The difference between flatlock stitching and blindstitching is two-fold. Flatlock stitching along the seams of wetsuit panels are cheaper to produce and suffice at doing their job. The flatlock stitching holds together the panels but lets in some water through the seam and if the stitching gets knicked the whole stitching could unravel.
Wetsuit manufacturers try to enhance the experience of surfers by introducing special wetsuit features such as glide-skin material around the neck of the wetsuit to prevent wetsuit rash or chaff without requiring the surfer to put on a rash vest underneath. Rip Curl introduced the Batwing system a few years back in their wetsuit to keep the surfer extra warm on their most critical part of the body, the torso. This is where the heat is generated and water leakage through the back zip threatens this warmth. So this batwing is an extra layer of thin neoprene that gives extra protection.
Who a brand sponsors will influence your buying decision. Quiksilver for example have sponsored Kelly Slater for the majority of his surfing career and it has been a good relationship for both parties. Quiksilver’s dominance in the surf market is largely down to one man, Kelly Slater, who’s successful surf career and personal image is so highly marketable to their brand. Australian Brand Billabong has also done extremely well due to the success of home grown talent such as Joel Parkinson. So what brand do you want to associate with?