This year the neoprene gods rained down samples on our offices to test, rate and review which were the best wetsuits of 2020. Options from Patagonia, Rip Curl, Billabong, Quiksilver, Buell, Matuse, Xcel and Need Essentials all came down in the shower. We stacked up warmth, performance, and value as the key factors to worry about, and also awarded the best all-round winter wetsuit.
To help offset any subjectivity, Jim from Lipped Podcast teamed up on the feedback. The results below were unanimous except for one. Jim thought the Rip Curl was the best overall suit, while Tim and Lincoln thought the seams dripped like a post-surf nostril, so pulled rank and went with the Xcel Drylock X. Have a read of the reviews and make your own decision.
These are the best winter wetsuits of 2020…
Rip Curl E7 Limited
The Rip Curl limited edition E7 is for those who want the bee’s knees, the duck’s nuts and any other animal/insect part that signifies ‘the best’. It’s all about high performance. The first surf in this kinda blew my mind in all honesty, seriously felt like surfing in nothing.
Xcel Drylock X
A great suit for those wanting a warm, stretchy wetsuit that’s built to last (and are willing to pay for it). While there’s plenty of bells and whistles in the materials, the design itself is rock solid with liquid taped seams, an easy to use chest zip, and great attention to detail finishing.
needessentials
It’s really cool to see a ‘cut price’ brand putting so much thought and effort into the development of their suits. The shift to the higher-grade rubber this year was great, with the stretch opening up on past models without compromising warmth.
Xcel Drylock X
Best all round wetsuit of the year (that we tested). Warm, stretchy, a pleasure to wear. Fuck I wish they were paying me to say that because I’d take their money and say it anyway. And the thing is a HEAT WAVE. Could have cooked marshmallows in this thing.
Lipped Podcast
If you’re driving, or reading isn’t your thing, then hit the below episode of Lipped where there’s more rubber talk than a condom convention. Featuring full reviews of suits from Billabong, Buell, Matuse, Need Essentials, Patagonia, Quiksilver, Rip Curl and Xcel as well as a look inside the business of wetsuits in 2020.
