KEY FEATURE: DRYLOCK SYSTEM
XCEL INFINITI DRYLOCK
5/3mm£290

Xcel’s Drylock system comprises the waterproof X-Zip 2 zip and thick neoprene wrist and ankle seals. The zip crosses the chest and is held in place at the left shoulder by a barrel lock, to guard against flushing (cold water forcing its way in). Tight, quadruple-glued Fusion seams reinforced by blind stitches (stitches that don’t pass right through the fabric) protect ankle and wrist, and are covered by UltraStretch neoprene that binds the seam to the suit fabric so it can move without undue stretching.
Verdict: Provides warmth without sacrificing flexibility.
www.xcelwetsuits.com

KEY FEATURE XDS-AIR
O’NEILL PSYCHO FREAK
4.5/3.5mm £300

This suit is made from XDS-Air, a complex, triple-layered structure of rubber and neoprene that traps air in its honey-comb-like interior for insulation. Adding to the suit’s heat-saving properties is its “firewall”, an insulating internal envelope of thermal insulation that wraps around the abdomen, the back and the top half of the legs and wicks away moisture. As always, the seams are a potential weak point, but here, after stitching, they are welded with liquid sealant outside and in.
Verdict: O’Neill hasn’t forgotten its core values - this is serious kit.
www.oneill.com

KEY FEATURE HEATING ELEMENTS
RIP CURL H-BOMB
4/3mm £750

The H-Bomb is the world’s first heated wetsuit, and it has been tested in the sea inside the Arctic Circle. Two batteries heat stretchable, carbon-fibre coils that run up the back of the suit and warm up the surfer’s core (and, through circulation, ultimately their extremities too). The batteries are slim but heavy, so they could limit movement. However, the heating means the suit can be just 4mm thick, so it is flexible. Battery life is 1½-2½ hours, and a recharge takes three hours.
Verdict: Very costly, tricky to care for but a technological pioneer.
www.ripcurl.com

KEY FEATURE HYBRID ZIP
BILLABONG REVOLUTION X
5/4/3mm £200

A leaky zip is the easiest way for cold water to get into your wetsuit, but the Revolution’s “hybrid zip” system minimises the chances of this happening, by combining an extra-short zip to the rear of the suit with a huge, pullover neck that folds over it once it is zipped up tight. Although this makes it tricky to get into the suit, its construction from Airlight Superflex G3 neoprene, which is 5% stretchier than conventional neoprene, does help matters. The suit includes an insulating foam layer at its centre; welded, blind-stitched internal seams also help to keep it watertight.
Verdict:It’s not easy to get into and out of, but it is great value.
www.billabongwetsuits.com

KEY FEATURE SYNCHRO SYSTEM
GUL VORTEX
6/5/4mm £220

The head is the body’s prime source of heat loss, so for long stints in cold seas you’ll want to wear a hood. The British manufacturer Gul’s Vortex wetsuit pays extra attention to that critical join between hood and suit: its Syncro system includes a double neoprene neck layer to keep water out, plus layers of insulating material in the hood as well as around the body’s core. Stretchable panels around the torso help freedom of movement, while thicker chest and back patches are designed to defend against wind chill. Gasket wrist seals, meanwhile, reduce the risk of water flush.
Verdict:Surprisingly flexible for a heavy suit, and affordable too.
www.gul.com

FIT FOR PURPOSE

Neoprene choiceMost full-body wetsuits (“steamers”) are made of varieties of the synthetic rubber compound neoprene, with similar thermal qualities but different levels of flexibility. The Xcel suit is best at the balance between stretch and insulation. The neoprene should be at least 4.5mm thick over the body, and 3mm over limbs. Don’t forget booties and gloves.

Find a snug fit Buy too loose a wetsuit and water will leak in and out, cancelling out the suit’s insulating properties. Conversely, if it’s too tight it will constrict movement. Don’t go by brand; instead pick the suit that’s the best fit.

Take pro advice Visit a specialist surf shop and ask the staff if they surf through the winter: if they’re in the sea all year round, take their advice.

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