Renewing my acquaintance with the back zipped Hoplite. I like it! A large - I’m 5’10” 180lbs. Like a glove and easier to get into with the backzip. Have a 3/2 Dante but think I prefer this now. Both great suits.
Purchased off the Vintage site and shipped free to Manly from the US. Great suit, on first inspection you can tell how well these suits are put together. Great rubber, immaculate seam and stitching and simple lining. They are slim fits so the warning on sizing is true and I just snuck into my MT (6'1" 78kg) and at first there was some noticeable restriction/tightness around the back and shoulder area from the zip set up but after a few surfs it has settled in and feels great.
Long time since I have had a back zip and it is better than I remembered. You are really buying this suit for the rubber and construction quality, and after 1 month of every day use I am stoked and have put my back up suit into storage as the quick dry component of the rubber is pretty accurate. As a comparison I think these suits are better made than my Patagonia 2mm steamer and much warmer.
WHS HOPLITE 3/2MM