What's folks thoughts been through a lot of suits through the years, but a few of the guys swear by the new drysuits for winter, also windsurf so movement and flexibilty is important any suggestions on a warm suit that will last more than a year or two

Andy.. just save yourself the money and come to the tropical metropolis known as teesside through the winter. I would suggest with the water temperatures down here that by the end of October/begining November you should ditch the shortie and go onto a 3/2 for full on winter. Some people wear full lenght all year, but it's not for thermal protection.... more to do with minimum contact with nappies and sanitary pads

dry suit is the way to go in winter...... not only will it keep you warm on the water but it is soooo much better when you come out and are on the beach in the freezing wind or when you get changed.

as for the type of suit it is a personal choice, I would definately recommend going to a store to try them on as opposed to just buying online. The seals have to be fairly tight to stop water ingress but not to tight to stop bloodflow!!!!

There are loads of options but apparently the neoprene seals are better than latex ones.
I have latex ones on my suits and although they are tight they still leak, so I am looking at replacing them with neoprene seals.

Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers,
Rory