5 Best High-End Hooded Wetsuits for 2024
Wetsuit technology has come a long way since surfers started exploring colder waters. Today’s wetsuits are warmer, more flexible, and more comfortable than ever before. Each year brings new advancements that make surfing in cold water more enjoyable, and 2024 is no exception. This review series covers the whole budget spectrum, and we’re starting at the top. We’ve reviewed our high-end hooded suits, and after talking to customers, employees, and team riders, these are the five best wetsuits for cold water surfing that money can buy.
Wetsuits Reviewed
- O'Neill - Psycho Tech 5.5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $549.95
- Patagonia - R4 Yulex Regulator 5.5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $609.00
- Rip Curl - Flashbomb Fusion 5/4 Hooded Zip Free Wetsuit - $569.95
- Manera - Magma Steamer 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $659.00
- Isurus - Ti Alpha 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $699.95
O'Neill Psycho Tech 5.5/4+ - $549.95
“The Best of the Best”
Since first introduced, the PsychoTech by O’Neill has been our best-selling cold water wetsuit. The suit has all the quality features you would expect from O’Neill’s top-of-the-line suit, including their famous, super stretchy TechnoButter neoprene that makes this suit stand out. In 2023, O’Neill updated to TB4 Neoprene and Air Firewall liner. O’Neill’s beloved TB4 Firewall Liner now includes aerated tapered pockets and a graphene fiber jersey for ultimate heat retention. The new TB4 liner is infused with Graphene and is stronger than previous models.
Also, in 2023, O’Neill updated its TB4X internal tape. Now bright blue in appearance, the tape is even lighter and more flexible than before. As a result, it can reinforce and protect the seams without stiffening up the wetsuit.
The Psycho Tech, despite its smooth skin and exterior seam weld, doesn’t feel fragile and can withstand the abuses of consistent surfing. Many of our staff and team riders have been wearing this suit daily and have only had minimal cosmetic issues. Also worth noting is that the urethane-coated zipper on the chest entry is substantial and stands out from other wetsuits of this caliber.
Overall, the Psycho Tech is easily one of the warmest yet most flexible suits out there and is one of our favorite hooded suits for its overall quality. We recommend it to surfers wanting maximum warmth and comfort in cold water.
For more info, check out our full review of the O'Neill Psycho Tech Wetsuit.
Highlights and Features
- Warmer and more flexible than previous models
- Produced with Eco-Friendly materials
- Durable seam construction
- Lightweight neoprene
- True to size fit
Patagonia R4 Yulex Regulator 5.5/4 - $609.00
"Eco Friendly with Top Tier Warmth"
Patagonia crafts some of the warmest wetsuits available. Since its introduction, the R4 has established itself as an incredibly reliable option for East Coast winter surfers, Great Lakes surfers, and anyone else surfing in water temperatures ranging from 30-40s F.
Yulex is a natural rubber derived from a plant called the Hevea tree, found around the rainforests of Guatemala. Patagonia has been experimenting with Yulex since 2012 but, in 2016, switched their entire line of wetsuits over to this material. Yulex shares the same warmth and flexibility characteristics as neoprene but has a much smaller carbon footprint and is also more sustainably produced than petroleum.
Patagonia made critical tweaks to the Yulex formula, starting with the rubber. As a result, the most recent R4 Regulator is the most flexible coldwater suit they’ve ever produced. These new suits are way more pliable than past versions, making for much easier paddling and higher performance while surfing.
The updated model has an improved back shoulder seam for a more natural paddling motion. Another significant update is the new lower-profile internal seam tape, resulting in a more comfortable fit. The Regulator fits true to size and is more comfortable to wear for longer sessions. Aside from their environmentally friendly Yulex rubber, Patagonia is constantly improving the production of their glue and methods to ensure these suits carry the smallest environmental burden possible.
We’ve always been impressed by Patagonia’s Ironclad warranty here at the shop. They truly have some of the highest product standards in the industry. The Regulator is, without question, one of the most durable suits we carry, and they very rarely come back for warranty/repair.
Check out our full review of the Patagonia Regulator Wetsuit for more detailed information.
Highlights and Features
- Yulex Rubber
- Eco-conscious materials and sourcing
- IronClad Warranty
- Soft lining
- Fully taped and welded seams
Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion 5/4 - $569.95+
"Consistent Crowd Pleaser"
The revolutionary Flashbomb Fusion is a step into the future. Built with seams that don’t leak, the Fusion is the most technically advanced wetsuit Rip Curl has ever created.
First off, the most notable feature is the E7 Flash lining that runs throughout the entire wetsuit. E7 flash lining is that classic reddish, fuzzy material you’ve probably seen on the inside of Rip Curl’s suits for years. That Flash lining dries quickly, as little as 15 minutes, which makes it worth its weight in gold for winter dawn patrol sessions. Just be sure to wash your suit regularly, as that flash liner, while incredibly warm, can get a little stinky.
The Flashbomb Fusion competes with other high-end suits regarding wetsuit technology due to 50 years of innovation fused into one wetsuit. The smooth mesh skin on the chest and back of this suit is wind-resistant and generates warmth in your core. With 100% E7 flash lining, Rip Curl describes the wetsuit as “the ultimate balance of flexibility, warmth, and durability.”
Overall, the Flashbomb Fusion is one of the most advanced cold-water suits available, and after wearing one, it’s a no-brainer why it’s so sought after by the surfer community.
Take a look at our full review of the Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Wetsuit.
Highlights and Features
- Extremely quick-drying E7 Lining
- Super comfortable
- Toasty warm liner
- Seams that don't leak
Manera Magma Steamer 5/4/3 - $659.00
The Manera Magma Steamer is a High-end wetsuit built with all the key features to take your cold water surfing to the next level. Manera is a French family owned business that develops high-quality watersports gear. Although newer to the industry, Manera has turned some heads due to their innovative 3D Design Technology.
Manera develops a 3D design wetsuit in software, which converts into 2D panels, and then the panels are printed and attached. So, from the beginning, Manera wetsuits feel broken in and adequately comfortable. Have you ever felt guilty about getting rid of a wetsuit that was broken in and comfortable but lost its performance? If so, Manera has you covered with comfort from the beginning.
The Magma is built to withstand everything from summer sessions to the worst of winter conditions. The wetsuit is made of Triplex Magma, which consists of Reflex skin, Airfoam neoprene, and a MagmaPlus liner, topped off with a recycled jersey.
GBS seams are used throughout the suit, and the suit is not completely penetrated, so the seams do not leak. Another feature that stands out to me is the glue on the inside of the wrists and ankles to prevent flushing or discomfort. Feel free to contact our team with questions about the wetsuit and sizing!
Highlights and Features
- Unique 3D Curation
- Maximum Comfort
- Durable internally taped seams
- Warm and flexible design
“Premium and Proven at Mavericks”
A relatively underground brand out of Northern California, you occasionally see Isurus suits on some of the hardest chargers in the big wave world. As the most expensive suit on this list, what do you get when paying a premium price? Well, in short, you get the highest quality materials available. Let's dive deeper into why we included this wetsuit on our list.
Yamamoto #40 neoprene is arguably the highest quality neoprene that money can buy. It is a limestone neoprene sourced from Japan, so it isn’t petroleum-based. What separates it from other limestone rubber is that it is 99.7% water impermeable. Once fully submerged in water, it does not increase weight by any significant amount. On top of that, Yamamoto #40 claims the title of the market's stretchiest and best-insulating neoprene.
Another perk to this wonder material is the tendency for the Yamamoto #40 to conform to your body shape over time, similar to breaking in a new pair of hiking boots. The suit will stretch to fit the exact form your body creates in the suit. Customers that are Isurus faithfuls say that the Ti Alpha is the most comfortable suit they’ve ever worn.
The Ti Alpha features a Ti Z Fleece throughout 80% of the suit. Additionally, an extra liner panel goes directly over your kidneys. Isurus’ thought is if you keep the kidneys happy, it will result in a prolonged feeling of warmth in cold water, which could help extend your sessions. The suit is fully taped, triple glued, and blindstitched seams through the body, with the hood and chest zip lacking internal tape. The suit also has a generous amount of smooth skin in the core and hood. This wetsuit screams warmth, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a warmer one.
The Ti Alpha comes at a premium price point, but it is well worth it with all the top-shelf materials and thoughtful design, especially if surfing in frigid water. We haven’t stocked Isurus long enough to verify, but faithful customers say their suits last twice as long as other brands. If it’s true, then the cost is even more justified.
There's a lot more to this suit. Take a look at our full review of the Isurus Ti Alpha Wetsuit.
Highlight and Features
- Dense Yamamoto Neoprene
- Warm Titanium Zirconium Fleece Liner
- Supercharged Compression Fit Improves Recovery
- Durable Military Grade Zipper
- Bio-Mechanical Lat Panel Offers Unparalleled Flexibility
Relevant Blogs We’ve Written
- Surf Wetsuit Hood Guide
- Surf Wetsuit Glove Guide
- 6 Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
- 6 Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the best men's high-end premium hooded cold water wetsuits for 2024. With all the latest features and technologies, these wetsuits will keep you warm and comfortable in even the coldest waters. So now that you know what to look for, what's the best high end wetsuit for your local break?
If you have any questions, feel free to give us a shout at support@cleanlinesurf.com, leave a comment, or call us at 1-888-546-6176.
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