2021 Winter Wetsuits Buyers Guide $350-550

“Lined with heat-trapping Infrared material, the Advantage Max is as warm as it is lightweight and flexible. A zipperless entry provides added flexibility.”

I was wondering if Hurley would continue to make wetsuits after being bought a while back. Would have been a easy cull considering margins on suits are as fantastic as soft goods, and they are much harder to make and make awesome.

But, Hurley is back with new suits (Kolohe must be stoked, he was wearing some ratty ones there for a minute). And this is their Advantage Max, which on spec looks pretty good. Exoflex V3 Material is (much) stretchier and more durable than ever before. Seams are placed out of your way, so you can move freely and infrared technology lines the suit for lightweight, insulating warmth.

Warranty:
1-year wetsuit warranty on any any workmanship defects
6 month warranty on all material defects.

“Chest zip wetsuit for men featuring 100% StretchFlight x4 neoprene, and a Thermal Smoothie on the chest and back panel. Complete with a WarmFlight® Far Infrared x2 thermal lining on the body and upper leg panels with Diamond Deluxe.”

Traditionally, Quiksilver suits haven’t been the best. But over the last 12 months or so they’ve undergone some changes (new head designer) and have been pushing innovative ideas out to the masses (you see the Highline Pro?). This continues with the Highline Plus – it’s not groundbreaking by any means, but it’s a solid suit for the price point. If you’re wanting something a little more light and flexible (no liquid tape) have a look at the Highline Lite from Quiksilver for $400.

Warranty:
Entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. (not super clear on their site)

“The minimal seamed team rider favourite that is designed to flex how you need it to while keeping you warm for the duration of every session. Now featuring TB Firewall with heat retaining thermal interior layer in the chest, back and legs. Lightweight and loaded with tech, this suit is the ONE to have for high performance surfing. ”

Like Rip Curl, if you’re having a wetsuit discussion you have to include O’Neill and the Psycho 1 is a suit that always has value on offer. The Psycho is a mainstay in the O’Neill wetsuit program, with this one you have (imo) the best chest zip closure going on a full suit, along with technobutter (TB3) neoprene, some furry warm stuff and GBS seams with external liquid tape.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years of wearing/testing O’Neill suits is they (and this might be wild to state) seem better cut for tall lanky people. Someone like myself who is better defined as a walking dim sim, you should probably get a half size (MT, or MS, etc). It’s O’Neill though, and they have been making kick ass suit for years…

Warranty:
12 months from date of original purchase (more here)

“Offering lightweight comfort in warmer water, the stretchy, neoprene-free R1® Lite Yulex® Front-Zip Full Suit is our most pared-down full-length wetsuit, made from 85% Yulex natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content; the high-stretch interior lining is 100% recycled polyester.”

You used to buy Patagonia because you felt good about your purchase, but you can now also feel good AND get a top of the line suit. The R1 Lite might not be the cheapest on the list here, but the R1 Lite has some great features (beyond Yulex) and would be a deadset banger of suit from Sydney to the Gold Coast – plus Patagonia have one of the best wetsuit warranties getting around. If you’re looking for eco-minded wetsuit purchasing, start here.

Warranty:
No time limit on returns, though they ask that returns for fit or colour be made in a timely manner.

“Boost your heat and your performance with the ultra lightweight Furnace Comp wetsuit. Delivering on sustainability without sacrifice, Billabong’s coldwater competition performance wetsuit is now made with innovative eco materials.”

Billabong continue to make improvements with their wetsuit program (you see their new Natural Furnace?), and this Furnace Comp suit is a real nice option. You got graphene internally and the external jersey is 100% recycled materials now too. GBS seams with external liquid tape to ensure a good seal for a long time. If this isn’t right up your alley or you want something a little cheaper, hit up the Revolution Pro for $450

Warranty:
*3 yr warranty on all stitching
*12-month warranty on all materials

“100% Yamamoto Japanese Neoprene.
Owned & operated by 2 surfers—Alex & Buzz, that’s it, that’s all.”

Never seen or used one but I do hear they are pretty good. Owned & operated by 2 surfers out of San Francisco/Northern California, these guys are definitely aware of the need of a warm, sealed wetsuit.

Combining their professional backgrounds in industrial design and engineering to learn how to build a better, longer-lasting wetsuit from scratch Feral was born. And now you can slide into their 3mm2 full suit – a suit that is 100% Yamamoto rubber with reduced panels and strategic seam design. Plus, there won’t be a lot of people in the water (in Australia) wearing one so you’ll be the standout in that regard. If anyone has used one properly, lemme know…

Warranty:
If the product is found to be defective under normal use and proper care, FERAL Surfing will repair or replace the product at our discretion within 365 days from product shipping date. 

“This latest advancement utilizes a metal lining under the textile that blocks cold temperatures under the textile that blocks cold temperatures from penetrating the outer layer and reflects heat generated within the wetsuit back towards the body, keeping you in a constant start of warmth.”

Xcel are the tradesman of wetsuits. Not flashy but plenty of depth and they get the job done. They took out awards for the warmest and all-round wetsuits last year (for the Drylock X suit – review here). If you’re looking at their Radiant Rebound suit here, you should have confidence it’ll be a good suit.

If you do want to go higher up the food chain, Xcel have the Drylock which runs at $550. My theory is if you’re spending $550, you may as well spend $650 and get the Drylock X which is a phonemonal suit.

Warranty:
*1 yr from original purchase date on all seams.
*1 yr from original purchase date on neoprene.

“An ode to the cold water surfer. With advanced materials and features, the North Seas is a technical series of wetsuits designed and constructed for the coldest of surfing climates. While using the same premium and eco-friendly materials as the High Seas wetsuit, the North Seas wetsuit is made with additional features that provide a whole new level of warmth and durability.”

This is probably a better suit if you’re further south then Sydney as the ‘North Seas’ series of suits from Vissla are their cold AF level of wetsuits. Seeing it’s winter, we want you to stay warm. But at $450 it might stretch you, if so, take a look at their High Seas 3/2 for $400 or their award winning 7 Seas suits for under $350.

The North Seas suit is Vissla’s warmest and most water tight suit with I-Foam Premium rubber, Brain Fuzz lining, and more. Definitely some good value to be had here.

Warranty is :
• 1 year from original purchase date on all seams.
• 1 year from original purchase date on neoprene.

“The E-Bomb 3/2 Zip Free Steamer is ultimate high performance wetsuit. Featuring Rip Curl’s latest E6 neoprene with Thermo Lining throughout the entire suit, combined with our newest zip free entry system for maximum paddling freedom and water seal.”

To be honest, $450 for an E-Bomb from Rip Curl is pretty crazy. The E-Bomb has a (worthy) reputation as one of the best lightweight and flexible suits on the market. If you’re Sydney north, this is the go to suit for most people (unless you have lizard blood). This is hands down one of the best suits on the market, regardless of price. We reviewed it a while back and as Tim said:

If you need more warmth go get a Flashbomb, but otherwise get an E-Bomb and enjoy the Ferrari within the Rip Curl wetsuit matrix, built for hi-fi surfing by any shredder or kook with enough money to pay for one.

Warranty:
*3 yr warranty on all stitching
*12-month warranty on all materials

Adelio been around since about 2008 and have a pretty solid story behind them, which you can read about here.

I don’t know much about Adelio, but I do know Chippa swears by them, as do a few others. I keep hearing great things about Adelio suits and this one – the Connor – looks fairly amazing, very amazing when you look at the price for it (although it’s gone up from $390 in 2019).

Connor is made from Japanese limestone neoprene, has GBS seams and internal taping on all seams. And there’s thermal fleece lined chest and pack panels to keep you extra toasty (and dry quick) on those chilly days.

Warranty:
A little confusing, but seems like they’ll honor most issues. More here.

“The NCHE 3/2mm Zipperless Full Suit is an ultra light, warm and flexible performance wetsuit. The NCHE limestone N Foam is sandwiched between a plant based internal lining composite of charcoal & bamboo, finished with an ultra soft hand feel external layer. The suit is constructed with sealed GBS (glued and blind stitched), fully taped internal seams for added warmth and durability making it an ideal winter wetsuit. “

NCHE has been delivering good mid-priced suits for a couple of years, and along with Need Essentials, were one of the first to market during the great wetsuit brand resurgence of 2016.

Their suits are made from N Foam which is sandwiched between a plant-based internal lining composite of charcoal & bamboo and finished with an ultra soft hand feel external layer. It’s running GBS seams and fully taped on the internals, keeping it light and flexible.

Oh, and your suit turns up in a pizza box! Pretty neat, no plastic here people – no pizza with the suit either tho. Ha.

Warranty:
Not quite clear on timelines, but seem like it’s pretty open for returns if something does go askew with your suit. 

“Our DELUXE wetsuits are designed for our rugged environment. Made from tougher high performance rubber, with over engineered seams and extra joint reinforcement where required. Knee pads are super robust, built with reef engagement in mind.”

WEST is back! Bought, I think, by lord of the West – Mitch Thorson – and with newly minted team rider, Taj Burrow, leading the charge, it’s great to see this iconic brand from the West back in the mix. What’s the new suit all about?

All excitement about WEST making a comeback aside, the suit is impressive but I’d say there’s better options out there for the same price. Although if you want to support small/local brands, then you could look at ponying up for a Deluxe Slice of Neoprene from the West.

Warranty:
Our warranty applies for 3 months after your purchase date, and relates to any construction defects arising from typical surfing use, primarily entry and exit to the suit. (not great)

“The NCHE 3/2mm Zipperless Full Suit is an ultra light, warm and flexible performance wetsuit. The NCHE limestone N Foam is sandwiched between a plant based internal lining composite of charcoal & bamboo, finished with an ultra soft hand feel external layer. The suit is constructed with sealed GBS (glued and blind stitched), fully taped internal seams for added warmth and durability making it an ideal winter wetsuit. “

NCHE has been delivering good mid-priced suits for a couple of years, and along with Need Essentials, were one of the first to market during the great wetsuit brand resurgence of 2016.

Their suits are made from N Foam which is sandwiched between a plant-based internal lining composite of charcoal & bamboo and finished with an ultra soft hand feel external layer. It’s running GBS seams and fully taped on the internals, keeping it light and flexible.

Oh, and your suit turns up in a pizza box! Pretty neat, no plastic here people – no pizza with the suit either tho. Ha.

Warranty:
Not quite clear on timelines, but seem like it’s pretty open for returns if something does go askew with your suit. 

“While the “Rubber Bones” fullsuit hits function and fun right on the button, the new RB1 flies under the radar, and when used strategically, can lend limitless buckets of spray to any lip that dares get in your way. Without giving up the warmth that Buell Wetsuits are known for, this suit doubles down on flexibility. With its masterful blend of pliable “Ninja Neoprene” coupled with ergonomic, perfectly placed panels, the RB1 is your go-to wetsuit that keeps the crowd gasping as your spray extends to the heavens…”

Don’t know much about Buell beyond they sponsor a few people – Stuey, Sage, and so on – and also create suits for various brands. Think they’ve done Volcom and RVCA previously. Specs on paper look good, and for $350 it ain’t a bad deal.

We reviewed one last year (link) and the verdict was: “Buell backs up his high energy chatter with a beautiful premium neoprene that makes you want to surf in the suit. Fun touches and personality plus – a welcome blast of energy in a sometimes overly serious space.”

Warranty:
1-year warranty on all workmanship and material