Quiksilver Original Wetsuit Review

The Quiksilver Original is exactly that – original. The monochrome washed effect oozes uniqueness which will undeniably separate you from the traditionalists out in the line-up. Furthermore, professional surfer Mikey Wright is often seen rocking his Original, and that guy is a serious psycho on a wave – in a good way of course. However, the best thing about this wetsuit is that it doesn’t lose its excellent technical construction. And according to Quiksilver, it’s hands down their lightest, most flexible, performance driven wetsuit available that’s combined with a modern style driven by art. That’s got to mean something right?

Now, if you’ve read the review on the Quiksilver Highline Series, I apologise in advance if this feature seems repetitive regarding the nuts and bolts of the wetsuit. However, I’ll attempt to be as free flowing and original (see what I did there?) as possible. Wish me luck…

Stretch

This wetsuit is all about stretch, and for that reason Quiksilver use their F’N Lite neoprene, which relies upon air cell-rich limestone that minimizes water absorption for increased warmth and decreased weight. It’s killing two birds with one stone because if no cold water can get in the Original wetsuit, you’re going to remain toasty without the added weight water provides if it does sneak its way in. Because the thing about surfing is you’re constantly on the move. So it’s very rare that you’ll be able to sit on your board and remain in the same spot. Waves don’t tend to break at the exact position repetitively – unless you’re surfing Kelly Slater’s wave pool. Sure, you can argue point breaks have the same take off zone, but the truth is, you’re going to paddling left, right, up and down to find that perfect area the wave hits. Thus, it’s important to feel light in a wetsuit, but also warm so your body doesn’t tense up. Quiksilver’s F’N Lite neoprene will irrefutably keep you in the water for longer than you ever thought was possible. Plus, if you’re wearing the Original wetsuit, you’ll be clocking those hours in style.

Entry System

There is a slight difference between the Highline Series and the Original – and that’s the entry systems. The Original features an Asymmetrical Front Zip System, which in Quiksilver’s eyes, is the easiest front entry system to put on and take off without sacrificing flexibility and comfort. Again, it’s all about flexibility and giving you the freedom to move around in the water without the fear of becoming exhausted.

Ins and Outs

It's hard to be creative when talking about seams, protection, adjustment and locking systems. So, in the off chance I may make a full of myself, I'm just going to give you the crux of what they all entail in the Quiksilver Original wetsuit. Glued and blindstitched seams (or GBS as it's commonly referred as) are implemented as they only partially penetrate the neoprene, which reduces water entry. And by now you know that if no water can get into your wetsuit, nothing bad can happen - fact. Flush lock seals and fused edges are moulded on the Original wetsuit, which prevents unwanted water flushing through your neck, wrists and ankles. Again, it's all about reducing weight whilst you're paddling because more time in the water means more time spent working on your rails or airs.

The above graphic shows the standard issued from Quiksilver for the Original. This particular wetsuit rates amazingly for stretch and just shy of perfection for warmth and dryness . If you look through the product description of the whole Quiksilver wetsuit range we have at Wetsuit Outlet, you will see that the graphic changes depending on the particular wetsuit you're looking at. Thus enabling you to instantly see the benefits of the wetsuit.

We stock the Quiksilver Original in a 4/3mm, a 3/2mm and a 2mm short sleeve. The 4/3mm comes in Black, the 3/2mm in Seal Brown and the 2mm in Navy Blue. The 4/3mm is ideal for water temperatures ranging between 10ºC - 14ºC, with the 3/2mm more suitable for water temperatures in the 14ºC - 18ºC range, and if you're lucky enough to be surfing in water where the temperature is anywhere between 17ºC - 20ºC, you're going to want to wear a 2mm.

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Written by Sam Quennell

@wetsuitoutlet