Best 4/3 Hooded Wetsuits for 2025
Waves are in the forecast, and it is time to gear up with one of the best 4/3 hooded wetsuits on the market. As advancements in wetsuit technology continue, surfers are increasingly gravitating towards the lighter, more flexible 4/3 hooded wetsuit to replace their heavier 5/4. With so many hooded 4/3 wetsuits now available, which one should you buy? Do you need a hood with a 4/3 wetsuit?
We spend a lot of time in the water testing wetsuits, and a good 4/3 with a hood can make a difference in the Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Central & Northern California), where water temps often hover around 50 degrees F. Though not everyone wants a wetsuit with a hood, a 4/3 hooded wetsuit is ideal for waters from 50 to 58 degrees, depending on your air temps and tolerance to cold.
Our goal is to provide you with industry insights and first-hand feedback to help guide your purchase of a new 4/3 suit. With all of the wetsuits to select from in 2025, this blog will save you time and effort in narrowing down the best suit for your needs. That said, here’s our review of a few 4/3 hooded suits that are staff and customer favorites for 2025.
Best 4/3 Hooded Wetsuits Reviewed
Best overall wetsuit: O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $419.95
Best high-performance wetsuit: Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Hooded Zipless Wetsuit - $369.95
Best neoprene-free wetsuit: Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $419.95
Best value wetsuit: Xcel Comp X 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95
Best budget-friendly wetsuit: Vissla Seven Seas 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $329.95
Most versatile wetsuit: O’Neill Mutant Legend 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $489.95
Industry Insights and Updates
We continually update our reviews to keep the content relevant as the wetsuit industry continues to evolve.
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Billabong revamped nearly its entire model line with a major update: for Fall 2024, it transitioned from using traditional neoprene rubber to 100% neoprene-free rubber.
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Cleanline Surf now carries Xcel, which has been producing quality suits, boots, and gloves for decades.
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Liberated brands filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Billabong is part of Liberated Brands and their inventory will have a shortage until a new licensee takes them over (hopefully not for too long).
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Patagonia made drastic improvements to its wetsuits in the 23/24 season. These include a new premium exterior fabric, interior liner, and more. With the new upgrades, Patagonia still tops the industry in sustainability.
O’Neill Hyperfreak - $419.95
“Best selling high-performing workhorse”
Pros
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Ultimate flexibility
- Minimal seam design
- 0.5mm for added warmth
Cons
- No smooth skin
- Doesn’t last as long
- Not the warmest option
Our Take: The O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Hooded Chest Zip wetsuit is a top seller at Cleanline Surf. With its high-performing characteristics, the Hyperfreak does not disappoint. O’Neill originally created this wetsuit by flipping the interior liner (TB3) inside out, which made it the stretchiest available option in the industry. Now, it is the same concept but with additional tech to balance the warmth, flexibility, and durability properties.
The full body and legs of the suit include TB3, which is very flexible, lightweight, and comfortable. The arms and hood are built with TB3X, an even stretchier, lightweight material that will maximize your mobility in the water. You might even question, “Am I even wearing a wetsuit?” The TB3X fully taped seams add durability and warmth to the suit.
In addition to all of the high-end characteristics, O’Neill made the Hyperfreak 4/3 with sustainable materials such as Recycled Oyster shells and eco-carbon black-infused neoprene. There's nothing like a sustainable purchase that performs well.
Read our full review here: O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review.
Rip Curl E-Bomb - $369.95
“Minimal design with ultimate flexibility”
Pros
- Ultimate flexibility
- Comfortable E6 thermo lining
- No zip, no restriction
- Lightweight neoprene
Cons
- Harder entry/exit area
- Not the most durable
Our Take: The Rip Curl E-Bomb is made with high-quality materials at a mid-range cost. The performance of this comp-style suit is hard to beat. Without a zipper, there is little to no restriction. Critical stress point taping is placed throughout the suit, along with E6 taped seams. The E-Bomb is not quite the highest-end wetsuit from Rip Curl; however, it does utilize their E6 Neoprene which stands up against the best neoprenes in the wetsuit world by being both lightweight, flexible, and durable.
Built with E7 and E6 Thermo Lining Neoprene, it offers an impressive stretch-to-warmth ratio, ensuring unrestricted movement while maintaining heat retention in cold conditions. If you’re looking for comfort, the E-Bomb is hands down one of the comfiest suits available. Overall, the E-Bomb is a top-tier option for surfers who demand a lightweight, ultra-stretchy suit without compromising warmth or performance.
Read our full review here: Rip Curl E-Bomb Wetsuit Review.
Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler - $419.95
“Nobel prize-winning material with high-end performance”
Pros
- Sustainable natural rubber
- Warm graphene liner
- Broader fit
- Durable seams
Cons
- Longer dry time
- Limited inventory
Our Take: The Billabong Furnace Natural is a high-end, eco-conscious wetsuit that delivers premium warmth, flexibility, and sustainability. Made from 100% recycled and natural materials, including Billabong’s proprietary natural rubber and graphene-infused thermal lining, it offers a perfect balance of warmth and performance without relying on petroleum-based neoprene.
The chest zip entry ensures a secure, watertight seal while allowing for easy on and off. In terms of sizing, Billabong suits tend to have a slightly wider fit, so if you have a shorter and stockier body type, the Furnace could be your best option. With the combination of warmth, eco-friendly properties, and flexibility, the Furnace Natural 4/3 is a solid investment for surfers looking to stay warm while reducing their environmental impact.
Read our full review here: Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler Wetsuit Review.
Xcel Comp X - $449.95
“Mind-blowing performance with maximum comfort”
Pros
- Great flexibility
- Warm liner
- Durable sealed seams
Cons
- Slow drying liner
- Chin guard doesn't stay in place
Our Take: Newer to our inventory, the Xcel Comp X wetsuit is quickly turning eyes. The suit is built for the surfer who prioritizes flexibility without sacrificing warmth. Featuring Channel Flex technology, the suit provides an ultra-light, unrestricted feel, allowing for maximum mobility in the water. The Thermal Dry Celliant is proven to generate increased blood flow, and the Thermal Dry Infrared is a heat-generating fiber that doesn’t compromise mobility.
Glued and blind-stitched seams reinforced by FusionX tape ensure durability while minimizing water leaking through. In terms of sizing, Xcel wetsuits generally offer a true-to-size fit with a snug, performance-oriented feel, making them ideal for surfers who prefer a second-skin-like experience. If you need a lightweight yet warm suit, then the Xcel Comp X should be seriously considered.
Read our full review here: Coming soon.
Vissla Seven Seas - $329.95
“Best 4/3 hooded bang for your buck”
Pros
- Warm lining
- Affordable cost
- Stylish look
- Soft flex
Cons
- Less high-end features
- Not as durable
Our Take: Vissla continues to make a name for itself with its affordable suits and jaw-dropping surf films. A couple of my personal favorite films are Pedro’s Bay and Palmera Express. The Seven Seas 4/3 is a great bang for your buck suit that prioritizes warmth, flexibility, and affordability. The Fever Fiber lining throughout retains heat, so you can stay warm for longer. It’s fully taped internally (except in the arms where you want the extra stretch), so you can feel confident the suit will hold up to the rigors of daily use.
There are two different liners (one in the body and one in the legs) that both help keep you warm and comfortable. Externally, you’ll see the standard GBS seams, but there is no special seam weld. However, because of the internal tape, you don’t really need it. Considering this wetsuit is priced between entry-level and mid-range, it has many high-end features, and the neoprene is better than we would expect from similarly priced wetsuits. It's still not top-of-the-line like you’ll find in $500 wetsuits, but it's definitely plenty stretchy.
Overall the build quality feels solid, and the zipper is fairly heavy-duty and does not dislocate, so you don’t have to fumble around trying to start it with cold hands. A couple of other standard but nice features include reinforced knee pads and seals around the ankles and cuffs to help keep water out. All said and done, if you’re on a budget, it’s hard not to buy this suit.
Read our full review here: Vissla Seven Seas Wetsuit Review.
O’Neill Mutant Legend - $489.95
“Ultimate versatility with great wind protection”
Pros
- Interchangeable hood & neck pieces
- Stretchy Technobutter neoprene
- Wind-resistant smooth skin panels
Cons
- Zippers can get sticky
- Not the lightest suit - reinforced seams and thicker materials add weight
Our Take: The O’Neill Mutant Legend is a highly recommended suit due to its modular design. It comes with two different zip-in attachments: a hood and a regular neckpiece (no hood). Because the closure system has overlapping layers and a zipper attachment, you get a super watertight wetsuit whether you’re using the hood or the regular neck.
Besides this exclusive hood-optional feature, looking at the rest of the Mutant’s specs, you’ll find it’s a solid high-end wetsuit. 100% fluid seam welded on the exterior, with wind-blocking smooth skin on the front and back panels, as well as a technobutter air firewall liner in key areas. As a result, this is, hands down, a watertight and super warm 4/3 wetsuit (technically 4.5mm/3.5mm). The TB3 neoprene has been a top neoprene in the wetsuit game for years, and the TB3x found in the shoulders of Mutant is the most flexible out there, making this suit a great performer when it comes to paddling and comfort.
All in all, this is a high-end wetsuit priced a bit below the top-of-the-line suits on the market, and a great selling point is the detachable hood system that allows you to have two wetsuits in one. If you’re looking for a two-in-one suit that has some of O’Neill’s best tech, then give this bad boy a try.
Read our full review here: O'Neill Mutant Legend Wetsuit Review.
Honorable Mentions
Buell RB2 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $329.95: A top-rated, customer-favorite suit known for its warmth, flexibility, and durability. It features fully sealed seams, internal stress tape, and thermo lining, while the soft, stretchy Ninja Neoprene ensures comfort and mobility. Though the hood can feel tight at first, the suit breaks in over time, making it a solid choice at a mid-range price point.
Patagonia R3 Yulex Regulator 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit -$579.00: A sustainably made, ultra-warm wetsuit constructed from 85% Yulex natural rubber, offering durability and eco-conscious design. It features a fast-drying liner and a Fair Trade Certified build, backed by Patagonia’s Iron Clad Warranty. While not the stretchiest or most budget-friendly option, it’s a long-lasting suit ideal for colder waters.Should I buy a wetsuit hood separately or buy a wetsuit with an attached hood?
We would recommend an attached hood if warmth is your main concern. The attached hood will let less water in therefore keeping you warmer. The benefit of having a detachable hood is that you can be more comfortable going hoodless when the water is closer to 55 - 60 degrees F. There are also some detachable hoods that offer less coverage and are a little bit more comfortable. Check out our wetsuit hoods over at our website, or read our wetsuit hood guide to learn more about hoods.
Relevant Blogs We've Written
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7 Best Surf Boots - For information on surf boots that pair well with these 4/3 hooded wetsuits.
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5 Best High-End Hooded Wetsuits - Read further if you’re looking for more insight on the best high-end hooded suits.
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Best Affordable 4/3 Wetsuits - Priced between $200-$300, we’ve got a handful of highly recommended affordable suits that get the job done.
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Best Mid-Range 4/3 Wetsuits - In the market for a step up from your entry level suit? Take a look at our top recommendations for suits under $500.
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Best High-End 4/3 Wetsuits - For the best of the best, read further for our premium offerings that feature top-notch materials and performance.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, the best 4/3 hooded wetsuits of 2025! High-performance options like the Rip Curl E-Bomb and Xcel Comp X prioritize maximum stretch for unrestricted movement, while eco-conscious choices like the Patagonia R3 Regulator and Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler focus on sustainability without compromising durability. The Vissla Seven Seas provides a great balance of affordability and performance, making it a solid mid-range choice, while the O’Neill Mutant stands out for its modular design, offering both a hooded and standard neck option.
Ultimately, the best wetsuit depends on individual preferences, water temperatures, and surf conditions, but all of these models deliver premium performance for those looking to stay warm and comfortable while surfing in cold water.
Whatever your needs are, don’t hesitate to chat with one of our experts. Drop a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com.
