2014 Gear Guide: Best Wetsuits
“Fit and comfort” is the mantra when it comes to wetsuits. If a suit fits like a second skin — plus keeps water at bay, thereby reducing heat loss — it has done its job. With all the choices in neoprene today, there’s no excuse for feeling uncomfortable in a wetsuit.
Find out everything you need to know about wetsuits with Wetsuits: From Head to Toe.
Tips for how to maintain your wetsuit.
Not sure if your wetsuit is thick enough? Find out What You Need to Know About Neoprene Thickness vs. Water Temp.
Sport DiverBare S-Flex Full Wetsuit
Proprietary neoprene provides extreme stretch for max comfort. Armor Flex protects the knees without limiting stretchability.With an anatomical cut and superstretch materials, the S-Flex offers a second-skin fit at an attractive price. An adjustable Glideskin collar minimizes water entry at the neck. Available in 7 mm, 5 mm and 3/2mm thickness.
Contact: baresports.com
MSRP: $274.95 for 7mm; $229.95 for 5 mm; $179.95 for 3/2 mm (shown)
Sport DiverBeuchat Focea Comfort 4
Anatomical fit from 48 panels of ultrasoft Elaskin neoprene.Fireskin lining for comfort and warmth.
Beuchat’s premium one-piece uses 18 different stretchy, soft Elaskin neoprenes for a form-hugging fit. The plush Fireskin lining, double-sealed wrists and ankles, and Water Dam system on the rear zipper keep out the cold, while Supratex reinforcements protect the shoulders, elbows and knees.
Contact: spearotek.com
MSRP: $449 for 7 mm (shown); $429 for 5 mm; $369 for 3 mm
Sport DiverBare Velocity 5 mm
Heavy-duty rear zipper features a skin-to-skin internal sealing flap to minimize water entry.PROTEKT kneepads provide abrasion protection while back-knee stretch panels provide additional flex.
Different full-stretch panels are placed in specific performance zones, and then double-glued with BARE’s Secure-Lock construction. A 360-degree Glideskin neck seal and internal skin-in flip seals at midforearm and midcalf keep water out.
Contact: baresports.com
MSRP: $324. 95
Sport DiverCressi Spring 3.5 mm
Glued and blind stitched-seams minimize seepage, keeping heat inside the suit where it belongs.Wrist and ankle seals are Aquastop smooth-skin, and the neck seal is adjustable.
Made of Ultraspan neoprene, the Spring 2.5 mm is designed for both free diving and scuba diving. It comes with preshaped legs, provides lots of freedom of movement, and is available in both men’s and Spring Lady sizes.
Contact: cressi.com
MSRP: $260
Sport DiverBody Glove EVX 7 mm Dive Suit
Superstretch Magna Flex neoprene in key areas for maximum mobility.Proceeds helps benefit Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.
The Magna Flex and Thermolite construction and Glideskin collar of this Body Glove wetsuit mean you’ll keep warm even when the waters are chilly. And knowing that some of the purchase price benefits Jean-Michel Cousteau’s ocean-preservation efforts will probably make you feel good as well as warm.
Contact: bodyglove.com
MSRP: $279.99
Sport DiverSCUBAPRO Everflex C-Zip 3/2 mm
Everflex ultrastretch neoprene offers lots of flexibility along with abrasion resistance.Heliospan fine-fleece torso lining soaks up water, adding extra insulation and warmth.
This unique suit features a chest zipper that minimizes water entry while maximizing freedom of movement. The C-Zip design also makes it easy to don and doff. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Contact: scubapro.com
MSRP: $329
Sport DiverSeac Masterdry Semidry
Superelastic Extraflex neoprene and Thermal Fiber plush lining offer both comfort and range of motion.Titex Master Seal zipper and dual cone smooth-skin wrist and ankle seals keep water out.
With the focus on comfort, warmth and fit, this semidry wetsuit is loaded with convenience features like a spinal pad and 3-D cargo pocket, plus if offers extra protection on the knees, seat and shoulders.
Contact: seacusa.com
MSRP: $669
Sport DiverTilos 2.5 mm Sand Sock
Durable sock for use on a variety of surfaces.Neoprene sole with Lycra upper and adjustable cuff.
This comfortable sock protects feet from hot sand, mud, blisters and sunburn. Perfect for wearing when playing beach volleyball or snorkeling. Available in men’s sizes 5 to 13 and women’s sizes 6 to 14.
Contact: tilos.com
MSRP: $19.99
Sport DiverThermalution Yellow Grade Advanced
Wireless remote controller with three level settings.Heating system can dive to depths of 300 feet.
Designed to be worn under any wetsuit or drysuit, the Yellow Grade Undersuit provides heat for up to 240 minutes on a pair of rechargeable lithium polymer batteries.
Contact: thermalution.us
MSRP: $699
Sport DiverThermalution Blue Grade Intermediate
A Heats in one minute with three level settings.A Warms divers to depths as deep as 150 feet.
The first suit to utilize the Close Proximity Sensor (CPS) for wetsuits with a switch-free design to allow for 120 minutes of dive time.
Contact: thermalution.us
MSRP: $499
Sport DiverSubgear Sun & Fun Suits
High-tech FBM hollow-fiber material repels water for the ultimate in comfort between dives.An SPF 50-plus rating makes these suits great for a variety of water sports.
Ideal when worn by themselves or as undersuits, these stylish skin suits are made from a high-tech fast-drying nylon/Spandex blend. A mere .25 mm thick, they are light and flexible, and available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Contact: subgear.com
MSRP: $89
