THE SUIT
Rusty has been ripping out incredible surfboards for almost 40 years. It doesn’t get more core surf than that. Finally, they’ve turned their attention to create wetsuits too. As expected, things look stealth, are built to exacting standards and even have a sustainability element. Here’s what Rusty say about their latest A Series Ecoprene wetsuit :
“Our new A Series Ecoprene 3×2 Chest Zip Long Sleeve Wetsuit is light, comfy, strong and unparalleled in warmth while maintaining the highest performance in flexibility. Our Rusty Ecoprene Wetsuit is designed to get out of your way and let you perform to your best in the surf.”
We tested the suit to see if Rusty delivered on their promise. Here is your Rusty Wetsuit Review for 2023…
EcoFuzz
Recycled thermal lining insulates, heats and dries fast
EcoPrene
Petrochemical free stretch neoprene
Anatomically Engineered
Minimal seams for performance and warmth
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR
The Rusty A Series Ecoprene wetsuit is for surfers who want something stealth looking that also has environmental considerations built in. The 3/2 chest zip should be warm enough for winters in Australian states like West Oz and Queensland, and summer/spring in colder climates. If you want the age old R. logo on your rig while shredding, it’s also one for longtime fans of the brand.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
FIT/COMFORT
Like a cosmetic surgeon’s mistress, this wetsuit is nipped and tucked in all the right places. The fit is spot on with no major bump or lumps. The Ecoprene is stretchy enough that it’s easy to get on, without any major issues. In the carpark it feels great. In the water, the recycled jersey does restrict paddling a little, which we’ll get to in the performance section. I mention it here as it does very slightly detract from comfort levels.
Still at 8 out of 10 here.
PERFORMANCE
This wetsuit is flexible, but not ultra spry – kinda like an old man that regularly does yoga. The recycled jersey, while better for sustainability, does restrict overall flex compared with the top of the wozza options from brands such as Rip Curl. It’s pretty much on par for performance with Patagonia’s Yulex suit in this respect.
A solid 7 out of 10.
WARMTH
This was the major let down for me with this suit. It leaked like a Coles bag that’s been used to carry steak knives. The legs, the chest, everywhere had water dripping in, especially during duck dives. You did get somewhat acclimated to it after a while, but it definitely pulls back the toast factor of what could have been a mini heater. Both suits we tested had the same issue, so it wasn’t isolated. You’d still be perfectly fine in winter in Qld, but definitely not for the polar bears.
6 out of 10.
VALUE
At $450AUD, this is a reasonably-priced suit from a reputable brand and it’s comes with a solid 12 month warranty. However, when stacked up against the Need Essentials Yulex 3/2 at $340, or even the Vissla High Seas at the same price, I’d go with those other options all day long. If you’re a fan of Rusty, you’re happy paying this, but if you’re looking for a pure value buy then shop around. Good value but not incredible.
7 out of 10.
VERDICT
Tim said:
“This is a solid suit without being amazing… and that’s the problem. In such a competitive market, where brands are innovating and offering better and better value each year, this was just a meh introduction to Rusty’s suits for me. It leaked. It wasn’t ultra flexy. On the plus, it fit well and the finishing was top notch, looking super stealth. The sustainability credentials are decent, without going into full Yulex territory. If you’re looking for an eco option, Need Essentials offers a better suit at less cost. If you’re after a high-performance suit at good value, Vissla (or even Rip Curl and Billabong) have better options. If you’re right into the R dot… you’ll be pretty happy with what you get. But, if you want something that’s going to blow your wetsuit hood off, look elsewhere.”
Lincoln said:
“My thoughts are similar to Tim’s on this suit – it’s good, not great. You won’t be bummed if you buy it, the fit is really impressive (more so when you realise it’s their first collection) and its rad to see Rusty embracing sustainability/eco considerations. But it does fall down around the seams, and that’s a bummer with a fullsuit as you’re not really wanting it to be that leaky as you paddle out (once you’re warmed up, it’s sweet as though). Overall, it’s priced reasonable well for what you get and is one of the few wetsuits in the affordable space with a solid 12 month warranty. The feeling of suiting up in this and riding a R.Dot board has me all in my ‘No Thrills for the Cautious’ days though…”
Overall Rating
- Fit is great
- Finishing looks top notch
- Affordable
- Leaky
- Just ok stretch...
WHERE TO BUY
If you’ve got $450 Australian spare and we’ve convinced to get a Rusty A Series Fullsuit, then hit the below links and spend up. Like we said, if you’re a big fan of Rusty then this is Xmas come in early.
Buy an Rusty A Series Fullsuit from :
⋅ Rusty Australia
⋅ Rusty Stockists
Alternatively, we’ve pulled together three Winter Wetsuit Buyers Guides if you’re still a little undecided on what to buy:
*Above $550
*$350-$550
*Below $350
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