Best Women’s Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2024
Are you ready to take your surfing to the next level? Look no further than a quality women's mid-range hooded wetsuit. Whether it be paddling through cold winter waters or battling choppy waves, having the right wetsuit for protection and performance is key for taking your technique up a notch.
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which suit will fit best and offer the most value. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 2024's best mid-range hooded wetsuits specifically designed with female surfers in mind, helping you make an informed decision and ensuring that you stay safe while also staying warm as you shred some waves.
Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits Reviewed
Best high-performance wetsuit: O’Neill Women’s Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95
Best value wetsuit: Rip Curl Women’s Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $319.95
Best eco-friendly wetsuit: Billabong Women’s Salty Dayz Natural Upcycler 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $349.95
Best blend of warmth and performance: Xcel Women’s Comp+ 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $429.95 (Coming Soon)
Read on to discover the best women’s mid-range hooded wetsuits this year that will meet your budget and performance needs.
Wetsuit Industry Insights and Updates
- Billabong revamped nearly its entire model line with a major update: for Fall 2024, it went from traditional neoprene rubber to 100% neoprene-free rubber.
- Rip Curl also upgraded the best-selling Dawn Patrol with a 50/50 blend of Yulex Rubber and their standard E5 neoprene.
- Cleanline Surf now proudly carries Xcel, which has been producing quality suits, boots, and gloves for decades.
- Some wetsuit manufacturers are changing the sizing of their women's suits, going from numbered sizes to letter sizes. For example, some brands now refer to a size 4 as an S (small), a 6 as an M (medium), and so on.
O’Neill Women’s Hyperfreak - $449.95
“Best high-performance wetsuit”
Pros
- Most flexible hooded suit for women
- Fully taped lnternal seams
- Forgiving fit
- Extremely lightweight feel
Cons
- Not as durable
- Cinch cord can stretch out
Our Take: The high-performance Hyperfreak is the queen of neoprene. This badass ripper doesn’t back down when it comes to pumping overhead swell or icy cold currents flowing down from the north. O’Neill got it right with the ever-popular 4/3 model, and it was a no-brainer also to release a 5/4+ version.
First of all, once you feel the stretch and flex of the Technobutter 3 neoprene, you’ll never turn back. Say adios to paddling fatigue due to the lightweight Technobutter 3x neoprene used in the shoulders and arms of the suit. The GBS and fully tapped interior seams give the ideal combo of warmth and maneuverability to prolong your sessions.
In conclusion, the + stands for an extra 0.5mm of neoprene, or 5.5/4.5mm. The Hyperfreak fits true-to-size and is the epitome of a 2nd skin feel for the optimal water seal. It doesn’t hurt to be extra careful when handling the Hyperfreak. It tends to be a more delicate suit compared to others, and we notice it wears out quicker than the competition. This suit is so popular that we can barely keep it in stock. Don’t hesitate to contact us for restock availability if your size isn’t listed on our website.
Read our full review here: O’Neill Women’s Hyperfreak Wetsuit.
Customer Feedback
“Absolutely love this wetsuit! I boogie board year-round in the Northeast, where waters dip down to 36°. This suit is absolutely toasty. Best thing I like about it, though, is how easy it is to get in and out of it. I never thought I would be able to handle a chest zip because I’ve felt completely claustrophobic when I’ve tried them in the past. The flex in this one makes it easy.”
- Liz
Rip Curl Women’s Dawn Patrol - $319.95
“Best value wetsuit”
Pros
- Best-seller
- New 50/50 Yulex and neoprene blend
- Quick-drying internal liner
- Spot taping in high-stress areas
Cons
- Not as flexible as competitor suits
- Bulky liner
Our Take: Originating in Australia, Rip Curl knows something about designing quality hooded wetsuits. The Dawn Patrol has been a shop favorite year after year. From the classic Rip Curl logo to the minimal paneling, the Dawn Patrol packs in the necessary features without breaking the bank.
New for 2024, Rip Curl upgraded the Dawn Patrol’s rubber to a 50/50 blend of the eco-friendly Yulex natural rubber and the standard E-series neoprene, which has been around for years. In addition, the external layer of the suit is made 100% from recycled textiles. Although it's not considered the most flexible suit in this blog, these sustainable upgrades make the Dawn Patrol stand out while maintaining a decent price point.
Another big draw of the Dawn Patrol is the pink interior E5 Flash Lining, which covers the body and upper legs. The lining provides warmth in the cold water and is quick-drying once out of the water. On the inside, E5 tape is applied in high-stress areas for added durability and extra warmth on those bitter cold days.
Furthermore, Rip Curl extends a generous 3-year warranty on all stitching, ensuring that you’re taken care of down the road. We recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes because the brand tends to run small. Look no further than the new and improved Dawn Patrol for one of the best mid-range 5/4mm wetsuits under $320.
Read our full review here: Rip Curl Women’s Dawn Patrol Wetsuit.
Customer Feedback
“I have a collection of wet suits, and this one beats them all . . . it holds up and really keeps you warm on those chilly mornings or late evening swims - this one is just a grade above other brands; exceptional construction!”
- MauiGal808
Billabong Women’s Salty Dayz Natural Upcycler - $349.95
“Best eco-friendly wetsuit”
Pros
- High-end warmth and performance
- Internally taped seams
- 100% neoprene-free
Cons
- Not made in a 5/4 hooded model
- No tall or short sizes
Our Take: A dependable 4/3 hooded wetsuit is hard to find in the women's wetsuit market. However, the recently upgraded Salty Dayz Natural Upcycler is a gem for its high-end features and stylish feminine flair.
For 2024, Billabong re-launched the Salty Dayz Natural using its proprietary natural rubber—made from a blend of soybean oil, recycled carbon black, and natural rubber ethically sourced from FSC-certified forests. Similar to the Dawn Patrol’s exterior jersey, the Salty Dayz Natural's outer layer is made using 100% recycled textiles. Our first impressions? High-end stretch and comfort that are typically only found in high-end suits.
Another noteworthy mention is the Graphene Comp internal liner. Graphene conducts and retains heat more efficiently than traditional liners while remaining incredibly strong. Overall, the Salty Dayz Natural Upcycler delivers warmth, quality, and performance at an affordable price. It is also one of the most eco-friendly 4/3 hooded options available.
Customer Feedback
“This is a great wetsuit, especially for the price. It's hard to find a women's 4/3 with a hood, which makes this suit even better. The size chart is accurate - I am 5'8", 145lbs and a size 10 fits perfectly. I would definitely recommend it to friends.”
- Erin W.
Xcel Women’s Comp+ - $429.95
“Best blend of warmth and performance”
Pros
- Interior lining is silky and warm
- Channel Flex exterior is soft and water-tight
- Superior wrist and ankle cuffs
- High stretch for maximum flexibility
- Pre-fed zipper
Cons
- Internal liner threads can catch easily
- The hood cinch takes two hands to operate
- The chin guard doesn’t stay in place
Our Take: So your old suit is wearing out, and you need something new that has the perfect blend of flexibility, comfort, and warmth—look no further than the Xcel Comp+. This suit is a brand-new model from Xcel, and we’re stoked to add another mid-range suit to our cold water wetsuit inventory.
Using Xcel’s most lightweight internal liner, Thermo Dry Infrared (TDIR), with its fuzzy yellow appearance, and hydrophobic Nanoprene neoprene, the Comp+ excels in terms of performance. Other notable highlights include the pre-fed zipper (easy on and off), snug wrists and ankles (minimizing flushing), and internally taped seams.
Jump on the Xcel bandwagon and discover why surfers have been flocking to their products for over four decades. Try a Comp+ and discover why professional surfers such as Sage Erickson also gravitate towards this particular suit.
Read our full review here: Xcel Comp+ Wetsuit.
COMING SOON
Relevant Blogs We’ve Written
- Women’s Wetsuit Fit Guide - It’s got a great FAQ section, further insight into how the different brands fit, and guidance on sizing a wetsuit.
- Surf Wetsuit Glove Guide - Read more for all things gloves from different styles, thicknesses, how to size, and construction.
- Best Women’s Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2024 - Take a peak at our top picks for first time wetsuit buyers or surfers on a budget. We’ve got 5 great recommendations.
- Best Women’s High-End Hooded Wetsuits for 2024 - If you’re a hard charger needing the best of the best, don’t pass on our recommendations for the premium suits full of the best tech and features.
Final Thoughts
While all of the wetsuits on this list have their own perks, it’s important to find the one that is best for your local break and bank. Prone to getting cold easily? Choose a suit with a warmer internal liner like the Comp+ or Salty Dayz Natural. Do you surf in an area that requires a lot of paddling? The Hyperfreak is the way to go with its minimal high-performance design. Don’t pass on the Dawn Patrol with it’s great value price point and Rip Curl reputation.
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.
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