7 Best Wetsuits in 2021

Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Chest Zip

Quiksilver Highline Pro 1MM

Olaian men’s Surfing neoprene wetsuit 100

Best Wetsuits in 2021 Review

No matter what the water throws at you. It might be helpful most times to focus on the enticing mental images of crystal-clear temperate waters, azure seas, and warm when exploring the world of watersports. However, it is not always the case, especially in a country like the UK, due to certain environmental factors which can utter the water body.

The rate of wetsuit technology advancement is rapidly increasing; this has enabled individuals who have taken a keen interest in water sport to get value for what they pay for. The best wetsuit in recent times is simpler to wear and off and ultra-push and increasingly ecologically aware. The former is often crucial when attempting to change while bouncing in the National Trust car park. In choosing a wetsuit, the importance of comfort cannot be over-emphasized; you have to always lookout for the best wetsuit you can afford and one that you fit in.

When planning for your trip, it would be excellent to have one of the best action cameras to document or record your accomplishment. Also, it is nice to think about investing in one of the dry bags, as this would help keep your things dry and free from dirt, amongst other things such as sand.

These days different brands manufacture several styles of wetsuit. Regardless of which brand you intend to buy, it is essential you know the best kind of wet suit that would fit your routine and sport. Below are different types of wetsuit designs that you can choose from.

The full hooded wetsuit

The temperature of seawater can make you lose heat from your body rapidly, which is why the hooded full wet suit is was designed. 40 to 45 percent of heat from the human is lost through the head, resulting in dizziness and lightheadedness. The hooded full wet suit was made with neoprene and can protect your head and ear from freezing temperatures.

The full wetsuit

This is the type of wetsuit that surfers look out for when the water is freezing. It is designed to cover all parts of the body – arms, legs, and torso. This wetsuit model is prevalent, and it offers a great deal of warmth, protection, and comfort.

The long john/jane wetsuit

This suit was designed with full legs to cover and a sleeveless top. It provides excellent flexibility, which allows better paddling since the suit exposes your shoulder. This type of suit is ideal for water aerobics, kayaking, and swimming.

The spring wetsuit

Are you looking to swimming in a water temperature not so cold? The spring suit is designed for use in climates during summer and spring when the water temperature is not cold. This kind of suit can either be long sleeves, short sleeves, and without sleeves.

The short arm steamer wetsuit

This suit is designed for wetsuit lovers, who often cannot surf without wearing a wetsuit made of neoprene because of its comfort and protection. This wetsuit is usually without leg and arm, and it is suitable for warm waters.

The short Jane/John wetsuit

This type of wetsuit gives a little bit of coverage. It allows flexibility movements since your shoulders are usually uncovered. It is designed to protect the upper part of the body.

The wetsuit jacket

The wetsuit jacket offers extra comfort, warmth, and protection for your arms and torso. Composed of neoprene material, it can have either a front or back zipper, making it easy to pull or wear.

The wetsuit vest

This wetsuit vest is designed specifically for use in very warm environments. It also serves hygiene because it helps avoid rashes on the body and protects from ultraviolet rays. It is composed of neoprene material and acts to protect the upper part of the body.

To know more about clothing accessories that can be used in water read

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The Four Key Attributes of a good wetsuit

Flexibility, Warmth, Fit, and Durability are the four essential factors to think of while choosing a wetsuit. The perfect wetsuit balances these four characteristics. However, other elements, such as built-in hoods, different zipper kinds, total suit weight, critical stash pockets, color, pricing, and more, may also play a role. It is also worth noting that some characteristics will detract from others; for example, adding seam tape to a wetsuit will make it more robust, but at the expense of flexibility.

    • Flexibility

: The thickness of the neoprene has the most significant impact on its flexibility. The thicker the suit, assuming the same type of neoprene is used, the less flexible it is most likely to be. Flexibility defines the stretchiness of a wetsuit; for instance, if you are someone comfortable in 3/2, and you happen to find yourself in a place where 5/4/3 is needed, you discover a lot of resistance to movement. To paddle with comfort and do more advanced maneuvers, you would require a flexible wet suit. A flexible wetsuit allows for an easy get-in and out without any assistance. The fact is you need a flexible wetsuit if you must strive as a beginner.

    • Warmth

: The main reason for inventing wetsuits is to keep people warm. The temperature of an open body of water can be extremely low, which isn’t often tolerated by the human body. Suppose you want to maintain your body temperature when underwater requires that you wear a wetsuit. Wetsuits are particularly useful to divers, surfers, and underwater security personnel. One way to spot a wetsuit that would offer warmth is considering its entry system, seam construction, and internal linings.

The thickness of the neoprene used in a wetsuit determines how warm it can be. What good is it to be in the water in a wetsuit if you aren’t warm enough? When looking out for a suitable wetsuit, entrance systems, Seam structure, internal linings, and the type of neoprene are all considerations to consider.

    • Fit

: Fit is easily the most critical consideration when choosing a wetsuit, and it should not be overlooked. It might be difficult, stressful to get things correctly. However, it can also be simple if you learn from experience. But it is worthy of note that your wetsuit will not keep you warm if it does not fit properly; it will be less flexible, and in most cases, it will be quite uncomfortable.

    • Wetsuit Durability

: The seams of a wetsuit are typically the weakest spot; therefore, it is always critical to ensure that your wetsuit will last. The most straightforward approach to judge a wetsuit’s longevity is to look at the seam construction. There are various ways to reinforce seams on a wetsuit, which we’ll go over in detail in the portion of the seam of this guide.

Our wetsuit purchasing guide contains detailed information on what to look out for. Scroll down to get more information.

The 7 Best Wetsuits in 2021 Are Reviewed Below

Below is a review of the 7-best wetsuit in 2021. The review covers their specification, key features, pros, and cons. Please read through and decide the most suitable for your personality.

1

Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Chest Zip

It is an exciting suite with great features; this wetsuit was created primarily for surfers and extreme water-based neurotics. It is designed to have a lot of giving under the arms that allow for a simpler paddler; that is, more priority was placed in places that need stretch the most. Rip Curl wetsuit also comes with panels in the leg, making it easier to take a deep dig on a SUP or pop up on a surfboard. Innovation has brought about another E5 age of flash lining, highlighting numerous layers that channel water out of the suit faster to keep the glow secured side, where it is usually required most. It is lighter than many in recent time. You stay incredibly warm in the water in them because the fluffy warm stuff highlights all through the Flashbomb, not simply at the acute chest and midsection region only.

The suit is created such that one can quickly get into and of, the ‘flushing’ impression that happens when cold water enters the suit’s back couldn’t be wiped out with even an intense front zip shutting system. Nonetheless, it’s a fabulous super suit. Also, the new E4 neoprene is easy to put on and truly flexible; for a portion of the UK’s hotter days on the water, the textured covering will be maybe excessively warm.

Key Features:

  • Sealed cuffs
  • E6 flash lining tape
  • Mesh skin

Specification:

  • Seams: Blind stitched and glued
  • Entry: Front chest zip
  • Thickness: 2mm for arms and leg. 3mm chest.
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Primary use: Swimming & Surfing
  • Color: Green
  • Brand: Rip Curl
Pros
  • It is Lightweight and keeps the skin Warm even in water
  • The material is super stretchy
  • It doesn’t retain water within because it has drainage
  • It comes with a stash pocket
Cons
  • It tends to lose shape over time

2

Quiksilver Highline Pro 1MM

There’s a great deal of development here; the top of our selection for the best premium wetsuit is the Quiksilver Highline Expert 1MM. This wetsuit is somewhat of a boss, built for the pro-surfer rather than the ordinary surfer. The Highline Pro was sculpted with bare hands in Japan, features promoting light weight, eliminating chafing spots, and nine panels of Japanese Limestone neoprene. The wetsuit was designed to cram the warmth of a 3mm suit into a 1mm water suit, which provides enough flexibility of movement, warmth with unequaled comfort.

If you want the ultimate surfer’s suit, exactly like the pros, this is the one for you, you’ll be surfing at the cutting edge of technology, and there’s nothing else like it. Quicksilver has designed the two entrance methods for normal and goofy foot surfers; positioning the entry on the non-lead side helps reduce water flush during the wipeout. The result is usually a 1mm suit focusing on high-intensity, certified for water temperatures between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius, and weighs less than a kilo.

Key Features:

  • Three-layer diving material
  • Snug skin fitting design
  • Nylon II neoprene build
  • Easy entry front zipper design

Specification:

  • Seams: Glued
  • Thickness: 1mm
  • Entry: Zipperless shoulder
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Main use: Surfing
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Quiksilver
Pros
  • It is Lightweight and keeps the skin Warm even in water
  • The material is super stretchy
  • It offers UV protection to the skin
  • It was specially made to protect the skin against biological irritants
  • It is waterproof and offers high-tech heat insulation features.
Cons
  • It is unorthodox

3

Olaian men’s Surfing neoprene wetsuit 100

The Olaian 4/3mm wetsuit neoprene might not have the ecological certifications of a portion of its competitors. Yet, the wetsuit is an unprecedented decision for an intermittent surfer or keen amateur searching for a warm suit, and it’ll unquestionably get the job done. The 4/3mm has a comfort level that should be enough even for extended sessions, thanks to seamless inserts at the crotch and underarms, glued and blind stitched seams, and armored knees, which at the current price range is more than enough. The wetsuit has been rated as the best wetsuit for swimming. Also, the temperature was determined by rating it for an hour in “cold” water, which Decathlon describes as 12 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit — you will be pleased you have a wetsuit at the lower end of this range.

Key Features:

  • A back zip down
  • An underarm and crotch inserts
  • Made with 100 percent foam, rubber, neoprene lining, and polyester (pes).

Specification:

  • Seams: Blind stitched and glued
  • Entry: back zip
  • Thickness: 3mm arms/4mm chest
  • Material: Neoprene and spandex
  • Primary use: Swimming & Surfing
  • Brand: Olaian
  • Color: NAVY BLUE
Pros
  • It is water friendly and super warm
  • It is shaped to optimize arm rotation
  • It is very comfortable and stretchy
Cons
  • Nil

4

O’Neill Hyperfreak Women’s

The new Hyperfreak from O’Neill comes with curved seams in all the right place, it is made of a 4/3mm rubber, in such a way that might be little thick for warmer waters and sunny days, but its advantage is that it is built to last a long time, making it a good investment for people on a tight budget. Its proprietary Technobutter neoprene is some of the most flexible on the market, making it ridiculously simple to get into and out of, while the intelligent double ‘super seal neck help to keeps water out.

Key Features:

  • Seam design
  • Underarm and crotch inserts
  • Double layer

Specification:

  • Seams: Glued and Blindstitched
  • Entry: Front zip
  • Thickness: 3mm to 4mm
  • Material: Technobutter Neoprene
  • Main use: Surfing
  • Brand: O Neil
  • Color: Black
Pros
  • It has Curved seams
  • It offers warmth to the skin
  • It is easy to put on and off
Cons
  • Maybe too thick for warmer water

5

Patagonia-HevtoR3 Yulex FZ Full Suit

The suit itself is well-made and with 4.5mm of neoprene across your chest and back to keep you warm. Patagonia is proud of its environmental credentials, and its current range of wetsuits employs a plant-based derivative instead of the hazardous neoprene of the past. Its design is best to use in spring and autumn, and if you avoid freezing days (for which the R4 is recommended), it can suffice in the winter.

While the R3 is unquestionably stretchy enough to permit you to move generally unhindered, it isn’t nearly as flexible as some other options in the market. And it happens to be the second generation of Yulex neoprene, with around 20% more flexibility than the first. Therefore, R3 will still be going strong when others have overstretched and started to leak. However, unlike their more elastic rivals, Patagonia has often demonstrated a greener attitude, which indicates that their wetsuits are durable.

All seams are triple glued and then taped inside and sealed on the outside for unrivaled water tightness. The front entry zip is made such that it is very robust and will protect the wearer in any horrible ‘flushing’ moments. Your knees and ankles are usually protected from injury against damage from your board and anything else you could encounter on land or water by Supratex kneepads and ankle cuffs protect.

Patagonia’s wetsuits come with a generous lifetime warranty, which makes the price more bearable. The R3 isn’t cheap at £390, but you’ll likely get more years out of it than other comparable wetsuits on the market.

Key Features:

  • Warmth
  • Stretchy
  • Protection Function
  • Skin-Friendly
  • GBS (Glued and Blind Stitching

Specification:

  • Seams: Triple glued & taped
  • Entry: Front zip
  • Thickness: 4.5mm chest/3mm arms and legs
  • Material: Yulex & synthetic rubber
  • Main use: Surfing
  • Brand: Hello
  • Color: Black
Pros
  • It has a solid build which makes sit very durable
  • It protects the body from excessive heat lose
  • It is environmentally friendly
Cons
  • It is quite pricey
  • Difficult to get on and off

6

2XU P:1 Propel

The 2XU number was created with the athlete in mind, meaning it focuses on the technical aspect, where some wetsuits are fashioned for surfing and other relaxed aquatic pursuits. It is designed with thickness varying on almost every panel equally has a plethora of rubber throughout the body. Furthermore, it is also made with a Super Composite Skin, which enables the wetsuit to have the ability to repel water when in contact with air and reduces the surface resistance for faster swimming times due to the micelle structure sprayed onto the surface. It comes with a 520 percent stretch lining, making it easier to get out of when transferring from water to bike rapidly. There’s also loads of movement throughout the body, which helps to reduce tiredness. Although this wetsuit was made for swimming, most buyers swear that it is the best wetsuit for diving.

Key Features:

  • 48 Cell front buoyancy pane
  • Concave water entrapment zone
  • SCS coating
  • Hydrodynamic silicone coating
  • 520% stretch lining (internal)
  • Enhanced lateral flexibility

Specification:

  • Seams: Glued
  • Entry: Rear zip
  • Thickness: 5mm max
  • Material: Sponge rubber, Nylon laminated
  • Primary use: Triathlon & Swimming
  • Brand: 2XU
  • Color: Black and silver
Pros
  • It aids your swimming stroke
  • It is easy to put on and off
  • It is super stretchy
Cons
  • Nil

7

Xcel Polar Thermoflex TDC Dive Fullsuit

Xcel Polar Thermoflex TDC Dive Fullsuit is built in such a way that it makes diving to the deepest, darkest depths of the world’s immense seas possible. Their signature Glideskin material is a feature in the access area that needs more traction for accessible entrance and exit; this means that the slippery material is used on the face seal hood, cuffs, and ankle. In getting in and out of the water, this incredibly thick suit Xcel’s Polar Protection System zip has made that so super easy. Furthermore, to expand warmth in truly crisp conditions, the Polar TDC also has clever Thermo Dry Celliant low and high pile hydrophobic linings in essential locations, such as the chest and core.

Key Features:

  • Triple glued and blindstitched seam
  • Plush ThermoLite infrared chest lining
  • Watertight back zipper
  • Limestone-based neoprene

Specification:

  • Seams: Glued & blindstitched
  • Entry: Front zip
  • Thickness: 6mm to 9mm
  • Material: Ultra-stretch Neoprene
  • Main use: Diving
  • Brand: Xcel
  • Color: Black
Pros
  • It is ridiculously warm
  • It comfortable and light
  • It is durable due to its quality textile weave
  • It provides resistance against wind due to its texture embossed rubber.
Cons
  • It is thick and, as a result, leads to a reduced movement

Buying Guide Questions

A wetsuit isn’t a regular suit. It is made for swimmers, surfers, and divers. When shopping for a wetsuit, customers often have many unanswered. Below is a list of possible questions and their answers.

What thickness wetsuit should I buy?

Thickness is one of the most crucial components to consider when buying a wetsuit.

Buying the right wetsuit, thickness, and other factors are considered based on individual preference, diving plan, and climate.

Due to the various option available, determining the thickness of the wetsuit to go for can be very hard. However, the temperature of the water that you would be surfing and your ability to tolerate cold can help decide the thickness to choose.

Wetsuit temperature charts can help you decide which thickness adequately will be suitable depending on the temperature of the water. Google search can help check the temperature of water in your locality.

What is the best wetsuit for cold water?

The temperature of 21°C (70°F) and lower are regarded as cold water when dealing with wetsuits. This type of water can be freezing, and it is usually encountered during winter either in the polar region, which is very cold or your local lake.

The best wetsuit for cold water is usually built with a high level of thickness to keep you warm and comfortable, especially at the midsection and torso. This type of wetsuit is often considered the best wetsuit for the beginner surfer.

When you have water whose temperature is below 5°C or 42°F, the ideal kind of wetsuit is the 6/5/4mm full suit wetsuit; the high-temperature thickness should be around 3/2mm and medium temperatures around 4/3mm-5/4/3mm. The material used to make a wetsuit should be durable, with a high level of flexibility and strength combined with the thickness.

What should I look for when buying a wetsuit?

When choosing a wetsuit, there are several factors to consider; this includes but is not limited to the following

The kind of activity you will engage in: This activity could be swimming, surfing, or paddling.

• Design features of the wetsuit: such as the zipper (back zipper and chest zipper), the seal type.

• Water temperature: The water temperature is very important in deciding the thickness of the wetsuit to buy.

• Accessories: Gears that would help to keep one warmer and also help to complete the ensemble

• The right size or fit: Wetsuit comes in different sizes and brands; it is imperative to put on the wetsuit when buying because when a wetsuit fits well, it keeps cold water from getting in.

Do you wear anything under a wetsuit?

Personal preference and specific circumstances is a determinant factor in choosing what to wear under a wetsuit.

For example, a full-body jumpsuit beneath your wetsuit will add more warmth and insulation to your body if you are stand up boarding mid-February.

However, men’s briefs or a two-piece swimsuit for women will be lovely if you surf in summer without the need for extra temperature.

Also, it is absolutely fine for those who cannot stand to wear anything underneath their wetsuit if you are ok being naked underneath. My only advice is that you should endeavor to buy a thicker wetsuit to keep you warm in cold months.

I would definitely recommend that you have an undergarment like a rash guard and some shorts if you like to rent your wetsuit. This is due to hygienic and health reasons.

How much should you pay for a wetsuit?

The price of a wetsuit varies significantly with brands. A suitable wetsuit with outstanding quality and durability can be obtained within a price range of £50 – £500, and I assure you that it is a fair price to pay for a good wetsuit. If you are buying a wetsuit for the first time, I would suggest between £100-£200, so that it can last you longer, keep you warm, and allow you to enjoy your activity to the fullest.

Can you swim in a 5mm wetsuit?

Using a 5mm wetsuit (full or short wetsuit) for swimming depends on the climate of the region. A 5mm wetsuit during winter would leave you very comfortable and warm, and as it will accommodate the cold temperature adequately. However, during summer, a 5mm wetsuit can be very uncomfortable, especially in abnormally hot regions.

What is warmer, a wetsuit or dry suit?

Dry suits and wetsuits are both used for thermal insulation against winter air, cold, and water temperature and are very popular in the inland surfing world of sports. Both are designed to keep you warm, and the difference is in the material and functionality.

They are different methods of keeping warm. A dry suit requires special training and certification, and it’s usually meant for freezing temperatures. Wetsuits are meant for both keeping warm and protected against the environment, coral reefs, for example.

How cold of water can you swim in with a wetsuit?

When swimming, water temperature plays a very significant role in how long you can swim. A wide range of temperatures exist, which you can be exposed to during outdoor swimming, unlike indoor temperatures, varying from around 26 to 31 degrees Celsius. In the UK, inland water temperature ranges from zero in winter to mid-20s high in summer peak.

When swimming, you can swim at a very low temperature of about 0-5 degrees. Usually, swimming in this range of temperature is limited to a few minutes and, in most cases, under supervision. Water shock is the most significant danger from sudden immersion in cold water that is way cooler than one has been exposed to, especially for the inexperienced ones. This effect usually decreases over time as a result of swimming experiences and enough preparation. Other problems or dangers include swim failure and hypothermia.

The best wetsuits for California surfing are those with double layers; this reduces the chances of hypothermia.

Conclusion

A wetsuit is like a safety garment in water; wearing one can protect you from serious health emergencies. It keeps a surfer warm in cold water and weather. No wonder they can survive an extended period underwater. Besides this amazing benefit, it also protects the skin by preventing insect stings and biting underwater. Several brands manufacture wetsuits, and they come in different qualities. This review will give you an insight on how to decide the best wetsuit for your preference.