pay off. The bright orange-coloured, pleasantly soft and quick-drying thermal lining used throughout the torso also proves its worth and warms much better than classic, simple neoprene lamination. The RRD has proven itself particularly well in cold water and the hood (also with a thermal lining in large sections) lets almost no water in, even when subjected to a lot of pressure during wave washes.
RRD Amazone 6/4 Hooded - the conclusion:
The RRD Amazone is a particularly dense and also comfortable winter suit with top features but slightly thinner material thickness and therefore good for "normal" winter use. Cold water stays safely outside, the suit keeps you warm in action and there are thicker models for longer breaks on land.
Very good sealing against cold water, equipment, freedom of movement
Slightly thinner neoprene on arms and shoulders
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Rating RRD Amazone 6/4 Hooded Women's Winterneo:
Technical data:
- Test model: RRD Amazone 6/4 Hooded (size 10)
- Thickness: 6/4 mm
- Available sizes: 6/8/10/12/14/16
- Price: 689 Euro
