THE SUIT
Vissla have been really impressive with their wetsuit game over the last few years. They’ve nailed an incredible mid-range price option with The High Seas and been using high-quality Japanese neoprene to up their game. The Vissla New Seas wetsuit elevates things again with a collaboration between them and Axxe.
The biggest innovation in this design is the ‘U-Suit’ entry (rebilled as the V-Zip, because V for Vissla). You’re basically getting the best of both worlds in a suit that’s easy to get into, but with a chest sip water seal. Vissla don’t actually have an official ‘spiel’ for the wetsuit, instead opting for a bunch of dot points we won’t subject you to.
Instead, we tested the design to see if it lives up to the hype. Here is your Vissla New Seas Wetsuit Review.
Recycled
Recycled Ridiculous Rubber jersey for more sustainable stretch
Feather Foam
Japanese Feather-Foam neoprene is light & flexible
V-Zip
V-Zip allows for easy entry with a water-tight seal
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR
The Vissla New Seas wetsuit is a great step forward in terms of entry system innovation. Perfect for the surfer who loved the easy of entry of back-zip wetties and continues to complain to their mates about how chest zips are for yoga masters only. While not a back zip, the U shape construction allows for a super wide entry that’s much easier to pull on over your shoulders without resorting to Jui pretzel moves. Add to that, the suit is in full premium stretch, thermal jersey lining and has some eco factors built in too.
All-in-all it’s designed for people who want a top-tier suit that’s easy to get into.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
FIT & COMFORT
The rubber on this thing is softer than a baby duck’s underbelly. All-round comfort comes from that alone, with a great fit adding to the moment. The ease of entry is also top notch. Simple to pull on. Able to zip up without needing to ask for help. The one thing I’ll say is make sure you get the right size. I was forced to run a Large Short since Larges were sold out at the time of testing. The stretch of the rubber made up for that a lot of the way, but it meant the zip of the entry sat on my shoulder joints, making it uncomfortable to paddle in. The other guys testing it didn’t have this issue. A timely reminder that choosing the right fit makes a HUGE difference in wetsuits. Combining the other tester’s feedback, plus my experience of the soft rubber and easy entry (despite it running small on me) and it’s a cracking result in this area.
9.5 out of 10
PERFORMANCE
The Japanese rubber on this is proper epic. Add in that the jersey is recycled, and it’s crazy how stretchy they’ve managed to make it. We’re not talking the stretchiest suit on the market, but it’s great when you balance performance, eco considerations and warmth. The neoprene around the shoulders/arms is especially dreamy (note, remember to get your fit correct). There’s plenty of give, while the rubber in other areas is a great mix of flex and structure.
9 out of 10
WARMTH
The 3/2 version of the Vissla New Seas Wetsuit should be an easy go-to in places like Sydney, Margaret River, or warmer, depending on how much of a hot bod you are. We’re talking 14-18 degrees as a dream scenario. You’d probably get away with this in slightly colder temps if you pair up with boots and a hood. Not the warmest suit on the market in these specs, but it’s close and offers great flexibility and comfort as well.
8.5 out of 10
VALUE
At $650AUD, the Vissla New Seas suit has plenty of value packed in. An innovative entry, Japanese-quality rubber, recycled jersey and a great brand reputation. When you consider some of the other brands are now creeping up into the seven and eight hundreds for their premium offerings, you’re pretty stoked Vissla have held the line. Their High Seas is probably still even better value, but for those wanting the extra features it’s a reasonable leap for your wallet to make. And you get a one year warranty on top of a great price.
8 out of 10.
VERDICT
Tim Hawken said:
Vissla continues to impress me with their wetsuits. The fact they’re pushing the envelope with materials and entry design is a big tick for me. The body feel of this suit is like getting a hug from the rubber gods. People who want an easy-to-get-on suit in a premium feel and performance will be all over this. A bummer personally for me that I didn’t get the size right, because I can see how well it would go for those who try one on first and are all tightly tailored. Make sure you hit a store to try one on, to ensure the zip sits off your shoulder joint. You’ll need to anyway, since it looks like they’re fully sold out online (for now) in Oz anyway.
TIm Hill (Guest) said:
It’s a good suit, almost great. The opening really surprised me with how easy it was to get on and off! Every now and again I needed some help getting the flap over, but thats me and old age. The suit held up well in regards to leaks, warmth and flexibility. The comfort and fit for me was spot on, which further highlights other Tim’s point about trying one before you press confirm. Personally, the High Seas is probably where I’d spend my cash but if I had the extra 200$ spare, this would be at the top of my shopping list.
Overall Rating
- Entry is easy to get on with a good seal
- Great balance of flex, warmth and some eco considerations
- Make sure you get a good fit with zips off shoulders
WHERE TO BUY
If you’ve got $650 Australian spare and we’ve convinced to get an Vissla New Seas Suit, then hit the below links and spend up. Like we said, we’re loving this new addition to the wetsuit roster at Vissla but make sure you try it on before you buy. The size is critical in getting the very best out of this suit, beyond that it ticks all the boxes you should be looking for, more so if you’re Sydney north (get a 4/3 if you’re Vicco)
Buy an Vissla New Seas Suit 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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