THE SUIT
A couple of years ago we tested the Vissla 7 Seas suit (link to review) for the first time and were super impressed. It offered a middle-priced suit, from a reputable brand with a great balance of warmth and flex. This year, we’re going surfing in the High Seas. It’s only $50AUD more at retail, but promises a step up in features, including Japanese neoprene. Here’s what Vissla say about the High Seas 3/2mm steamer:
“The new high performance High Seas wetsuit made with Ridiculous Rubber! matching unparalleled flexibility with cozy warmth. 100% I-Foam neoprene – the lightest weight, warmest & stretchiest Japanese limestone based neoprene available; significantly less weight, enhanced flexibility and superior comfort. Made for cool water: 56 – 65° F / 13 – 18° C.”
Let’s see if the suit lives up to its expectations. Here’s your latest Vissla High Seas wetsuit review.
Brian Fuzz
Thermal Brain Fuzz lining insulates heat (keeping you warmer!) and dries fast.
Limestone Neoprene
Made from earth mined limestone to replace petrochemicals in our neoprene. It comes from nature and has less environmental impact.
Dope Dyed Fabric
Dope-dying infuses dye pigments into a molten plastic solution to produce coloured yarns without the dying process, saving tremendous amounts of water
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR
The Vissla High Seas is an epic suit for those wanting an excellent branded option that isn’t going to cost the world. Japan is super well-known for making the best performing wetsuit rubber, so having that built into a $400AUD suit is pretty crazy.
Like Vissla says above, you’re looking at 56 – 65° F / 13 – 18° C as a temperature range to be comfortable in this steamer. Think Bells Beach autumns, West Oz winters and the Gold Coast’s coldest days. Get your ninja kicks flying, it’s time to slice some lips.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
FIT & COMFORT
Oooooweeee. This thing is supple like a velveteen snuggle bubble. The rubber is buttery, the fit is generally epic and the stretch makes it super easy to get off an on. The only negative comment I have on this front is that there’s some bunching around the knees when it comes to fit that I haven’t experienced in other brand’s Medium Talls. Maybe Vissla is for basketballers? That said, it’s fairly minor, so doesn’t affect the comfort too much. 8 out of 10 here.
PERFORMANCE
This suit is sneaky flexible. It blends into the background almost as soon as you put it on, being basically invisible during your surf. It doesn’t have the ‘holy shit this is stretchy’ moment that some other top-end suits do, but there’s very little restriction to speak of so that’s a major plus. I’m sure if I could actually do them, I’d pull off the splits in this and put my arms in the air like a smug gymnast. As it stands, I’ll settle for old man cut downs feeling free the whole way. 8 out of 10.
WARMTH
Many types of excellent. The thermal lining and general insulation of the Japanese rubber in the latest Vissla High Seas full suit makes it a little personal onsen in the ocean. There are some ultra minor leak issues in the lower legs, but the rest of the suit is epic. One of the warmer options out there that’s not fully liquid-taped sealed. 9 out of 10 here.
VALUE
Incredible value at $400AUD. The Vissla High Seas wetsuit offers surfers the features of something 50% more in price, while still being from a reputable brand and offering a year-long warranty on seams and materials. The attention to detail with the finishing is flawless, the fact there’s Japanese rubber inside adds confidence, and there’s even a few eco considerations built in too. Something to have tight-ass surfers looking like high rollers. 9 out of 10 here.
VERDICT
Tim said:
“The latest Vissla High Seas suit offers incredible value in a suit that is warm, flexible, and looks damn stealth too. I really dug the black heather colour option, the handfeel is epic and it was a true joy to surf in. Drawbacks on my end were the bunching around the knees in terms of fit, plus a couple of super minor pinhole leaks in the lower legs. Other than that, a rock solid option for anyone looking for a medium-priced suit that looks like a billion-dollar stealth bomber.”
Jimmy said:
“A comfortable, flexible, no nonsense suit. Lovely neoprene for the price point and a great choice for fans of the brand. I’ve also found Vissla suits to be one of the more durable over the years.”
Lincoln said:
“The more I wore this suit the more I liked it. It’s cuddly and I feel – weird saying this – protected in it. Maybe Goldilocks is better? Because I always felt just right in it. The right amount of stretch, warmth and ease of getting in/out of it. It’s really quite a comfortable suit. There was some bunching of material around the knees and some other little niggly things (if you want to nit-pick). But overall, for the price this is a great suit.”
Overall Rating
- Great balance of warmth and thickness
- Well priced, including a 1 year warranty
- Looks interesting
- Minor fit issues
- Minor seam leaks in lower legs
WHERE TO BUY
If you’ve got $400 Australian spare and we’ve convinced to get an Vissla High Seas Suit, then hit the below links and spend up. Like we said, this is a great suit for the price – you’re getting something worth much more than you’re paying. Great value.
Buy an Vissla High Seas Steamer from :
⋅ Vissla Australia
⋅ Vissla USA
⋅ Vissla 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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LIPPED PODCAST
If you’re driving, or reading isn’t your thing, then hit the below episode of Lipped where we talk all things wetsuits 2021.
First off we chat with the movers and shakers behind the best suits on the market to find out all about the innovations that moved the needle in 2021.
Then from 36.40m Jimmy is joined by Tim Hawken and Lincoln Eather from Empire Ave to look at suits from Billabong, Need Essentials, Xcel, Hurley, Rip Curl, Patagonia and Vissla.
If you want to stay warm, stay flexi and potentially look after the world around us then this is a must listen.
