2020 Winter Wetsuits Buyers Guide under $300

Another one that just slips in under $300, the Xcel Axis looks good, but what’s your $300 getting you?

You’ll be running 3/2mm of limestone-based Neoprene that has some fluff on the chest for warmth, along with the engineered fit that Xcel has perfected. GBS Seams, back zip entry and a 12-month warranty. Seriously, even if you don’t buy one, go try one on.

Another good suit for the Sydney to Gold Coast area if you’re always warm and just need something for wind chill or to stay toasty.

I often wonder if the argument could be made that Billabong own the mid-tier part of the wetsuit market? Sure, they make top end suits that are amazing but I feel like it’s their mid-tier offerings that really set them in their own space.

What you can get from Billabong for less cash is really quite impressive. In the 300-500$ guide the other day their suit was the standout based on value for money, and this suit – The Billabong Furnace Absolute – is pretty good for $300. You should definitely have this suit in the spinner when choosing final boss suits. I’ve been playing video games.

Zion is another new brand we’re listing this year in an attempt to ensure you’re aware of all the options out there when shopping for a new winter wetsuit. Did you know Zion sponsor Craig Ando and Asher Pacey?! Not a bad duo to have repping ya suits…

The Wesley suit from Zion is a nice alternative to the rest of the list if you’re chasing something different. Haven’t seen one, or used one, so beyond what we’re seeing on the screen I can’t comment much more. Get one and you’ll be rolling with :: 100% Japanese limestone based neoprene // Bamboo Charcoal Interior // Easy Access Chest Zip //  Interior wrist and ankle grips to prevent the awkward slide and the all important Tradie-Approved keystash

Need Essentials have become the go-to company for people wanting a bargain suit that still works well. This suit is their Ultra-Premium Thermal Chest Zip option, which is pretty crazy considering it’s only $290 for a 3/2.

In reality, it’s more like a 3.5/2.5 suit if you look at their website specs. It’s got all the bells (but no whistles because you don’t need those) – liquid seams, thermal lining and stretch rubber and is real warm.

If you’re in Victoria or South Oz (12-16 degrees C), or are generally a sook when it comes to the cold, then lean toward this as a bargain option. If you’re WA, NSW, or QLD (18 degrees C +) then the $200 non-liquid tape Need suit might be a better version for you

A new comer to our lists of Wetsuit Buyer Guides but ISC have been around for a couple of years. Old mate who started ISC did the suits at Billabong for about 20 years, and so you can rest assured that ISC use great quality rubber and panelling/seams (a huge thing that many DTC wetsuit brands sometimes skip).

This Tuxe suit from ISC has all the bells and whistles you need in a full suit for winter – stretch, taping, rapid dry lining, GBS seams, etc etc. Really need to test one of these suits as they’re a nice price alternative if Need Essentials doesn’t cover what you want.

Remember Peak? Don’t see them as often as years gone by, I think the last noticeable moment was with Kerrsy riding for them and now they have Banting repping them. They’re still out making some amazing suits and given they’re basically Rip Curl suits but a season or two older you’re always going to win here.

This one, the X-Dry, is a 3/2mm Chest Zip 100% Sealed Front Zip wetsuit featuring lightweight and flexible X-Stretch neoprene in the arms, shoulder and knees, thermal mesh chest and back panel, a key pocket and X-Dry fast dry lining.

Not sure what else to write. Solid back up suit if you’re flush, great suit if you’re stuck for pennies. Win.