What Budget Winter Wetsuit Should I Buy
So you are looking for the most cost
effective wetsuit to buy and want the warmest and most durable options.
We do get asked a lot about which wetsuit
to buy if your only going to using it a few times or are on a budget. The good
news is nowadays there are some really good options that you can buy. Wetsuit
development has come on so much that you need not be cold in the water even if
you are looking at entry-level wetsuits. For starters all entry-level wetsuits now
have super stretch material and generally have thermal linings to keep you
warm.
So let’s have a look at some of the best
buys on the market today. If we are looking at price then the first wetsuit for
men & women that springs to mind would be:
1.
Rip Curl Omega winter wetsuit 5/3mm
which, is priced at a very reasonable £104.95. This wetsuit has a smooth skin
front panel to reduce wind penetration on the cold windy days. It also features super stretch material
in the arms to give you freedom of movement whilst in the water. Being 5mm of
neoprene in the body and 3mm in the arms this is thick enough to keep you warm
in the months December through to April. The Omega range is in men’s and
women’s versions s is available in a full size range.
2.
Billabong Intruder range of
wetsuits are the cheapest in the winter range with a price of £99. The wetsuit
does feature some stretch material in the arms but I wouldn’t say it was more
flexible than the Omega from Rip Curl. It is 5mm on the body and 3mm on the
arms but does not benefit from and thermal lining. If your after the cheapest
winter wetsuit then this is the wetsuit for you. You can buy this wetsuit in
men’s, women’s and children’s sizes.
3.
Slightly more expensive at £129.94
the O’Neill Epic 5/4 has been the best seller for many years and for good
reason. It has slightly more features than the Omega in terms of it is now a
100% super stretch material so the wetsuit will give you a better fit to the
body and movement will be far easier meaning you will get less tired and be
able to stay out for longer. The O’Neill also benefits from firewall lining on
the chest, which acts in the same way that thermal underwear works. It retains
body heat and wicks water away from the neoprene. The other bonus is the
material is 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms so an extra bit of
warmth with some slightly thicker neoprene.
If you are intending to use your winter
wetsuit in the coldest of months make sure you also buy wetsuit gloves and
boots. The best buys in this would be the O’Neill Epic 5mm boots which are
priced at £19.99 and the O’Neill SLX gloves which I would suggest you buy in
the 3mm version as that will be warm enough and these cost £19.99.
Hope this article has helped you understand
the differences between some of the wetsuits and what we consider to be the
best value.
