Winter neoprene: The NeilPryde Mission 6/5 Hooded for cold days in the test

The Mission 6/5 Hooded FZ model from NeilPryde* is designed for the coldest temperatures. We tested the revised neo extensively last autumn - on the ice-cold Eisbach in Munich and on the windy Baltic Sea. The winter neo is currently still unchanged in the programme.

The wetsuit has an access hatch that makes it easy to slip in even without the agility of a contortionist. The pleasantly soft neoprene material, which appears extremely stretchy and of high quality, also contributes to the high level of comfort. The NeilPryde Mission in the size recommended for our test subject (102/LT) is slightly tighter in the forearm area. The Mission is quite generous in the leg area and at the leg ends.

The bonnet and access hatch overlap well, and the Neo can also be tightened well in this area using a drawstring on the chest. As long as the integrated drawstring is pulled tight, there is hardly any water ingress here, although there are competitor models that seal a little better. The bonnet is an absolute success: it is cut wide enough at the neck, making it easy to turn your head. The chin and face areas of the bonnet are also lined with very supple and soft material. The use of smooth-skin neoprene also ensures a low wind-chill effect in this area of the head.

NeilPryde Mission: high wearing comfort, reasonable equipment

Overall, the Mission is extremely comfortable to wear. This is primarily due to the very flexible neoprene material, which allows all kinds of contortions. Annoying seams are also not an issue with this neo. The inside of the NeilPryde Mission 6/5 is lined with soft, cosy plush. However, this only applies to the upper back, the plush reaches over the knees at the front. The seams were also perfectly sealed in the test, so that cold water only penetrates drop by drop at the small drain holes in the ankle area. All in all, although the equipment is not in the premium range, it is functional and flawless.

NeilPryde Mission 6/5 Hooded FZ - the conclusion:

The Mission 6/5 is an all-round successful winter neo that has no weaknesses in terms of comfort, thermal insulation or flexibility. We would place the comfort range at 2-12 degrees Celsius.

Warm & stretchy

Rating:

Technical data:

• Test model: NeilPryde Mission 6/5 Hooded FZ (size 102/LT)
• Thickness: 6/5mm
• Available sizes: 48/50/52/54/98/102/106
• Price: 549,95 Euro

You can find the complete test with many other winterneo models here

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