We tested the ION Amaze AMP FZ 6/5 Hooded last winter. The manufacturer has since revised the model, but the version we tested is still available in various shops.
The first impression of a wetsuit's flexibility always comes when putting it on, and the ION Amaze AMP FZ 6/5 Hooded - FZ stands for "front zip" - is one of the top four. Despite the wide cut that closes right up to the neck, it is easy to get into, you have to zip a little more at the hips, the arms can then be easily and simply snaked in - the donning comfort is good for this class of "thermal packs". The wetsuit is very flexible, which is particularly noticeable when you put it on. It is not stingy with the thickness of the material throughout: there is also plenty of insulation on the sides of the torso, shoulders and sleeves. All seams are "blindstitched" on both sides, i.e. waterproof and partially taped on the inside (on the legs). The seams on the outside are not additionally protected. Instead, the wetsuit is lined with a comfortable lining over a large area, particularly thick at the back and sides of the rump and also in the hood. The ends of the legs and sleeves are welded so that no neoprene foam is visible at the edges. A key pocket is hidden under the zip.
The Amaze AMP 6/5 FZ Hooded in practical use
On the water, the wetsuit impressed with its very good stretch despite the thick material throughout. The material is very stretchy and offers maximum freedom of movement. In two hours of ice water (4 to 5 degrees) with 12 degrees air, the wetsuit warmed very well. The seal at the neck is not quite as hermetically sealed as O'Neill's, but still very good, and the potential water ingress is also very low compared to wetsuits such as the Prolimit. Only the generous cut of the hood meant that the lower edge slipped up to the upper lip a few times and had to be pulled down again, at least for our testers. The Amaze AMP therefore impresses with a successful combination of freedom of movement and thermal insulation thanks to its waterproofing and materials.
ION Amaze AMP 6/5 FZ Hooded - the conclusion:
The ION Amaze AMP 6/5 with bonnet is an extremely warm and very comfortable winter suit with good features. Very tight, elasticated and absolutely winterproof, even in the sleeves and shoulders.
Comfort and thermal insulation; very warm lining, very stretchy
-
-
Rating ION Amaze AMP Women's Winterneo:
Technical data:
- Test model: ION Amaze AMP FZ 6/5 Hooded (size 38)
- Thickness: 6/5 mm
- Available sizes: 34/36/38/40
- Price: 499.99 Euro RRP
