Trying to find the best surfing wetsuit can be a bit tricky now that there are so many manufacturers to choose from.
When you’re looking at the range of surfing wetsuits available, it can be hard to find one that is light enough for summer, warm enough for winter, durable for years of surfing, cheap, and stylish.
To simplify the process and make it easier for you to decide which wetsuit is best for you, we’ve gone ahead and listed out the top 6 best surfing wetsuits.
Check them out below and find one that matches your personal style and surfing needs.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| O'Neill Men's Reactor 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit | Best Overall |  |
| Seavenger Navigator 3mm Neoprene Shorty Wetsuit | Budget Pick |  |
| O'Neill Men's Reactor 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. O'Neill Men's Reactor 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
Pros:
- Life Jacket style vest
- Full-zip back entry with velcro® back closures
- X-Dri® Lining
- Anatomical, FCS style HF Superstructure
- 3mm Super Stretch foam
- Ball and socket joint and knee mobility
- 21" Zipper
- Sewn Product Label
- Contour shaped knee and pants for powerful legs and surfing
- X-Dri® Lining
Cons:
- Some people don’t like the smell of the suit
- Water tends to pool in the top of the suit.
2. Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Back Zip 3/2 Wetsuit
Pros:
- * The Dawn Patrol Maldives back zip is made with Super Thermo lining and 100% Nylon which allows it to keep the body warm.
3. Seavenger Navigator 3mm Neoprene Shorty Wetsuit
Pros:
- This best shorty is feminine looking without sacrificing functionality
- Looks great and feels comfortable thanks to its smooth nylon lining
- It’s made from 100% neoprene, making it highly durable
- It pays attention to detail
Cons:
- The top of this suits is a bit thinner than the rest
- Some reviewers have said that the size runs smaller than what you think
This shorty is described by one reviewer as a perfect suit for summer, although it might not be warm enough for the winter months.
It’s a quality suit that is built to last, and that will protect you from the elements. You should find it a comfortable fit, and an ideal choice for surfing in warmer waters.
4. O'Neill Men's Reactor 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
Pros:
- Life Jacket style vest
- Full-zip back entry with velcro® back closures
- X-Dri® Lining
- Anatomical, FCS style HF Superstructure
- 3mm Super Stretch foam
- Ball and socket joint and knee mobility
- 21" Zipper
- Sewn Product Label
- Contour shaped knee and pants for powerful legs and surfing
- X-Dri® Lining
Cons:
- Some people don’t like the smell of the suit
- Water tends to pool in the top of the suit.
5. Seavenger Navigator 3mm Neoprene Shorty Wetsuit
Pros:
- This best shorty is feminine looking without sacrificing functionality
- Looks great and feels comfortable thanks to its smooth nylon lining
- It’s made from 100% neoprene, making it highly durable
- It pays attention to detail
Cons:
- The top of this suits is a bit thinner than the rest
- Some reviewers have said that the size runs smaller than what you think
This shorty is described by one reviewer as a perfect suit for summer, although it might not be warm enough for the winter months.
It’s a quality suit that is built to last, and that will protect you from the elements. You should find it a comfortable fit, and an ideal choice for surfing in warmer waters.
6. Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Back Zip 3/2 Wetsuit
Pros:
- * The Dawn Patrol Maldives back zip is made with Super Thermo lining and 100% Nylon which allows it to keep the body warm.
7. Quiksilver Mens 3/2mm Syncro BZ Full Flatlock Wetsuit
Pros:
- The full-length zipper is a nice feature
- Good value
- Great for snorkeling, too
The Quiksilver Syncro BZ is made from Blackzone 3/2mm material, which is 100% Seamless Italian neoprene. This distinguishes it from an entry-level wetsuit like UTEE or other wetsuit brands. The full-length zipper is part of the 3/2mm design, allowing the water to easily move out of the suit when you come up for air. It makes for faster drying too. The fit does not allow for a great deal of give, so it may take a bit of altering to get it just right for your body size. It is attached with high-quality zippers and fly zippers. It has a surfer crotch design, which means that you can take a greater range of position. That is important for surfing.
The design is a full chest zip suit, with a two-way key lock entry and the suit. It has subtle knee pads for added grip when you come up for air.
The attached hood covers your neck and back of your head with the chest zip, and has added stretch and a soft lining inside. The collar is also stretchy.
8. Quiksilver Mens 3/2mm Syncro BZ Full Flatlock Wetsuit
Pros:
- The full-length zipper is a nice feature
- Good value
- Great for snorkeling, too
The Quiksilver Syncro BZ is made from Blackzone 3/2mm material, which is 100% Seamless Italian neoprene. This distinguishes it from an entry-level wetsuit like UTEE or other wetsuit brands. The full-length zipper is part of the 3/2mm design, allowing the water to easily move out of the suit when you come up for air. It makes for faster drying too. The fit does not allow for a great deal of give, so it may take a bit of altering to get it just right for your body size. It is attached with high-quality zippers and fly zippers. It has a surfer crotch design, which means that you can take a greater range of position. That is important for surfing.
The design is a full chest zip suit, with a two-way key lock entry and the suit. It has subtle knee pads for added grip when you come up for air.
The attached hood covers your neck and back of your head with the chest zip, and has added stretch and a soft lining inside. The collar is also stretchy.
9. O'NEILL Youth Hyperfreak 4/3MM COMP ZIPLESS Full
Pros:
- Made out of neoprene
- Zipperless design
- Strong Velcro closures
- Excellent quality for price
- Ultra lightweight
- Quick-drying fabric
- Made from double-stitched glued and blindstitched seams for durability
- Attractive design for kids
- Excellent quality for youth
- One of the most popular wetsuits on the market
Cons:
- Provides a lot of buoyancy
- Has an inflated appearance
- Zipper is not as strong as the Velcro
10. XCEL Drylock X 5/4mm Hooded Wetsuit
Pros:
- Triple glued and blind stitched seams that provide reliable strength against water penetration
- Compression panels give the overall suit a structure that makes it wearable for comfort
This wetsuit has very few negative reviews to mention. In fact, the reviewer usually keeps on going back, which shows how much they’ve loved the experience of wearing it in the first place. This item does indeed make getting into the water easy when it’s too cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who makes the best wetsuits for surfing?
- For men: O’Neill and XCEL, these wetsuits are top quality and fit excellently. If money is an issue, the O’Neill Wave Rider series is the best wetsuit for the price. If you can afford to spend a couple of dollars more, the Lopro and the Pacific brands are superior in quality and flexibility.
- For women: XCEL wetsuits are the best women’s wetsuits and are supremely comfortable and flexible. If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish wetsuit for surfing, these are the wetsuits for you.
- For children: The XCEL Wave Rider wetsuit series is the best option for your kids. Encourage them to get a wetsuit that’s a bit bigger than their size so they can grow into it.
Is Xcel A good wetsuit brand?
Are they that similar to O’Neill?
Xcel and O’Neill are the top vendors for surfing wetsuits; they are both solid, high-quality brands. Some people claim that Xcel wetsuits are of lesser quality. Although, it’s to be noted that Xcel used to be a lesser known brand in the wetsuit industry. However, in recent years Xcel has been making some impressive innovations in their technology, which is why they have been able to launch bionic wetsuits, which are like the 2014 wetsuit. Currently, they are undergoing a lot of research to produce new technologies. So for now, both brands are great.
What is the best material for a wetsuit?
If you want a wetsuit that is long-lasting, versatile, and comfortable, you will want neoprene or Thermothane. Neo is great on its own, and it’s utilized in 3- and 4-millimeter thickness to make gloves and booties. Thermothane is durable, flexible, lightweight, and warm. This material is utilized in thicker wetsuits to give you maximum warmth and protection. If you want a wetsuit that is thinner, eco-friendly, and less expensive, choose wetsuits made of polyester and nylon and swimwear-quality Lycra. These are typically used by casual surfers.
What is the best 4 3 wetsuit?
Different wetsuits work better for different conditions, and the best wetsuit for you will depend on where you surf, the size of the waves you want to tackle, the water temperature, and your personal preferences in terms of flexibility and mobility.
However, for most conditions, water temperature, and body type, the quiver killer suits are by far the best surfing wetsuits. They’re great in cold water, and they’re pretty easy to move around in by comparison.
You can pick from a range of thicknesses of neoprene, so they’re suitable for a range of water temperatures, and they’re very durable, so they’ll last you a long time.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a surf wetsuit for a child or an adult, there are several factors you will want to consider when choosing the best suit for you. A wetsuit is definitely an investment, so you want it to be one that will last for a few seasons of surfing.
You may also want to consider the thickness