6 Best Mid-Range Wetsuits for 2024

March 14, 2024

by Sarah

Wetsuits have come a long way in the last decade. With all the technology trickling down, mid-range suits have seen the most progression in wearability and price. In many cases, Mid-range suits have the best value. We agree that it can be overwhelming to whittle down the best option for your needs and budget. Based on our expert advice and personal experience, we reviewed the six best mid-range wetsuits for 2024.

Naturally, inflation has caused a bump in prices for our favorite products. Our best mid-range wetsuits are now falling between the $300-$450 range: slightly better quality over an entry-level option but not entirely pushing the $500+ world of super high-performing rubber and features.

Wetsuits Reviewed

O'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit - $369.95+
Buell RB2 Wetsuit - $299.95+
Billabong Furnace Comp Wetsuit - $399.95+
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Wetsuit - $259.95+
Vissla Seven Seas Wetsuit - $219.95+
Quiksilver Everyday Sessions Wetsuit - $249.95+

O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit - $369.95+

“Best All-Around Suit”

The Hyperfreak is hands down the best value in mid-range wetsuits and gives surfers many of O’Neill’s high-end features in a straight-to-the-point suit. By cutting some of the more technical elements of more expensive models, the Hyperfreak gives you everything you want at an affordable price.

Consistently one of our best-selling wetsuits across the different thicknesses, the Hyperfreak is a long-time shop favorite. The most stand-out features of this wetsuit are Techno Butter 3 (TB3) and TB3x neoprene. TB3 is a highly flexible and light neoprene and comes standard on all of O’Neill’s top-of-the-line wetsuits. TB3x is even more flexible and found in the arms of the suit – specifically for increased paddling mobility. If you’ve never owned a wetsuit with Techno Butter before, it’s hard to exaggerate how comfortable and flexible the material feels.

Another design feature that sets the Hyperfreak apart is the absence of a smooth skin panel on the chest or the back. Smooth skin is excellent for cutting down wind chill, but the Hyperfreak is still plenty warm without it, and no chest or back panels allow for even more flexibility throughout the wetsuit.

The Hyperfreak is available as 3/2mm+, 4/3mm+, and two hooded options in 4/3mm+ and 5/4mm+. If you’re wondering what the “+” is all about, it means that when designing the Hyperfreak, O’Neill cut the suit on the thicker side. For example, the 5/4mm+ version, in reality, runs closer to a 5.5/4.5mm than a 5/4mm suit.

You can’t go wrong with the Hyperfreak, especially if flexibility and weight are important to you. Check out our full review of the O’Neill Hyperfreak for a more in-depth look. There’s a full run of options for youth and women in the Hyperfreak line as well.

Highlights and Features

Insanely flexible Technobutter Neoprene (TB3 & TB3x)
Lightest wetsuit at Cleanline
Forgiving fit
TB3X internally taped seams

Shop By Model

O'Neill Hyperfreak 3/2+ Chest Zip Wetsuit - $369.95
O'Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Chest Zip Wetsuit - $389.95
O'Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $419.95
O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95

Buell RB2 Wetsuit - $285.95+

“Affordable Durability”

With the growing market for mid-level wetsuits, the Buell RB2 is a much-welcomed model to this list. It offers high-end durable features at an enticing price. So far, we’ve found no catch with this wetsuit. The brand truly lives up to the hype of its most famous rider: Jamie O'Brien.

First off, the “Ninja Neoprene” is precisely that: a flexible and comfortable rubber that allows you to maneuver with ease. Don’t be taken aback by the bright blue interior; the Buell designers like to throw in unique styles. The RB2 boasts a cozy warm thermal barrier insulation in the wetsuit's front, back, and upper leg. As a result, it holds heat in the most crucial areas.

For the cost, we are thoroughly impressed with the durability of the “Sizzle” seam weld. This seam weld quality is typically only found in high-end suits pushing upwards of $450. In addition, all seams come glued and blind-stitched for the ultimate combination of flexibility and durability.

Besides being a hot seller for men, it’s also a popular choice for groms and is available in youth sizes. If you want to invest in a wetsuit that will carry you through session after session, look no further than the highly touted RB2. Take a look at our full review of the Buell RB2 Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

Comfortable Ninja Neoprene
Durable Sizzle Exterior Seam Weld
Cozy Blue Thermal Barrier
Humorous internal graphics

Shop By Model

Buell RB2 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $299.95
Buell RB2 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $315.95
Buell RB2 6/5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $339.95

Billabong Furnace Comp - $399.95+

“Warm and Environmentally Friendly”

Billabong Furnace Comp Chest Zip wetsuit

The Furnace Comp has been a staff favorite at Cleanline for its all-around performance, eco-friendly characteristics, and affordable price. Billabong now uses an updated recycled Graphene liner.

Graphene is a relatively new material created back in the ’60s and is growing in popularity among wetsuit brands. Billabong has always been looking forward when designing their liners and quickly realized Graphene’s potential for wetsuit design. Graphene conducts and retains heat more efficiently than traditional liners while remaining incredibly strong and is an excellent feature of this wetsuit.

In addition to the internal graphene liner, the Furnace Comp features Airlite 4D, an exterior jersey constructed of 100% recycled fibers. This feature produces an even lighter rubber with 20% more stretch than the previous model.

Looking at the rest of the suit, Billabong uses an environmentally friendly neoprene called SMART Foam. This rubber is made up of 30% up-cycled tires, and while it may come from a car tire, it’s super pliable and more flexible than any Billabong suit before.

Overall, the Furnace Comp delivers quality and performance at an affordable price, and at the same time, it is one of the most eco-friendly options available. We highly recommend this wetsuit, and with the different thicknesses and models, there’s one for everyone’s needs. Take a look at our full review of the Billabong Furnace Comp Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

High Thermal Retention
Warmth and Performance of Graphene
Power Seam Exterior Seams
Internally Taped Seams
Eco-Friendly Materials

Shop By Model

Billabong Furnace Comp 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $399.95
Billabong Furnace Comp 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $419.95
Billabong Furnace Comp 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $439.95
Billabong Furnace Comp 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $459.95

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Wetsuit - $259.95+

“Shop Staple”

The Dawn Patrol line has been a shop favorite over the years. This wetsuit stands out with high-end features usually found in the premium Flashbomb and Heatseeker models. Its long-standing tried-and-true performance is tough to beat in the competitive mid-range wetsuit market.

The most notable feature of the Dawn Patrol is the E5 neoprene used throughout the entire suit. Previous models only utilized the E5 neoprene in the arms. This choice offers enhanced flexibility throughout the wetsuit, resulting in better overall performance and less fatigue while paddling back to the lineup.

Our favorite part about the Dawn Patrol is the partial E5 Flash Lining. From experience, we’ve found the liner to feel like a sweater, which is toasty warm. Not only that, but once out of the water, the liner dries quickly, so you don’t have to squirm into a cold and chilly suit for your next session. The pink fuzzy lining covers the torso and upper leg for warmth where it’s needed most.

For warmth, the external back of the Dawn Patrol features an E4 Thermoflex mesh skin panel, which absorbs the sun's solar rays and acts as a wind blocker on those windy days when the surf is pumping.

The Dawn Patrol has been around for years and remains a top seller for men and women. If warmth is a priority for you, look no further than the latest model of the Dawn Patrol. Read our full review of the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

Offered in a large variety of thicknesses
GBS seam construction
High-stretch E5 tape on internal seams
Staff favorite

Shop By Model

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $259.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $249.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $319.95

Vissla Seven Seas Wetsuit - $219.95+

“The Essentials”

With the slogan: “Everything you need in a wetsuit and nothing you don’t,” Vissla prides itself on quality products that get the job done. Let’s take a quick look at the Seven Seas line, offered in everything from a 3/2 back zip to a hooded burly 6/5.

Under the minimal branding is the limestone-based Super Stretch neoprene. To the touch, the neoprene is baby skin smooth and has the ideal amount of stretch. The Seven Seas features two different internal liners depending on the thickness. All models incorporate the Fever Fiber lining, which has a cream and maroon appearance. The Fever Fiber liner is lightweight and insulates more thoroughly than similarly priced suits. The 5mm and 6mm models also include an additional Eco Fiber liner in the waist and legs.

Like the other mid-range wetsuits, the Seven Seas seams are GBS and internally taped with Super Stretch Neo 3.0 tape. We’ve found the suit comfortable and warm after extended use with this seam construction. The chest zip entry can run on the snug side but offers excellent protection from flushing.

Vissla’s Seven Seas suit packs in essential features, resulting in a quality wetsuit at an affordable price. For more info, check out our full review of the Vi ssla Seven Seas Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

Eco-Friendly Limestone based neoprene
Liquid tape cuff seals on wrists and ankles
Quick-drying Fever Fiber lining
Offered in a large variety of thicknesses

Shop By Model

Vissla Seven Seas 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $219.95
Vissla Seven Seas 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $259.95
Vissla Seven Seas 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Vissla Seven Seas 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $329.95
Vissla Seven Seas 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $349.95
Vissla Seven Seas 6/5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $369.95

Quiksilver Everyday Sessions - $249.95+

“Performance on a Budget"

Quiksilver has been a prominent player in the wetsuit world for many years. The Quiksilver Everyday Sessions utilizes eco-friendly materials and features such as internal spot taping to improve the suit's durability. The Everyday Sessions was introduced as an option for those looking to get a quality suit at a great price.

Constructed out of StretchFlight neoprene, the Everyday Sessions sports excellent warmth and flexibility. The suit is entirely lined with Quiksilver’s WarmFlight lining, keeping the suit comfortable and toasty warm for the coldest days in the lineup.

The Everyday Sessions takes great steps in its sustainability by using recycled materials within the neoprene and liners, as well as using water-based lamination to cut the need for toxic solvents.

Quiksilver created a wetsuit that is friendly to your wallet and the environment allowing you peace of mind and the performance you need to surf your heart out. This suit is available for your little one as well. For more info, check out our full review of the Quiksilver Everyday Sessions Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

Eco-Friendly Neoprene from scrap tires
Toasty Warmflight thermal fleece lining
Spot taping for increased durability
Offered in a large variety of thicknesses

Shop By Model

Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $249.95
Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $269.95
Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $269.95
Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $289.95
Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $309.95
Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 5/4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $309.95
Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $329.95

Relevant Blogs We’ve Written

Final Thoughts

There’s no need to break the bank with the numerous options in the competitive mid-range wetsuit market. If you’re looking to upgrade your entry-level wetsuit or simply get started in a suit under $450, there are plenty of options. It’s worth the extra minute of research to feel good about your purchase.

Although the Hyperfreak often receives all the hype, don’t count out the other mid-range options. The Furnace Comp runs warm while the Everyday Sessions and Seven Seas are available in wide variety of thicknesses. Looking for that model that’s withstood the test of time? The Dawn Patrol is the choice for you. Or, surf with style in the thermal lined RB2.

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or drop an email at support@cleanlinesurf.com. We are stoked to talk about what options are available to you.

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Sarah

Originally from the rolling hills of New Hampshire, Sarah now calls Oregon home. She started at Cleanline Surf in 2019 and, since then, has grown into the role of the Customer Service and Blog Manager. When she’s not at work helping dial in customers with surf gear, Sarah is happiest out adventuring. From mellow summer surf sessions to winter splitboard missions to ripping down her favorite mountain bike line, Sarah is always ready to go at the drop of a hat.

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