6 Best Mid-Range Women's Wetsuits for 2024
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. Mid-range suits these days are a great 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 compiled a review of 2023's 5 best mid-range women’s wetsuits in stock at the moment.
In our opinion, a mid-range wetsuit falls in between the $250-$400 range: slightly better quality over an entry-level option but not quite pushing the $450+ world of super high-performing rubber and features. Let’s not waste another second as we jump right in.
Wetsuits Reviewed
- O'Neill - Women's Hyperfreak Wetsuit - $369.95+
- Buell - Women's RB2 Wetsuit - $289.95+
- Billabong - Women's Salty Dayz Wetsuit - $269.95+
- Sisstrevolution - Women's Seven Seas Wetsuit - $259.95+
- Rip Curl - Women's E-Bomb Wetsuit - $329.95+
- Manera - Women's Seafarer Wetsuit - $269.00+
O’Neill Hyperfreak - $369.95+
“Buttery Soft Neoprene”
The O’Neill Hyperfreak is hands down the best value in mid-range wetsuits and gives surfers many of O’Neill’s best features in a straight-to-the-point suit. By cutting some of the more specialized features of high-end suits, the Hyperfreak gives you everything you really want at an affordable price.
As you may know by now, the most notable feature of the Hyperfreak is the neoprene. Buttery soft, and incredibly lightweight, the Techno Butter 3 (TBX3) neoprene takes the cake as our most flexible neoprene compared to all the other rubbers at our shop. On top of that, the arms and legs utilize a variation in the rubber resulting in even more flex and mobility. You’ll appreciate the extra stretch while paddling deep into the lineup and charging hard on big days.
Although the Hyperfreak doesn’t include the heavier exterior fluid seam weld typically found in similarly priced suits, it features a watertight seam construction. The combination of the GBS (glued and blindstitched) seams and the interior seam TB3X tape traps in the warmth while allowing optimal movement from top to bottom.
Lastly, the Hyperfreak is produced in a variety of thicknesses and sizes from 4 to 12 (including an 8T, which stands for “Tall”). If you’re looking for the ultimate lightweight suit at an affordable price, don’t waste another minute and grab one today. These suits sell quickly, so don’t hesitate to reach out for re-stock availability if you don’t see your size listed.
Read our full review of the O'Neill Women's Hyperfreak Wetsuit.
Highlights and Features
- Insanely flexible Technobutter Neoprene
- Lightest wetsuit at Cleanline
- Forgiving fit for taller or curvy ladies
- TB3X internally taped seams
Shop By Model
O'Neill Women's Hyperfreak 3/2+ Chest Zip Wetsuit - $369.95
O'Neill Women's Hyperfreak 4/3+ Chest Zip Wetsuit - $389.95
O'Neill Women's Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95
Buell RB2 - $289.95+
“Affordable Durability”
With the growing market for mid-level wetsuits, the Buell RB2 is a much-welcomed model to the list. It offers high-end durable features at an enticing price. So far, we’ve found no catch with the suit. The brand truly lives up to the hype of its most popular rider: Jamie O'Brien.
First off, the “Ninja Neoprene” is exactly that: flexible and comfortable rubber that allows you to maneuver quickly thru the lineup with ease. The RB2 boosts a cozy warm thermal barrier insulation in the front, back, and upper legs of the suit to hold heat in the most crucial areas.
For the cost, the durability of the “Sizzle” seam weld is impressive. The quality of the seam weld is typically only found in high-end suits pushing upwards of $450. In addition to the sizzle, all seams are glued and blind-stitched for the ultimate combination of flexibility and durability.
To wrap it up, the popular RB2 is offered in sizes ranging from 4 to 10. It’s mainly suited for colder waters and is one of the rare women’s 6mm hooded options available. We’ve found that Buell fits true to size. From personal experience, I love the hood's fit. It’s got plenty of room for my wild hair and is highly flexible. We can’t say enough about this line of suits and if you’re looking for durability without breaking the bank, stop by to get your hands on this hot rubber.
Read our full review of the Buell Women's RB2 Wetsuit.
Highlights and Features
- Comfortable Ninja Neoprene
- Durable Sizzle Exterior Seam Weld
- Comfortable fitting hood
- Cozy Blue Thermal Barrier
Shop By Model
Buell Women's RB2 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $289.95
Buell Women's RB2 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $299.95
Billabong Salty Dayz - $269.95+
“Cozy Fashionista”
Want to look stylish as heck out in the lineup? Check out the exclusive Salty Dayz model, made just for the ladies. Secretly, this is one of my favorite suits because of the stand-out features hidden beneath the elegant floral neoprene.
Let’s take a look from the inside out. We can’t get enough of the purple Graphene liner. This Nobel prize-winning material is incredibly lightweight, and graphene can produce its own heat while waiting for the next wave to come rolling through. Additionally, the Salty Dayz utilizes a recycled version of the material in the liner in Billabong’s quest to build an eco-friendly brand. The suit is sealed together with GBS seams and internal Super-flex neo tape.
Externally, the partially recycled Superlight Foam neoprene maintains a flexible feel, reducing paddling fatigue when the water current is wild. The neoprene is combined with a Superflex Recycler that aids with thermal retention resulting in a lightweight rubber. Rest assured, with all of these optimal features; you’re bound to stay toasty warm no matter the weather conditions.
Lastly, the Salty Dayz is available in a large variety of sizes ranging from 2 to 12. For surfers in water temps ranging from mid-50’s-high 60’s F, check out the available options below. We’ve also found that Billabong runs on the larger side and is a solid option for the curvier surfer. It's worth mentioning that the Salty Dayz is one of the few women’s suits offered in a 4/3mm hooded model.
Highlights and Features
- Elegant floral pattern
- Recycled Graphene Liner with Silicon Stretch
- Available in a 4/3mm Hooded Model
- Uses water-based adhesives
Shop By Model
Billabong Women's Salty Dayz 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $269.95+
Billabong Women's Salty Dayz 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $289.95+
Billabong Women's Salty Dayz 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $339.95
Sisstrevolution Seven Seas - $259.95+
“The essentials”
Join the SISSTR-hood today with this recently launched brand devoted entirely to the women’s surf community. With the catchphrase: “everything you need in a wetsuit and nothing you don’t,” let’s take a quick look at the Seven Seas line, which is offered in everything from a hooded burly 6mm to 3/2mm back zips.
Under the chic branding is the limestone-based Super Stretch neoprene. To the touch, the neoprene is baby skin smooth and has the ideal amount of stretch. All models incorporate the Fever Fiber lining, which has a cream and maroon appearance. This liner is lightweight and insulates more thoroughly compared to similarly priced suits. The 5mm and 6mm models also include an additional Eco Fiber liner in the waist and legs of the suit.
Similar to other mid-range suits, the Seven Seas seams are GBS and internally taped with the Sisstr Super Stretch Neo 3.0 tape. To achieve the ideal fit, the design incorporates a tailored female-specific fit.
Furthermore, the Seven Seas is available in many different thicknesses, sizes (2 to 12), and entry systems. If you’re an up-and-coming surfer looking for a suit that does it all, look no further than the Seven Seas.
Read our full review of the Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas Wetsuit.
Highlights and Features
- Eco-Friendly Limestone based neoprene
- Competitive pricing
- Liquid tape cuff seals on wrists and ankles
- Quick-drying Fever Fiber lining
- Offered in a large variety of thicknesses
Shop By Model
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $259.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $259.00
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $269.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $248.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $304.95
Sissrevolution Women's Seven Seas 6/5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $324.95
Rip Curl E-Bomb - $329.95+
“High-Performance”
The E-Bomb sits at the higher end of the mid-range affordability. You can find professionals like Tyler Wright repping this suit. It’s a solid middle choice between the high-end Flashbomb and the trusty Dawn Patrol.
The E-Bomb line is available in zip-free and back zip models. The key benefit of the zipless suit is comfort and flexibility. Without the material from a zipper in the way, you’ll experience an enhanced comfort level while paddling into your next barrel. For someone with limited shoulder mobility, a zip free may be difficult to get on / off so we recommend reaching for the back zip instead. Feel free to read through A Women’s Guide to Wetsuit Entries for an in-depth look at these particular entry systems.
The current E-Bomb is the lightest and most flexible model yet, featuring the premium E6 neoprene. You’ll also notice that it has the blue-looking E6 Thermo liner on the inside. This liner is a more flexible version of the toast Flashlining used in the Dawn Patrol and Flashbomb. With that, it has 20% more stretch, is 15% lighter, and is 10% warmer than the previous E5 edition. I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty ideal for a rubber neoprene.
In conclusion, the highly-rated E-Bomb is available in sizes ranging from 4 to 12. From experience, we’ve found Rip Curl suits run on the smaller side. If you’re in between sizes, we recommend sizing up. The E-Bomb doesn’t hold back with performance. We recommend this suit for the ladies looking to charge hard without being held back by a lackluster rubber.
Read our full review of the Rip Curl E-Bomb Wetsuit.
Highlights and Features
- Torpedo underarm gusset for increased range of motion
- Flexible Zip Free entry
- Quick-drying E6 Thermo Liner
- Minimal paneling
Shop By Model
Rip Curl Women's E-Bomb 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $349.95
Rip Curl Women's E-Bomb 3/2 Zip Free Wetsuit - $319.95
Rip Curl Women's E-Bomb 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $369.95
Rip Curl Women's E-Bomb 4/3 Zip Free Wetsuit - $349.95
Manera Seafarer - $269.00+
"Premium features and design"
Finally, the Manera Seafarer stands out with its premium design and solid mid-range price. Manera's innovative 3D design delivers one of the best fits we've encountered. The Seafarer is crafted for high-performance surfing, emphasizing warmth, stretch, and durability.
The suit features Manera’s entry-level S-Foam neoprene, which provides the perfect balance of stretch and comfort. Don’t overlook the X10D liner—it’s the same one used in the $470 X10D suit! After testing it in the chilly Oregon waters, we were impressed by its warmth and flexibility.
If you’re interested in a sustainable mid-range suit, the Seafarer fits the bill with its limestone-based neoprene, recycled neoprene and fabrics, recycled carbon black, water-based glue, and dope-dyed yarn. For more on the sustainability aspects, check out the Sustainability chapter in our Wetsuit Guide.
Highlights and Features
- Elite reputation at an affordable price
- 3D design for ultimate fit and comfort
- True to size
- GBS seams
Shop By Model
Manera Women's Seafarer 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $279.00
Manera Women's Seafarer 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.00
Manera Women's Seafarer 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $289.00
Manera Women's Seafarer 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $269.00
Manera Women's Seafarer 5/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $289.00
Relevant Blogs We've Written
- Best Women's Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
- Best Women's Mid-Range 3/2 Wetsuits of 2024
- Women's Wetsuit Fit Guide
- The Wetsuit Guide - A Surfers Guide to Wetsuits
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 from your entry-level suit or simply get started in a wetsuit under $400, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
At the end of the day, it’s worth the extra minute of research to feel good about your purchase. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below, give us a call at 1-888-546-6176, or drop an email at support@cleanlinesurf.com.
SarahOriginally 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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