THE SUIT
Matuse has always sat in that sweet spot between cult cool and premium quality. Their suits feel different because they are, from the clean branding to materials they use. For this Matuse wetsuit review, we tested the latest Apollo 3/2. It’s made from Geoflex limestone rubber (think recycled tires, solvent-free glue, and dope-dyed yarns) and is focused on performance and durability.
Here’s what Matuse themselves say about the wetsuit:
The Apollo with Geoflex follows Matuse’s mantra of making products Ichiban (the best) by looking forward, developing materials and construction in the most sustainable ways.
Matuse’s Geoflex Limestone Rubber is made with Eco Carbon Black additive recycled from post-consumer scrap tires in combination with water-based adhesives for fabric lamination, instead of conventional solvent-based glues. The Apollo with Geoflex is fair-trade certified and is the next generation of responsible building that doesn’t sacrifice on the performance you expect.
The suit ditches fluff and flash for a cleaner build that’s made to last. The big question: does it hold up to the hype? We teamed up with the Lipped Podcast crew to find out. Here is your Matuse Apollo Wetsuit Review.
Hydrasilk
Minimizes water adsorption and maintains your suit’s overall shape memory
Geoflex
Limestone Rubber made with Eco Carbon Black
FTC
The Apollo with Geoflex is fair-trade certified
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR
The Matuse Apollo is ideal for surfers chasing durability, minimalism, and a bit of eco-cred without feeling like they’re wearing a full-body cast. It’s not the stretchiest suit straight out of the bag, but it loosens up well with time and has that classic close-cell rubber feel.
This isn’t your ultra-gummy, graphene-lined Ferrari — more like a well-built LandCruiser that runs forever and still looks good doing it. The look of the suit and eco-credentials make you feel quietly smug wearing it too. That was Jim from Lip’s favourite feature, spawning our unofficial tagline, ‘Matuse: wetsuits for smug cunts’.
FIT / COMFORT
The fit on the Matuse wetsuit reviewed was a pleasant surprise. While it’s cut a little differently to mainstream brands it adapted well to different shapes, from dad bods to surf-fit frames. If you’re in between sizes or new to Matuse, try it on in store before pulling the trigger. The rubber itself definitely takes some breaking in. First few surfs can feel tight, especially if you’ve got dodgy shoulders or expect it to stretch like an E-Bomb. Once broken in, though, it sits nicely and stays consistent. Just don’t expect cloud-soft, Spiderman flex straight out the gate.
7.8 out of 10
PERFORMANCE
This one’s a bit of a mixed bag. The Matuse Apollo wetsuit isn’t the highest performing suit in terms of stretch and range of motion, especially for surfers wanting that buttery feel from the jump. But it’s stable. Once broken in, it holds shape and allows excellent movement for most core surfers. The entry system is great, with clean chest zip execution, but the tightening loop can stretch out faster than expected. Keep an eye on that, especially if you’re prone to tugging at it, or getting your fingers caught in it during pop-ups. Overall, though, it performs very, very well with enough flex to keep the majority of surfers happy.
7.6 out 10
WARMTH
Despite the lack of thick thermal lining, the Matuse Apollo Wetsuit reviewed punches above its weight here. The close-cell, limestone rubber doesn’t hold much water and helps maintain body temp without adding weight. In 13–19°C surf, the suit handled things well, with warmth holding up even over longer sessions. It’s not the warmest 3/2 on the market, but it’s warmer than it looks. A solid plus for those surfing with penguins.
8.3 out of 10
VALUE
At $540 AUD, the Apollo feels like a solid buy for what it offers. The rubber’s durable, the build is refined, and it doesn’t look like every other suit in the car park. You’re paying for longevity and aesthetic more than bleeding-edge tech. For surfers who want a core feel and want a suit for a few seasons, the value’s definitely there. And those chasing warranty info: “Your purchase of Geoflex products comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. Our Geoprene products are covered by a 2-year warranty.”
8.1 out of 10
VERDICT
Tim said:
Great fit, super clean look, and a suit that’ll last. There’s a lot to love about the Matuse Apollo. I did find it needed some breaking in to feel it’s best, so that’s something to be aware of if you’re trying it on in a changeroom at a surf shop. It gets better over time. It’s dependable and comfortable. Matuse fans will dig it. Good for those who want something to give you sturdy service for multiple winters.
Lincoln said:
I’m a fan. Matuse cuts are smart, the materials are legit, and the suit feels good on. I gave it to a mate with a totally different body shape and it fit him great too. The Apollo is the result of feedback from previous wetsuit tests and years of refinements, and that shows. It’s thoughtful, clean, and built to last.
Jim said:
If you care about durability, aesthetics, and brand story, this suit is for you. It’s cool without trying too hard and wears in beautifully. Not the highest performance, but it’s a suit I’d endorse for anyone who wants a reliable, stylish steamer that you can feel snug and smug in.
Overall Rating
- Durable Japanese rubber
- Eco-considered construction and clean design
- Holds warmth better than expected
- Takes a few surfs to break in
- Entry cord can stretch out over time
- Best to try on in store — sizing runs unique
WHERE TO BUY
If you’ve got $540 Australian spare and we’ve convinced to get an Matuse Apollo Suit, then hit the below links and spend up.
Buy an Matuse Apollo Suit from :
⋅ Matuse Australia
⋅ Matuse USA
⋅ Matuse Stockists
Alternatively, we’ve pulled together three Winter Wetsuit Buyers Guides if you’re still a little undecided on what to buy. You can visit that page here.
Submit your review | |
LIPPED PODCAST
Pure surf geekery!
Jimmy is joined by Tim Hawken and Lincoln Eather from Empire Ave to chat all things wetsuits in 2025! Where is the technology? What changes have occured in the industry and how are brands using wetsuits to define themselves.
The boys also take a look at four wetsuits that you’ve maybe wanted to try but weren’t sure about. The Quiksilver Highline Primaloft, Vissla New Seas U-Zip, Xcel Comp+ and the Matuse Apollo Hydrasilk.
All the suits were great, but there plenty of differences and insights you can use to get the right rubber for you.
It’s so surf it hurts – and if you love surfing find a job in the industry so you Never Work again – check out thisisneverwork.com
