Best Diving Wetsuits for Warm Waters
21 Best Diving Wetsuits for Warm Waters [2024]
Let’s talk about how to choose the best wetsuit for scuba diving in warm waters!
By warm waters, we mean the temperature you’ll find when diving somewhere tropical like the Caribbean or Southeast Asia where temperatures exceed 86 degrees F (20 C).
First, consider how easily you get cold – as this will determine the thickness of wetsuit you should go for.
Myself and most divers I know, use a 3mm wetsuit for scuba diving in warm waters.
However, if you get cold easily, I’d recommend a 5mm wetsuit. Or, if you’re prone to getting hot you may prefer a shorty (short-sleeved) wetsuit.
Here at Diving Squad, we’ve reviewed the 21 best wetsuits for diving in warm waters in 2024:
You may ask: what makes a wetsuit great for diving? The truth is, most wetsuits are generalised pieces designed for a variety of watersports like surfing, kayaking and diving.
But some luxury wetsuits are made with special features for divers such as shoulder printing to provide padding against the BCD straps or I-Straps to secure a dive computer.
All wetsuits should be durable, comfortable, fast-drying and easy to get in and out of. Some are available in two anatomical cuts – one for women, the other for men.
Let’s take a look at the best picks of 2024!
QUICK LOOK - Best Wetsuits for Warm (Tropical) Waters:
Best 3mm Wetsuits (Recommended):
- Top Pick: O’neill Reactor
- Best Features for Divers: ScubaPro Definition 3
- High-End Luxury: Snergy Triathlon Volution
- Cheapest: Hevto
- Non-Slip Chest: Cressi Ultraspan
Best 5mm Wetsuits (For Folks who feel the Cold):
- Top Pick: ScubaPro Definition 5
- Luxury 5mm Wetsuit: Snergy Triatholon Endorphine
- Cheapest 5mm Wetsuit: Realon
- High-End Wetsuit for Women: Bare Nixie Ultra
- Extra Easy to Put on & Off: Cressi Castoro
Best Shorty Wetsuits (For Folks who get Hot):
- Top Pick: Cressi Tortuga
- Best Padding for Divers: Rapido Equator
- Cheapest Shorty: Phantom Aquatics Marine
- Up & Coming Brand: Seaskin
- Most Durable: O’Neill Reactor
REVIEWS:
Best 3mm Wetsuits (Recommended):
3mm Wetsuit Reviews:
- Top pick: O’Neill Reactor
- Best Features for Divers: ScubaPro Definition 3
- High-End Luxury: Snergy Triatholon Volution
- Cheapest: Hevto
- Non-Slip Chest: Cressi UltraSpan
- Huge Range of Quirky Designs: OMGear
- Extra Zips: ZCCO
- Basic Shoulder Padding: Seaskin Flame
- Ultra Stretch: Seac Feel
1) Top Pick: O'Neill Reactor
- Price: > $$
- 3 / 2 mm
- Highly Durable
- Feels incredibly light to wear
- Easy to take on and of – single back-zipper
I love my O’Neill Reactor wetsuit! It’s accompanied me to tropical destinations all over the world: from the Philippines to the Red Sea, the Maldives and beyond. What blows me away is that despite how affordable this wetsuit is as well as how light it is wear, it hasn’t acquired any noticeable sign of wear or tear over the last two years that I’ve had it. It’s so durable!
O’Neill are a highly respected name in the watersport industry; they started off as a surf wear company in California in 1952 and today offer many types of wetsuit as well as all manner of surf shorts and clothing.
Admittedly, O’Neill don’t do scuba wetsuits per-se. Instead their wetsuits are designed as generalist pieces for all manner of watersports so you won’t find any dive-specific features on them; however in my experience the O’Neill Reactor is a very reliable, comfortable and easy to take on and off wetsuit that easily rises to the task of scuba diving. For the quality you get, it’s ridiculously cheap.
Available in different anatomical cuts for men, women and youths, the Reactor wetsuits are made 100% from ultraflex neoprene for enhanced durability and freedom of movement. They feature a lumbar seamless design for added stretch, covert black-out zippers to reduce waterflow as well as knee pads and a rubberised chest for basic protection.
A 360 smooth skin interior means that O’Neill wetsuits stick close to your body, keeping you warm, whilst the seamless under-sleeve panel provides further unrestricted motion whilst preventing rashes and discomfort” – Alex: Founder of Diving Squad.
PROS:
- Insanely Durable
- Super Affordable
- Rubberised Chest stops bcd slipping.
- Knee Pads for Basic Protection.
- Available in different cuts for Men and Women
- Black-out Zippers reduce waterflow
- 100% Ultraflex Neoprene makes it super stretchy
CONS:
- No special features for scuba diving
- Stock is sometimes limited
2) Best Features for Divers: ScubaPro Definition 3
- Price: > $$$
- Shoulder Pads to provide cushioning against BCD straps
- I-safe Straps on arms to secure Dive Computer
- Available in Men’s and Women’s cuts
- 3D Body mapping system: Stretchy chest and sides
- Durable
Stylish, comfortable and durable, the Scubapro Definition aka Definition Steamer is currently my favourite 3mm wetsuit because it’s crammed with dive-specific features; being one of the very few wetsuits designed exclusively for scuba divers.
This is immediately apparent from the fact that in addition to sporting protective knee and elbow pads, it also incorporates abrasion resistant shoulders to stop the bcd rubbing against the wearer.
Also, there are I-safe straps on the arms, which secure wrist instruments such as a dive computer and compass, preventing them from sliding up and down.
The Definition Steamer incorporates Scubapro’s exclusive 3D body mapping system with an ultra-span chest panel and stretchy sides plus material inserts to ensure an awesome yet flexible fit. It’s also available as a 5mm or a shorty!
It’s made from X-foam neoprene; one of the few sustainable neoprenes and features an interior fleece lining to reflect body heat for additional insulation whilst providing extra comfort for the wearer.
The ScubaPro Definition is a very high quality wetsuit specially created for scuba divers with a huge amount going for it. It’d be nice to see a few more designs but at least the ones that do exist look awesome!
PROS:
- Specially designed for divers
- Abrasion resistant shoulders
- I-safe straps for dive computer
- Environmentally friendly material
- Extremely comfortable and flexible
- Available in different cuts for men and women
CONS:
- Expensive
- Limited range of colours and designs
3) High-End Luxury: Snergy Triathlon Volution
- Price: > $$$
- Superior flexibility buoyancy
- Awesome warmth
- Internal Zipper to reduce drag in the water
- Different cuts for men and women
- Extremely soft and comfortable
Ironman approved, athlete endorsed, the Snergy Triathlon may be the most expensive 3mm wetsuit on our list, but it packs a serious punch.
It’s constructed from hydrodynamic neoprene for superb fluidity of movement underwater and with silicone coated SyPrene, it provides exceptional warmth.
The YKK zipper is made from the highest grade anti-corrode material and is internal in order to greatly reduce drag whilst moving through the water.
Despite the tough external appearance, the Snergy Triathlon features a super soft low neck and anti-chaffing smoothskin on the inside, which many users report makes it so soft that it feels as if you’re hardly wearing anything at all.
By providing superior flexibility and buoyancy it allows you to move through the water more easily, conserving energy and saving air.
Available in a huge range of 19 sizes and in different anatomical cuts for men and women as well as with several different designs, you can find the perfect choice to match your personal taste and style.
I really love this wetsuit, although personally I prefer the slightly cheaper ScubaPro Steamer which has more scuba diving specific features!
PROS:
- Superb comfort
- Awesome buoyancy
- Fantastically stretchy
- Reduced drag
- Men and women’s cuts
CONS:
- No specific feautres for divers despite high price
- Expensive
4) Cheapest 3mm Wetsuit: Hevto
- Price: > $
- Different Anatomical Cuts for Men and Women
- Quality Neoprene for Comfort
- Flatlock Stitching for Extra Warmth
- Nylon elastic Fibre for easy Movement
Hevto are a relatively new brand that specialise in affordable wetsuits that make great entry level pieces for beginners.
One of the things I really like about Hevto is the sheer diversity of their wetsuits; across the 2/3mm wetsuit range, Hevto offer cuts for men, women, youths and plus-sized people, with all cuts coming in a huge array of colours and designs.
These wetsuits are made from high quality neoprene for comfort, feature flatlock stitching for extra warmth and incorporate nylon elastic fibre to ensure ease of movement in the water.
The back-zipper is easy to grab and pull up thanks to a long nylon belt attachment on it that’s easy to reach.
You’ll not find a significantly cheaper wetsuit that’s suitable for diving anywhere else! Hevto wetsuits offer excellent money for value and as a first time wetsuit are a great entry piece.
That said, although you can use this wetsuit for scuba diving, it’s been designed as a generalist piece that can also be used for surfing and other watersports.
What this means is that the Hevto wetsuits are lacking certain features seen in more expensive wetsuits designed specifically for scuba diving.
PROS:
- Cheapest option
- Comfortable
- Good range of movement underwater
- Different cuts – mens, women’s, youths, plus-sized
- Huge range of colours and designs
CONS:
- Lacks diving-specific features
- Not as durable as more expensive options
- Zip on outside = less streamlined
5) Non-Slip Chest: Cressi Ultraspan
- Price: > $$
- Rubberised chest to keep bcd straps secure
- Aquastop flap on zipper to stop leaks
- Super comfortable and light fit
- Available in men and women’s cuts
Established since 1946, Cressi are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of watersports equipment – their name carries a lot of weight in the dive industry!
For starters, the arms and legs are made of ultraspan neoprene to allow effortless movement and flexibility underwater whilst also making the wetsuit extremely easy to take on and off.
The chest area is rubberised neoprene to provide extra warmth as well as to provide an abrasion resistant, non-slip area for BCD straps.
Also, the dorsal YKK zipper is equipped with an aquastop flap to reduce leaks whilst the ankle and wrist finishes are completed using overlock cuffs and the ridged pads on the knees offer decent protection there.
As with all Cressi wetsuits, the neck seal on the Ultraspan is adaptable at moulding to your neck and prevents irritation making it easy and effortless to breathe.
Available in mens and womens cuts, the Cressi Ultraspan is an excellent lower-mid-price option for someone looking for a more comfortable and protective wetsuit.
PROS:
- Different materials in chest & limbs for better efficiency
- Aquatop flap and overlock cuffs reduces leaks
- Rubberised neoprene chest provides non-slip area for bcd
- Ultraspan neoprene limbs for extra flexibility
CONS:
- Limited colour range
- Limited stock for men’s cuts
6) Huge Range of Quirky Designs: OMGear
- Price: > $
- Huge range of quirky designs and colours
- Available in men and women’s cuts
- Lightweight
- Decent comfort
In many ways, OMGear are extremely similar to Hevto in that they’re a newish manufacturer of cheap, generalised wetsuits that come in a huge assortment of designs.
One significant difference is that with OMGear wetsuits, a unisex cut is employed instead of gender specific cuts like Hevto. That said, you can choose to have the zipper at the front with OMGear wetsuits and also select a cut for extra tall people.
In terms of quality – i.e. durability, comfort and flexibility, there really isn’t any noticeable difference between wetsuits made by Hevto and OMGear.
OMGear wetsuits, like Hevto ones, are made primarily from neoprene for water tightness whilst incorporating stretchy nylon for freedom of movement underwater.
However, OMGear offer many different types of design; some quite different than that that of Hevto, meaning you may find a design you prefer with OMGear, which are only a small fraction more expensive than Hevto.
Like other cheap wetsuits, OMGear aren’t as durable as more expensive options and lack features of scuba diving-specific wetsuits like knee pads or wrist straps.
That said, if you’re a beginner diver looking to buy your first wetsuit, OMGEAR wetsuits offer great value for money whilst having countless designs to choose from, most of which do undeniably look very cool.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Loads of cool designs
- Mens, womens and plus-size cuts
- Comfortable
- Good range of movement underwater
CONS:
- No scuba-specific features
- Less durable than more expensive options
7) Extra Zips: ZCCO
- Price: > $
- 5 Zips: one on back and one on each of arms and legs
- Super easy to take on and off
- Extra stretchy
- Great ease of movement
ZCCO wetsuits have four small zippers (one at each wrist and foot), which combined with the diagonal front zipper make them extremely easy to don and doff.
The SmoothSkin material is mostly made from rubber as a posse to neoprene – generally speaking rubber allows greater flexibility and ease of movement than neoprene at the expense of being a little less durable.
Considering that this is still a budget friendly, first time wetsuit; I prefer the idea of it being a little more flexible even if that sacrifices some durability – because chance are you’ll replace it later down the line to get something pricier anyway.
The rubber, combined with a 10% nylon incorporation does make the ZCCO more easy to move about in underwater than the cheaper, nylon-constructed Hevto and OMGear wetsuits.
The enhanced flexibility, combined with abrasion resistant knee pads are basic indicators of a wetsuit slightly more orientated towards divers…but as you’ll see if you keep reading, wetsuits can get a lot better and more suited to diving than this.
PROS:
- Rubber material for improved underwater movement
- Combined with nylon for extra flexibility
- Zipper on each limb for easy donning and doffing
- Front zipper adds to ease of getting in and out
- Knee pads offer some basic protection
CONS:
- Can be a little small – consider buying a size up
- Rubber less durable than neoprene
8) Basic Shoulder Padding: Seaskin Flame
- Price: > $
- Basic shoulder padding – usually only seen in more expensive wetsuits
- Shoulder padding = cushioning from bcd straps
- Also has knee padding
- Extra durable
- Men and women’s cuts available
For a very reasonable price you can buy the Seaskin Flame wetsuit; featuring an outer layer of highly durable nylon and a middle layer of neoprene for heat insulation and stretchability.
In addition to knee pads, the Seaskin Flame wetsuits also sport padding over the shoulders which helps protect against wear and tear caused by the bcd.
It’s a unisex cut available in four stylish designs – that’s not nearly as many colour options as the Hevto and OMGear lines of wetsuits but the designs that are available are extremely smart.
The heavy duty YKK zipper at the front makes getting it on and off extremely easy and curves around the neck for additional comfort.
Seaskin have been designing wetsuits since 2014 and whilst their wetsuits are still generalist; being designed for a variety of watersports: with it’s shoulder straps and front zip, the 3mm Flame is a great choice for beginner divers looking for a low-medium cost wetsuit.
PROS:
- Shoulder padding protects against wear from bcd
- Knee pads offer additional protection
- Heavy duty YKK zipper makes for easy donning and doffing
- Flexible fit
CONS:
- Limited range of designs
- Still towards the lower end of the quality range for wetsuit
9) Ultra-Stretch: Seac Feel
Established in 1971 and founded in Italy, SEAC are another leading brands of scuba diving equipment. Their mission statement is a set goal of “innovating products that make diving easier and fun for everyone”.
The Seac Feel is constructed entirely from ultra-stretch neoprene to provide maximum comfort and durability in all conditions.
The incredible softness and elasticity of the Seac Feel diving suit, combined with the practical vertical back closure with YKK zipper, makes it extremely easy to move about in underwater as well as don and doff.
Featuring flatlock stitching and kneepads reinforced with powertex, the Seac Feel is available in six sizes and comes in different anatomical cuts for men and women that naturally follow the body contours.
A stylish feature of these wetsuits is the subtle yet stylish graphics around the shoulders, arms and torso – which are printed meaning that they pop out a little whilst still being positioned so as not to interfere with movement.
It’s a great upper-mid-price wetsuit – Seac are a very well known scuba diving brand and with the 3D printing and branding, their Feel will stand out as a wetsuit that’s been designed especially for divers.
PROS:
- Stylish
- Instantly identifiable as a scuba diving wetsuit
- Different cuts for guys and gals
- Reinforced with powertex
CONS:
- Still fairly basic for a wetsuit designed especially for divers
- Lacks scuba-specific features
5mm Wetsuit Reviews:
- 10) TOP PICK: ScubaPro Definition 5
- 11) Luxury High-End: Snergy Triathlon Endorphin
- 12) Cheapest 5mm Wetsuit: Realon
- 13) High-End 5mm Wetsuit for Women: Bare Nixie
- 14) Extra Zips: ZCCO
- 15) Super Easy to Don & Doff: Cressi Castoro
10) TOP PICK: ScubaPro Definition 5
- Price: > $$$
- Special Features for Scuba Diving
- Padding on shoulders and spine – protects against wear from bcd
- Abrasion resistant fabric
- I-straps on wrists to secure dive computer
- Super flexible and comfortable
The Definition Steamer 5 features abrasion resistant fabric on the the shoulders to protect against wear from bcd straps as well as a spine pad to provide a layer of cushioning between the wearers back and the air tank.
The abrasion resistant fabric is also found on the seat to stop you slipping when sat on a slippery surface like a boat and also on the knees, shins and elbows for aded protection. I-straps on the wrists are perfect for securing a dive computer.
This wetsuit delivers superb freedom of movement thanks to the ultraspan chest panel and stretchtec fabric on the body, sides, arms and legs which work together to produce a highly flexible piece that’s easy to move in.
The infrared fleece lining reflects body heat for extra thermal insulation whilst feeling incredibly soft against the skin.
Also, the snug neoprene incorporates X-foam: a petroleum free, limestone neoprene with a solvent free glue making it environmentally friendlier than most other wetsuits.
This has got to be my favourite 5mm wetsuit currently on the market – you simply won’t find anything more orientated towards scuba divers.
PROS:
- I-straps on wrist for securing dive computer
- Zips on ankles and wrists for easy donning and doffing
- Extremely durable
- Spine pad provides cushioning between back and air tank
- Environmentally friendly
- Incredibly flexible
- Different Cuts for Men and Women
CONS:
- Expensive
- Limited stock!
11) Luxury High-End: Snergy Triathlon Endorphin
- Price: > $$
- Winner of Lava Magazine Editor’s Choice
- Hydrodynamic Neoprene
- Awesome Flexibility
- Insanely Water-Tight
- Super Comfortable
- 2 Anatomic Cuts – 1 for Men & 1 for Women
Winner of lava magazine editor’s choice award, the Snergy Triatholon incorporates hydrodynamic neoprene with SCS silicone coated Syprene for next level performance – it’s insanely watertight and extremely flexible to move in.
The high grade anti corrode YKK zipper is internal which greatly reduces drag as you move through the water, allowing you to swim more easily whilst exerting less effort; ultimately this lets you save air and let’s you dive for longer!
The low neck features smoothskin on both sides – this makes it so soft that many users report feeling as if they’re wearing nothing at all around the neck.
There’s two anatomical cuts available – one for men and women and although we’re reviewing the Endorphin line of wetsuits, Snergy Triatholon actually have a range of 5mm wetsuits with slightly different features and styles to choose from.
This is an incredibly high quality wetsuit – it looks fantastic, feels amazing and is incredibly easy to move in underwater. Despite being among the top three 5mm wetsuits we’re reviewing, it’s the cheapest of the three.
PROS:
- Extremely easy to move in (hydrodynamic neoprene)
- Highly durable
- Zipper is internal to reduce drag underwater
- Smoothskin on inside. of neck
- Range of slightly different makes
- Affordable by expensive wetsuit standards
CONS:
- Not as many dive-specific features as the next wetsuit we’re reviewing…
12) Cheapest 5mm Wetsuit: Realon
- Price: > $$
- Different Cuts for Men and Women
- Extra Stretchy
- Comfortable
Although the thicker wetsuits get the more expensive they become, Realon’s range of generalised watersports wetsuits are the cheapest available option at 5mm thickness.
Available in different anatomical cuts for men and women; they come in a moderate variety of designs and can also be bought at 3mm and 4mm.
Realon wetsuits sport a mostly neoprene construction for extra comfort with 10% nylon for added stretchability and ease of movement underwater which is further enhanced by the elastic wrist cuffs.
The heavy duty YKK back-zipper is attached to a long leash to make it easy to pull up and these wetsuits also feature heavy duty but discreet looking kneepads as well as a rubberised front chest for added protection.
These are decent wetsuits for a beginner diver on a budget. However they’re not designed specifically for scuba diving and as such don’t sport any dive-specific features like more expensive options.
PROS:
- Different cuts for men and women
- Moderate range of colours
- Comfortable and stylish
- Fairly durable
CONS:
- No dive-specific features
- Don’t look as good as pricier options
- Less durable than more expensive options
13) High-End 5mm Wetsuit for Women: Bare Nixie
- Price: > $$$
- Designed especially for women
- Extremely high quality
- Insanely durable
- Super comfortable
- Fantastic at retaining heat
- Extremely light fit and great flexibility
Established in 1972 and based on the coast of British Columbia, Bare are a small brand whom cater to divers. There’s several versions of the Bare wetsuit, some suitable for men but here we’re focusing on the Nixie.
Fashionable and flattering in it’s fit, the Bare Nixie features progressive full-stretch neoprene; which combined with the seamless underarms and armor-flex kneepads provide excellent flexibility, durability and comfort.
It also incorporates an OMNIRED (infrared) tech lining which improves oxygen levels in the body, allowing you to use less energy; improving overall warmth and minimizing air consumption so you can spend longer on your dive.
The heavy duty ankle and wrist zippers, combined with the short front zipper and full back zipper make it a breeze to take on and off, whilst the internal skin-in flip seals and mid-forearm and mid-calf reduce water entry.
Modern, stylishly flattering and available in a few different designs the Bare Nixie is a superb women’s wetsuit for colder water diving; it may be quite expensive but try it out and you’ll know where your money’s going!
PROS:
- Infrared (omnired) tech lining improves oxygen levels in body
- Multiple zippers make sit easy to take on and off
- Flattering cut
- Several designs
- Stylish appearance
- Excellent freedom of movement underwater
CONS:
- Expensive
14) Extra Zips: ZCCO
- Price: > $$
- 5 Zips: 1 on front, 1 on each of legs and arms
- Extremely easy to get on and off
- Awesome fit
- Super comfortable
- Durable
ZCCO are a well respected brand, known for making a range of unique looking wetsuits that offer great quality at an affordable price.
With the ZCCO 5mm’s long front zipper and four small zippers at the wrists and ankles, it’s never been easier getting in and out of a wetsuit without any help – even in a rush.
The smooth-skinned, premium quality neoprene inner layer on the collar, wrists and ankles – combined with the tight stretching stitch seams makes it an extremely comfortable and watertight wetsuit.
Also, the kneepads are extremely thick, offering more protection than that of most other wetsuits – although hopefully you won’t be kneeling on the sand too much!
There’s no denying that the cut of this wetsuit is designed for men – we’d love to see a women’s anatomical cut in the future, along with some different designs.
PROS:
- Unique design
- Front zipper and four smaller zippers makes it extremely easy to don and doff
- Extra knee protection
- Comfortable and durable
- Extremely watertight
CONS:
- Designed for men. Women’s cut at 5mm not available
- Only one colour
- No dive-specific features
15) Super Easy to Donn & Doff: Cressi Castoro
- Price: > $$
- Metallite Coating = Super easy to take on and off
- More flexibility underwater
- Durable
- Available in different cuts for Men and Women
Based in Italy, Cressi are a highly respected brand in the scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming equipment industry and have been since their establishment in 1946.
The Cressi Castoro, like so many wetsuits is mainly constructed from neoprene for ease of movement underwater – but it also features a metallite coating which makes it easier to slip on and off and ensures a better fit.
It also features pre-shaped legs for ease of movement underwater and power tex anti-wear inserts on the knees, shins – and the shoulders, which is especially handy for divers as it provides some padding against the bcd straps.
There’s a different cut for men or women and this is a very stylish looking piece – but it’s a shame that the colour range is so incredibly limited.
As an upper-mid-priced 5mm wetsuit the Castoro is a great buy for any serious scuba diver who wants a quality piece without completely breaking the bank.
PROS:
- Metalite coating for awesome fit
- Pre-shaped legs for ease of movement underwater
- Power-tex on shoulders provides padding against bcd
- Also available in 7mm
- Available for women and men
CONS:
- Limited colour range
Shorty (Short-Sleeved) Wetsuit Reviews:
- 16) TOP PICK: Cressi Tortuga
- 17) Best Padding for Divers: Rapido Equator
- 18) Cheapest Shorty: Phantom Aquatics Marine
- 19) Up & Coming Brand: Seaskin
- 20) Top Seller: Lemocren
- 21) Most Durable Shorty: O’Neill Reactor
16) Best Shorty Wetsuit: Cressi Tortuga
- Price: > $$
- 2.5mm Shorty
- Available in different Anatomical Cuts for Men and Women
- Durable
- Stretchy
- Comfortable
“I’m really addicted to my Cressi Tortuga wetsuit – it’s extremely comfortable and durable plus thanks to the flashy red stripes (which definitely make me go faster underwater) it also looks super cool making it awesome for underwater photos. Being a shorty, this is my go-to wetsuit when I’m diving somewhere extra warm and I only need a little bit of insulation.
Cressi are a highly respected brand in the scuba diving industry; they’ve been established since 1946 so by buying a wetsuit from them you know it’s one that’s been designed especially with divers in mind and not just any random water-sport.
At only 2.5mm thick, the Tortuga wetsuits retain a lot of flexibility; something that is further enhanced by a double-lined neoprene construction – this also makes it extremely light and easy to take on and off.
The back zipper closure is attached to a leash for easy donning and doffing whilst the anatomic neck cut collar sits higher than normal to provide added comfort and protection from the elements.
Meanwhile, the seams are sewn for added strength and durability; in general this is a very tough wetsuit. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and it has yet to show any notable signs of wear or tear”! – Alex: Founder of Diving Squad.
PROS:
- Extra high neck for added comfort
- Highly durable
- Awesome water tightness
- Designed especially for divers
- Only 2.5mm thick for added flexibility
CONS:
- No Shoulder Padding
17) Best Padding for Divers: Rapido Equator
- Price: > $$
- Shoulder Padding for BCD Straps
- Different Anatomic Cuts for Men and Women
- Back Zipper
- Stylish and Durable
Whereas many wetsuits follow a generalist style that is designed for a range of watersports, the Rapido Equator has been created especially for divers.
This is immediately evident from the substantial 3D printing on the shoulders which provide protect against wear from the bcd straps which they also give decent cushioning against for added comfort.
A superior flex stretch neoprene construction keeps you comfortable and able to easily move about underwater whilst the super seal neckline does an excellent job of keeping water out.
Breathable and comfortable, the Rapido Equator sports a back zip entry system with a long nylon leash that makes it easy to grab and pull without assistance. Available in different anatomical cuts for men and women, this is a beautiful, professional looking shorty wetsuit; one that offers awesome value for money.
PROS:
- Best shoulder padding of any shorty wetsuit
- Highly durable
- Stylish and modern
- Superior flex stretch neoprene
- Different Cuts for Women and Men
CONS:
- Limited colour range
18) Cheapest Shorty: Phantom Aquatics Marine
- Price: > $
- Basic Friction Pads on Shoulders
- Designed for Divers
- Comfortable
- Easy to move in
- Different Cuts for Men and Women
The Phantom Aquatics Marine is the cheapest shorty wetsuit on the market! Despite this is is unusual in that unlike most bcds, even more expensive options it offers basic cushioning against the bcd straps in the form of 3D anatomical friction pads as well as a high friction seat on the rear prevents slipping when seated on wet surfaces.
Constructed of stretchy and durable neoprene, this shorty wetsuit features a neck tab with micro teeth that velcro fasten for a comfortable neck closure with reduced water flushing. The back zipper features a long nylon leash making it easy to pull.
It’s an incredibly cool and modern looking wetsuit, available for men and women in several different designs. This is an extremely affordable wetsuit and the cheapest one of all time that’s been designed especially for divers.
PROS:
- 3D printing on shoulders protects against bcd straps
- High friction seat on rear prevents slipping
- Comfortable
- Different Cuts for Men and Women
CONS:
- Less durable than more expensive options
19) Up & Coming Brand: Seaskin
- Price: > $
- Seaskin = Up & Coming Scuba Brand
- Available in Different Cuts for Men and Women
- Comfortable and Watertight
Seaskin are a fairly new brand; they’ve been developing wetsuits since 2014 but in that time they’ve made a pretty big splash in terms of just how popular their budget-diver orientated gear is.
The Seaskin shorty (also available in full) is both stylish and comfortable to wear and features a full frontal YKK zip which goes all the way from top to bottom, making it extremely easy to don and doff. It is also available in different anatomical cuts for men and women.
It incorporates three layers of diving fabrics: the outer layer is nylon; which is elastic and durable, the middle insulation is neoprene for improved water tightness whilst the inner layer is soft-skin for superb insulation and comfort.
PROS:
- Cheap
- Frontal zipper makes it easy to take on and off
- Durable
- Stretchy and easy to move in
CONS:
- Limited colour range
- Not as high quality as more expensive options
20) Top Seller: Lemorecn
- Price: > $$
- Different Cuts for Men and Women
- Comfortable
- Good range of movement
Cheap and comfortable, the Lemocren 3mm shorty wetsuit is spot taped at stress points and features flatlock seams to ensure long lasting durability. Admittedly, it’s still not as flexible nor durable as more expensive options, but for the price it is; this is a very decent shorty wetsuit that offers good value for money.
It’s constructed from premium quality neoprene for a comfortable and athletic fit which is further enhanced by an adjustable neck colour. The heavy duty YKK back zipper features a long nylon leash which makes it easy to grab and pull up even without any help.
Lemocren shorty wetsuits are available in different anatomical cuts for men and women meaning you can get the perfect fit.
PROS:
- Premium quality neoprene
- Long nylon leash for back zipper
- Spot taped stress points and flatlock seams
CONS:
- Not as durable as higher quality wetsuits
- Not as flexible as more expensive options
21) Most Durable: O'Neill Reactor
- Price: $$$
- Insanely Durable
- Super Comfortable
- Excellent Range of Movement Underwater
- Super Water-tight
Although O’neill wetsuits are undeniably quite expensive, they’re practically unrivalled in terms of the durability and comfort they provide.
Made from 2mm thick super stretchy ultraflex neoprene with seamless paddle zones and a fully adjustable smooth skin neck; O’neills reactor shorty wetsuits are no exception to this rule, being “a perfect combination of stretch and durability”.
The wind resistant smoothskin chest and back provide decent protection against scratches and abrasions as well as a small amount of padding between the wearers back and the air tank.
The superseal collar with fully adjustable smooth skin neck lets you get the perfect fit, whilst the flatlock stitching results in fully breathable, non chafing seams and maximum freedom of movement underwater.
PROS:
- Fully adjustable smooth neck skin
- Highly durable
- Super comfortable
- Awesome range of movement
- Different cuts for men and women
CONS:
- Expensive!
- No shoulder pads
How thick / warm should my wetsuit be?
First, it will depend on whether you’re diving in warm or temperate waters:
- Warm Waters: 78 – 85 degrees Farenheit / 25 – 30 degrees Celcius. Mostly found in tropical regions such as the Caribbean and parts of Oceania and Asia during their hotter months.
- Temperate Waters: 60 – 75 degrees Farenheit / 15 – 25 degrees Celcius. Generally found in places like the Pacific, Mediterranean, Egypt and some parts of Asia during the colder months.
Second, consider whether you’re a warm individual (someone who doesn’t get cold easily) or a cold individual (someone who does get cold easily), before choosing your wetsuit. On this page, wetsuits are divided into three categories:
- Shorty Wetsuits: Wetsuits that only cover the chest and upper halves of your limbs. 2.5 – 3mm thick. Warm individuals can use a shorty wetsuit in warm / tropical waters.
- 3mm Full Wetsuits: Cold individuals can use 3mm full wetsuits in warm waters and warm individuals can use them in warmish temperate waters.
- 5mm Full Wetsuits: Best used by cold and warm individuals in temperate waters.
Just remember: the thicker your wetsuit is, the more warmth it will provide but the less easy it will be to move in. Thicker wetsuits also make you more buoyant, meaning you may need less weights.
Diving Squad Debriefing
Diving Squad – at ease! You’ve finally finished this whale shark of a briefing on the very best wetsuits for diving. You can rest assured that we constantly review and update our content so what you’ve read today accurately reflects the very latest knowledge on the best diving wetsuits currently available and in stock this year.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this read and maybe even learnt a thing or two that you didn’t know about scuba diving wetsuits before. Good luck with your future purchase whatever it may be – and good luck with all of your future scuba missions.
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Written by:
Alex
