5 Best Wetsuits for Scuba Diving: Top Picks for Comfort and Performance

September 05, 2024 6 min read

Scuba diving requires the right gear, and one of the most important pieces is the wetsuit. Choosing the perfect wetsuit can make a significant difference in your diving experience, providing comfort, protection, and thermal insulation.

A table displaying 5 wetsuits for scuba diving, each with different colors and designs, surrounded by diving gear and accessories

Finding the best wetsuit ensures you stay warm in cold waters and protected from underwater hazards. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, picking the right wetsuit tailored to your needs can enhance your underwater adventures.

1) O'Neill Psycho Tech

The O'Neill Psycho Tech wetsuit offers outstanding performance for divers who seek quality and durability. It features TechnoButter 3 neoprene, which provides excellent flexibility and warmth, allowing you to move freely underwater. The advanced material also makes the suit lighter, so you won't feel weighed down during your dive.

Another notable feature is the Fluid Seam Weld technology, which ensures almost zero water entry. This keeps you warmer and reduces the amount of drag. The suit also includes a double seal collar for extra comfort and to prevent water leakage around the neck.

The O'Neill Psycho Tech comes with external key pockets, allowing you to securely store small items. The wrist and ankle cuffs are designed to create a secure seal, minimizing water ingress. If you're diving in colder waters, these features make a significant difference in comfort and warmth.

You’ll appreciate how the suit's minimalist design focuses on functionality without unnecessary distractions. Its sleek appearance is coupled with practical elements, offering a blend of style and utility. The suit's durability also ensures it will be a valuable part of your diving gear for many seasons.

2) Mares Flexa

The Mares Flexa wetsuit stands out for its excellent flexibility and comfort. Designed with tri-material construction, it offers superb range of motion. This makes it suitable for a variety of diving conditions.

You will appreciate the strategically placed ultra-stretch neoprene panels. These panels make donning and doffing the wetsuit easier. The material ensures reduced water entry, keeping you warmer underwater.

Mares Flexa also features a back protection system. This system adds an extra layer of neoprene in the lumbar region. It helps distribute the weight of your tank and gear more evenly, reducing fatigue.

The suit's stitched and double-sealed seams ensure durability and minimize water seepage. This enhances overall comfort and performance. You can count on the Mares Flexa to last for many diving trips.

The Thermo Plush lining in the chest area provides additional insulation. This keeps your core warm during longer dives in cooler waters. It also adds a layer of softness against your skin.

Ergonomically designed, the Mares Flexa fits snugly and naturally along the contours of your body. This reduces drag and allows for more efficient movement. It's crafted with the diver's comfort and performance in mind.

The wetsuit is available in various thicknesses. This allows you to choose the appropriate level of thermal protection for your diving environment. You can find the right fit for different water temperatures.

With its blend of functionality and comfort, the Mares Flexa is a reliable choice. It meets the needs of both recreational and professional divers. You can trust in its quality and performance.

3) Bare Elastek

The Bare Elastek stands out due to its exceptional flexibility and comfort. It's made from advanced stretch material, allowing for ease of movement. This makes long dives more comfortable.

The suit is designed with seamless underarms, minimizing chafing and irritation. You can dive without the usual discomfort associated with wetsuits. Another notable feature is its high-quality zipper.

The Bare Elastek provides excellent thermal protection. The design ensures that you stay warm, even in cooler waters. The suit is crafted to fit snugly, preventing water from seeping in.

Durability is another strength of the Bare Elastek. The materials used are robust and designed to withstand harsh underwater conditions. You can expect this wetsuit to last through many dives.

The suit's knee panels are reinforced, adding an extra layer of protection. This is particularly useful if your dives involve rocky or rough terrain. Your knees stay protected throughout your underwater adventures.

Overall, the Bare Elastek is a reliable and comfortable choice for scuba divers. From its flexible design to its thermal protection, it covers all the bases.

4) Scubapro Everflex

The Scubapro Everflex is a high-performance wetsuit designed to offer unmatched comfort and flexibility. Made from 100% Everflex neoprene, it stretches easily, allowing for a greater range of motion underwater. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced divers.

The suit features a clever design that minimizes seams, increasing its durability and reducing the risk of water leakage. Its high-density neoprene ensures enhanced thermal protection, keeping you warm even in colder waters.

One of the distinguishing features of the Everflex is its water-draining and quick-drying properties. This means you’ll spend less time waiting for your suit to dry between dives. Additionally, the suit is designed to be eco-friendly, utilizing solvent-free Aqua glue in its construction.

The Scubapro Everflex comes in various thicknesses, allowing you to choose the one best suited for your diving conditions. The suit also has a pre-formed anatomical fit, ensuring maximum comfort during long dive sessions.

5) Hollis NeoTek

The Hollis NeoTek is designed for cold-water diving. It features an 8/7/6mm construction, which provides excellent thermal protection. The arms and legs have super-stretch panels to increase flexibility.

The integrated hood helps to minimize heat loss from the head, a crucial feature for maintaining body warmth in cold conditions. The suit is fitted with a horizontal front zipper, making it easier to put on and take off.

The interior is lined with a plush material for added comfort. Hollis uses double-glued and blind-stitched seams to improve durability and reduce water entry. The suit also includes pockets on both legs for storing small gear items.

The Hollis NeoTek's ergonomic design ensures a snug and comfortable fit. Velcro straps at the wrists and ankles help to prevent water from entering the suit. If you're diving in cold waters, this wetsuit offers excellent protection and comfort.

Key Features to Look for in a Scuba Diving Wetsuit

When selecting a wetsuit for scuba diving, consider the material and thickness, seam construction, and fit and comfort. These factors are crucial for maintaining warmth, flexibility, and overall functionality during your dives.

Material and Thickness

The material and thickness of a wetsuit directly impact your warmth and flexibility underwater. Neoprene is the most common material used due to its excellent insulation properties. Thicker neoprene suits, like 5mm or 7mm, are ideal for colder water, while thinner suits, like 3mm, offer more flexibility in warmer waters.

Consider suits with different neoprene types, such as standard neoprene, super-stretch neoprene, or premium neoprene. Super-stretch and premium neoprene provide better flexibility and comfort but can be pricier.

Always match the suit thickness to the water temperature of your diving location. Divers in temperate regions generally need a 5mm suit, whereas tropical divers might only need a 2-3mm suit.

Seam Construction

Seam construction affects the suit's durability and water tightness. Flatlock, sealed (also known as glued and blind stitched), and sealed and taped are the primary types of seams.

Flatlock seams are durable and comfortable for warm-water diving but may allow water infiltration in cold waters. Sealed seams prevent water entry, making them suitable for colder environments. Sealed and taped seams provide the highest level of waterproofing and durability.

For cold water, choose sealed or sealed and taped seams to minimize water flushing. This will help maintain your body heat and make your dive more comfortable.

Fit and Comfort

The fit and comfort of a wetsuit are critical for a pleasant diving experience. A well-fitting wetsuit should be snug but not too tight, allowing for a full range of motion without restricting circulation.

Consider your body shape and size when choosing a wetsuit. Many manufacturers offer gender-specific cuts and a range of sizes to accommodate different body types. Custom-fit wetsuits are an excellent option if you find it difficult to get a perfect fit off the rack.

Check features like smooth skin linings for easy donning and doffing, adjustable collars, and flexible panels at joints to enhance comfort. Prioritize trying on the wetsuit before purchasing to ensure it meets your comfort needs.

How to Care for Your Wetsuit

Proper care extends the life of your wetsuit and keeps it in good condition. Pay attention to cleaning, drying, and storing it correctly to maintain its effectiveness.

Cleaning and Drying

After each use, rinse your wetsuit with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and chlorine. Use lukewarm water and avoid hot water, which can damage the neoprene. Turn the wetsuit inside out and gently scrub it with a soft brush to remove any residue or dirt.

Occasionally, you should clean it with a wetsuit shampoo, following the product instructions carefully. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, which can degrade the material. Submerge the wetsuit in a tub with the cleaner, gently agitating the water.

To dry your wetsuit, turn it inside out and hang it on a thick hanger to avoid stretching the shoulders. Ensure it’s in a shaded, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and material damage. Flip the wetsuit regularly to ensure both sides dry thoroughly.

Storage Tips

Store your wetsuit in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding it, as creases can form. Instead, hang it on a sturdy wide hanger. If hanging isn't possible, roll it loosely from the feet up to the neck, minimizing creases.

Keep your wetsuit away from chemicals, oils, or sharp objects that could damage the neoprene. Ensure the storage area is free from pests and rodents.

For extended storage, periodically inspect and air out your wetsuit to prevent any mildew or unwanted odors.