10 Best Wetsuits for Scuba Diving in 2021
On land, our body is protected through our skin. When you immerse in water, however, which generally has a lower temperature, the body loses heat. This heat loss is amplified when you are completely submerged or when water temperature is very cold, and this could quickly lead to hypothermia.
Luckily, this can be avoided easily with the use of wetsuits. Designed to provide a protective layer of insulation, wetsuits come in various styles for warmer or colder waters. Wondering which to get? Check out our selection of best scuba wetsuits.
The Best Wetsuit for Scuba Diving
Contents
- The Best Wetsuit for Scuba Diving
- 1. Mares Men's Flexa Full Wetsuit for Scuba Diving
- 2. XCEL Thermoflex Ultrastretch Full Scuba Wetsuit
- 3. Henderson THERMOPRENE Full Length Diving Wetsuit
- 4. NeoSport Short Scuba Diving Wetsuit
- 5. Cressi Shorty Women's Wetsuit for Scuba Diving
- 6. Bare Velocity Full Suit Super-Stretch Wetsuit
- 7. SCUBAPRO Men's Everflex Steamer Dive Wetsuit
- 8. Hyperflex Full Body Scuba Dive Wetsuit
- 9. Henderson Thermoprene Long Sleeve Wetsuit
- 10. Bare Elastek Women's Full Scuba Wetsuit
The Flexa line of Mares wetsuits is the epitome of underwater insulation and flexibility. This full-body wetsuit is made from 100% ultra-stretch high-quality trilastic standard neoprene rubber. In other words, there are three kinds of material thicknesses used in this wetsuit, a different one for each part of your body.
The torso is made of 8mm material, the arms and legs have a thickness of 6mm, while the neck, wrists and ankles are made from 5mm material. This trilastic design delivers maximum comfort and freedom of movement, without making you feel restricted or restrained due to material tightness.
A back zipper attached to a cord decorated with the Mares logo ensures a total body seal. Once on, the wetsuit can be fastened easily by simply pulling up the zipper cord.
Through this process, the wetsuit creates a pleasant skin-to-skin like seal, while a smooth, neoprene flap prevents your body from coming in contact with the cold zipper.
Covering all your body, this wetsuit from Mares also boasts a custom neck closure that minimizes water leaks. Serving as thermal protection, it also has knee pads, and overall, it delivers a unique, comfortable feel.
Lightweight and durability are the two main characteristics that best describe the XCEL Thermoflex Ultrastretch Full Scuba Wetsuit. Despite having a thickness of 7mm, this wetsuit is one of the lightest on the market.
It is made from ultrastretch neoprene, a material considered to be the stretchiest, softest and most durable type of neoprene. Besides a durable material, the wetsuit also impresses with ultra-strong stitches. The particularity of these stitches is that the material is glued before it is stitched, a design that keeps water away from your skin.
Another design particularity is that the inner material is lined with a quick-drying plush-like fiber that dries 30% faster than standard neoprene.
Facilitating full body insulation is also the back zipper with cord that allows to easily fasten the wetsuit with just a simple pull. Similar to the Mares, the XCEL wetsuit has a protective spine pad that guarantees a smooth zipper pull-up.
We also like the wrist seals that boast drylock donut neoprene seals, as well as the collar seal with adjustable Velcro closure.
In the ankle area, the wetsuit is sealed with zippers instead of Velcro; built with durability in mind, the wetsuit also comes with tonal printed graphics in the shoulder area - a design element that reduces wear and tear due to BCD straps. No doubt, one of the best wetsuits for diving.
If you’re into multi-aqua sports like scuba-diving, snorkeling, surfing or just someone who needs another layer of insulation and thermal protection, then you might like the Henderson Thermoprene Full Length Wetsuit.
This economically priced full body wetsuit uses a 3mm superior grade neoprene - called Thermoprene - that delivers optimum heat retention and maximum flexibility. The thermoprene material stretches up to 75% more than the average wetsuit material and is cut with an optimal fit that is glued and stitched.
This design generally enhances the diver’s physique and helps in suiting up easily. You can even wear it on top of another garment and will not feel too squeezed into it.
This wetsuit has a back zipper connected to a long fabric cord, that when pulled up, fastens the back portion easily.
Inside the zipper, there is a spine pad that protects your skin and allows a smooth zipping. Adjustable collar at the upper extremity seals the neck portion and protects the exposure of the zipper while keeping the cord in place.
For added protection, the wetsuit has knee pads that protects your knees from stones and other sharp objects. The knee pads come in handy especially if you decide to kneel down in a sandy bottom, like when performing a confined water skill.
All in all, this wetsuit is fantastic, and undoubtedly an excellent choice for divers on a budget.
Designed for warm water use, this short wetsuit provides maximum comfort and breathability. With short pants and sleeves, the insulating properties of this wetsuit are focused on providing core rather than extremity warmth.
It uses a premium 3mm thick neoprene material that has a super-stretch properies and allows for a full range of body movement. An anatomical cut naturally fits the contours of your body, and wearing this wetsuit is just like having a second layer of skin.
The materials of this wetsuit are stitched and reinforced with seam tape; this design adds up to its overall durability. The arms and legs have a lycra trim, while the zipper located at the back is a heavy-duty YKK zipper.
Once fully zipped on, the zipper can be secured and the cord be held in place via the adjustable Velcro strap on the adjustable collar. This wetsuit even has an internal key pocket where you can place your keys and other small personal items within an arm’s reach.
Generally, wearing this wetsuit even on land for an extended period will not result in overheating. However, you have to take note that this is a short wetsuit ideal for tropical vacations rather than anything else.
Next on our list of best scuba wetsuits comes from an Italian brand and is manufactured in Cambodia - the Cressi Shorty line of scuba diving wetsuits. Designed for multi-aqua sports enthusiasts, this scuba diving gear is also ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
It is made from a high-quality 2.5mm thick neoprene rubber, double-lined for optimum warmth and durability. The material is stitched and the leg and arm edges have an elastic ultraspan neoprene braided seal that prevents water from entering at the extremities.
This wetsuit has the ability to retain its shape even if used frequently and insulates your body by preventing body heat loss even if you are completely submerged.
All this is possible thanks to its anatomical cut designed for women, with zipper located on the front. Compared to a back zipper, wearing this wetsuit will eliminate the struggle to reach the cord and fasten it. Furthermore, the zipper is not secured and hidden in a velcro strap which makes donning and doffing a lot easier.
Adding to its feminine touch, this wetsuit predominantly has a black color with stripe choices of either pink or light blue. Superb and of high-quality, it’s perfect for women and younger divers alike.
Are you looking for a thick wetsuit that will provide unrivaled warmth when you are fully submerged cold water? Do you want a snug, anatomical fit yet the ability to comfortably move around? Then take a look at the Bare Velocity Full Suit Super-Stretch Wetsuit.
It is made from a thick 5mm neoprene material that features a progressive full-stretch fabric throughout the entire suit. In effect, the wetsuit has a 200% stretchable factor, making it easy to wear before diving and taking it off after the dive. It has an anatomical cut where all the pre-cut parts are glued and double stitched making it highly durable.
Once on, this bodysuit can be fully sealed via a zipper located at the back. The zipper is attached to a fabric cord that, with just a single pull, will completely fasten the wetsuit.
Located on the back collar section of the wetsuit, there is an adjustable velcro strap with triple functionality.
First, it covers the zipper when pulled up, preventing accidental opening. Second, it holds the zipper cord in place and lastly, it prevents water from entering at the upper extremities.
Zippers can also be found at the ankle slit that, when opened, aide you in doffing and when closed, give you a perfect tight seal. Neoprene pads are also glued and stitched in the knee area, giving you protection when kneeling down.
Rated as a Class C wetsuit, the Scubapro Men’s Everflex Steamer Wetsuit is the perfect choice when you diving in subtropical countries. It is ideal for use in waters with temperature ranging from 61 to 75°F.
Designed for superior warmth and flexibility, this wetsuit has multi-thickness panels made from 100% 3mm Everflex neoprene with an X-foam formulation for added durability and comfort.
The Pure Design Concept uses fewer panel cuts and seams, giving you maximum flexibility.
During manufacturing, the pre-cut panels provide anatomical fit and are glued together using a solvent-free and water-based glue.
The outer seams are double stitched to create durable and watertight neoprene seals, while the inner seams have a single blind stitch that is soft and gentle when it gets in contact with the skin.
This wetsuit is multi-padded. Tatex pads are found in the knee, shoulder and bottom area, and they all have anti-abrasion properties. This gives you a comfortable feel even if you sit down on rough surfaces.
Weighing only 1 pound, the Hyperflex Full Body Scuba Wetsuit is one of the lightest 3mm full body wetsuits. Designed for scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling and body boarding, this wetsuit is made from a hyperflex 3mm thick premium neoprene fabric that guarantees flexibility while maintaining its insulating properties. On top of the neoprene fabric, the material has chill breaker panels made from mesh.
The entire wetsuit is composed of several anatomically cut fabrics that are stitched together, giving you an optimum body fit. The outer seams are flat locked while there is a seamless underarm gusset that adds durability and prevents skin irritation.
The back sealing mechanism uses a #10 zipper with a fabric cord that bears the Hyperflex logo. At the upper portion, a velcro strap holds the zipper and the cord in place, preventing accidental opening. Storm force pads are stitched at the lower portion of the wetsuit and provide knee protection.
In terms of washing, aside from the typical freshwater rinse after use, you can even machine wash this wetsuit. What else could you wish for?
This wetsuit is highly recommended for tropical use or as an additional exposure suit when used in temperate environments. It is basically a shorty, but with long sleeves. Made for high compression resistance, the Henderson Thermoprene Long Sleeve Wetsuit uses a 3mm thick thermo-neoprene, aptly named as thermoprene.
This fabric is combined with a high-quality nylon neoprene that gives greater flexibility and durability.
With its pre-cut anatomical panels, all the parts of this wetsuit are glued and stitched, yet still maintain a stretchability of 75%. This means that you can easily wear the wetsuit before diving and take it off after the dive without too much effort.
The neoprene material has anti-abrasion properties, and protects from accidental scratching from sharp objects. The cuffs have a low fabric fill, while the seams boast a Lycra trim.
On top of having short legs and long sleeves, what is unique about this wetsuit is the zipper mechanism. It has a front zipper that runs from the collar and goes all the way down the edge of the left leg. Super-easy to put on and take off.
The last, but definitely not the least in our list of best scuba wetsuits, is this exposure suit designed for women with a large body built. Weighing 8 pounds, the Bare Elastek Wetsuit is one of the heaviest on the market. But the heavyweight feature doesn’t guarantee you that it will keep you warm.
The main reason why this wetsuit is heavy is the material composition consisting primarily of 7mm neoprene rubber.
The fabric has a 100% elasticity factor that can be stretched up to two times its size before reaching the breaking point. The elastek fabric also uses neoprene laminates that provide full stretch capability and maximum body mobility.
The back zippers are also large and heavy, as well as equipped with a strong fabric cord that can easily be pulled up for a total back seal.
Sealing is further complemented at the collar level, where it has an adjustable Velcro strap that holds the zipper and fabric cord in place.
Ideal for cold water, this heavy-duty scuba wetsuit for women is undoubtedly the right one to use in temperate to cold climate areas.