Top 5 Winter Wetsuits
Sometimes you’ve just gotta lean into it. The winter may be cold and wet and occasionally bleak, but it’s hard to resist bigger waves and more consistent periods of swell. Thus, picking the right wetsuit thickness and design features can be the difference between spending 3 minutes in the water, or 3 hours.
With serious advancements in wetsuit technology over the last decade, the winter wetsuit market has grown massively. This means more choice, less expensive offerings, and a whole lot of marketing jargon to support. Phrases like ‘superflex’, ‘aquabarrier’ and ‘heat sealed’ begin bouncing around - All important attributes, but not always the easiest to understand.
Before making a purchase, we think it’s best to ask yourself these 3 questions:
- Will this wetsuit keep me warm?
- Will I stay relatively dry underneath this wetsuit?
- Is this wetsuit flexible enough for me to paddle?
Let’s get into it.
The Flashbomb Fusion Wetsuit incorporates Rip Curl’s Fusion Dry Seam Technology, to solve the age-old issue of wetsuits leaking at the seams. This holds the full integrity of the neoprene to avoid water seeping in. That means you have a stretchier, warmer suit that shuts out the cold water and insulates your body heat. The Flashbomb Fusion is a whopping 96% stitch-free - massively reducing the ‘weak’ points that water would usually target.
Will’s review: “You get what you pay for, and in this case, it's an ultra-premium wetsuit that delivers on design, materials, and performance. Yes, it's an investment, but you'd do well to find a better wetsuit on the market.”
The TB4 Duraskin Air Firewall within the chest and back keeps the cold out, whilst trapping and recirculating your internal body heat. Recycled yarns enhanced with graphene fibers for added strength, incredible stretch and heat retention. O'Neill's fully sealed Fluid Seam construction completely blocks out water without restricting freedom of movement. Top work.
A big hitter within the world of winter surf, Xcel provides quality wetsuits to keep you out there all season long. ?The Comp X has a Thermo Dry Celliant (TDC) infrared interior, which penetrates deeper into the body's core to improve heat dispersion - with sealed seams to keep excess water out. A reliable choice backed by some of the best surfers in the world.
Comparable to cranking the heat up in your car after a stoked-filled session - The Mystic Voltt wetsuit is super warm and stretchy, with a built-in hood to keep out the cold. Worn by top kite surfer Camille Delannoy, you can guarantee a good level of mobility when paddling out back or sitting into a tight turn. A staff favourite here at WSO.
The Airlite stretch jersey is now made from 100% recycled fibres! Combine this with Billabong’s smart foam - you’re left with a lightweight, eco-conscious, thermal retentive suit. The Furnace 5/4mm also has 100% externally welded seams combined with Superflex neo-taped internal seams. In simple terms, that means no cold water trickling down your back.
Shop Winter Wetsuits here.
Shop the ful Wetsuit Outlet range here.
Updated on 25th July 2024
Originally published on 21st January 2022 in Wetsuit Guides
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