The details of the ION Seek Amp Winterneo are regularly revised. We tested the 2023 model, which is still available in many shops, last autumn on the Baltic Sea at three to six degrees. The wetsuit comes with thick neoprene and classy features. It should provide enough warmth for winter surfers down to freezing point.
At six millimetres on the torso and five millimetres on the legs, the neoprene thickness is comparatively thick. Despite this, the Winterneo doesn't feel bulky when you first put it on: the access hatch on the collar is sufficiently large. Even without the agility of a contortionist, it is easy to slip into. The cut is normally wide, and we found the manufacturer's size specifications for the ION Seek Amp 6/5 to be a good fit. The large integrated inner lining, brand-internal Hot Stuff and Plasma Plush The neoprene gussets ensure good entry comfort because they slip through easily. Despite the generous neoprene thickness, the neoprene used is extremely stretchy and adapts perfectly to the contours of the body.
Drawstrings to prevent water ingress
The integrated bonnet is quite generously cut. This is more suitable for thick heads than for riders with a very small skull. In the neck area, the bonnet is also stretchy and cut wide, allowing the head to be turned without working against the bonnet. Water ingress is successfully prevented by the integrated drawstring, and the closure on the face is also particularly soft and comfortable. Another positive aspect is that the ear holes in the bonnet that were still present in our last test in 2019 have now been removed, making annoying wind noise in the ears a thing of the past.
Only the second drawstring in the chest area does not appear to be fully developed. However, thanks to the good overlap between the collar and bonnet, hardly any water gets into the neo during washes and falls. If water does get in, it runs out again through small holes ("drain holes") in the collar and over the leg cuffs.
ION Seek Amp FZ 6/5 - the conclusion:
The ION Seek Amp FZ 6/5 Winterneo combines great freedom of movement with good thermal insulation. Ice sessions are possible, although there are models that offer slightly better thermal insulation on the upper body and head thanks to the use of smooth-skin neoprene. The features appear mature and of high quality, minor weaknesses from the past have been successfully eliminated. The fit is good for normal builds, but also slightly stronger arms and legs. We would place the comfort range at 2-12° Celsius.
Comfort and freedom of movement; large-area lining
Hood cut quite large
Drawstring on the chest
Rating ION Seek Amp Winterneo:
Technical data:
- Test model: ION Seek Amp FZ 6/5 (size XLT)
- Thickness: 6/5mm
- Available sizes: XS/S/ST/MS/M/MT/LS/L/LT/XLS/XL/XLT/XXL
- Price: 489.99 Euro RRP >> available here
