5 Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2024
Continuing 2024’s round-up of the best-hooded wetsuits, we move to the mid-range price tier. The suits on this list are some of the best value for quality currently available. In fact, the first entry has been Cleanline’s best-selling wetsuit for the last few years. Mid-range suits don’t have all of the premium features of a $500+ plus suit, but they pack in quality materials and rubber to keep you comfortable and warm in the water.
Wetsuits Reviewed
- O’Neill - Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95
- Rip Curl - E-Bomb 5/4 Hooded Zip Free Wetsuit - $389.95
- Vissla - New Seas 5/4 Hooded V-Zip Wetsuit - $479.95
- Billabong - Furnace Comp 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $459.95
- Xcel - Infiniti 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95
Without further ado, here are the five best mid-range hooded wetsuits for 2024.
O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ - $449.95
"Stretchiest Hooded Suit Available"
The Hyperfreak series has been around for years as a mid-level option from O’Neill. However, it took until 2019 for O’Neill to release a 5/4 hooded option. Since then, the Hyperfreak 5 /4+ continues to rank as the best value in the O’Neill line, and it quickly became our single-most popular wetsuit.
The Hyperfreak features the ultra-flexible Techno Butter 3 (TB3) neoprene. This material is one of the most flexible rubbers out there, and this feature alone makes this suit worth its price tag. Additionally, the rubber in the arms and shoulders of the suit is covered with an external jersey of O’Neill’s new Techno Butter 3X (TB3X). This outer jersey material has a corduroy appearance to it. It’s designed to be even lighter and more stretchy than the rest of the suit to maximize flexibility in the upper body.
The seams are triple glued, blindstitched, and fully taped with O’Neill’s recently updated tape. Bright blue in appearance, it’s the lightest and most flexible batch they’ve ever made. There is no fluid seam or smooth skin panels on the Hyperfreak, which helps keep the weight and price tag low. By using their top materials and nixing some of the bells and whistles from more expensive bangers like the PsychoTech, the Hyperfreak is the most high-performance suit in this price range.
There’s a reason they move so quickly when we stock them, so if you see one available in your size, pick it up today. For a more in-depth look at this suit, check out our full review of the O'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit.
Highlights & Features
- High-performer for price
- Incredibly lightweight for a 5/4+
- TB3 & TB3X Neoprene throughout the whole suit
- Updated TB3X taped seams
- Easy entry and watertight seal
Rip Curl E-Bomb 5/4 - $389.95
"Best Value"
The Rip Curl E-Bomb stands out in the best mid-range 5/4 hooded wetsuit market due to its high-performing stretch at an affordable cost. The top-tier E7 neoprene works in your favor when you need a warm but flexible suit. As a zip-free wetsuit, you may question how hard it is to get on and off. The answer is simple: if you are familiar with wearing a wetsuit, this zip-free wetsuit will become second nature. If you’re unfamiliar with wearing wetsuits, it will take a little more time to get the entry and exit process down.
Zip-free wetsuits are superior in warmth due to their non-leaking characteristics. The most common location where a wetsuit leaks water is the zipper. With no zipper, little to no leaking takes place, which, in return, will keep you warmer for longer. With GBS seams, E6 tape, and sealed cuffs, the Rip Curl E-bomb is exceptionally durable while maintaining high-end flexibility.
If you need a high-performing 5/4 wetsuit that checks all the boxes when it comes to flexibility, warmth, and Durability, then the Rip Curl E-Bomb will meet your needs. Sammy, Cleanline's retail shop assistant manager, says, “The E-Bomb 5/4 is hands down my personal favorite suit Cleanline Surf is carrying at the moment.”
Highlights & Features
- Durable Critical Seam Sealing
- Lightweight & High-Stretch E7 Neoprene
- Fast Drying E6 Flash Lining
- Warm E7 & E6 Thermo Lining
Vissla New Seas V-Zip 5/4 - $479.95
"Revolutionary V-Zip"
Vissla recently redesigned its entire wetsuit line, making them even better than before. Notably, their latest model suits are made with premium Japanese limestone neoprene. The New Seas is Vissla’s mid-range coldwater wetsuit and packs in all their best technology. The seams compete with the best on this list. They are glued, triple blindstitched, and feature full internal taping. The 3.0 Neo interior taping and GBS seams do a phenomenal job of creating the ideal water seal.
This suit starts to break away from the pack with its stand-out V-Zip Entry. Vissla’s V- Zip entry is dominant compared to normal chest zip wetsuits because it increases the range of motion in the chest and shoulders. Paired with 3D anatomically designed panels, this could easily be described as Visslas's highest-tech wetsuit.
In addition, the New Seas has ample smooth skin to take the sting out of howling offshore winds. Not all companies have specs on their knee pads, but Vissla included upcycled Supratex abrasion-resistant knee pads for added flexibility and strength. The buttery feel of the limestone neoprene reinforces the feeling of a bomber suit.
Highlights & Features
- Feather- Foam Japanese limestone-based neoprene
- Warm Fever Fiber Interior lining
- Durable Super Stretch 3.0 tape
- Revolutionary V-Zip Technology
Billabong Furnace Comp 5/4 - $459.95
"Durable Eco-Friendly Option"
A similar suit to its Furnace big brother, the Furnace Comp prioritizes stretch and flexibility. Namely, Billabong’s high-tech Furnace + graphene liner is only present in the core and ends just above the knees. Without a liner in the shoulders and arms, your body will thank you for the increased paddling mobility.
The rest of the suit features Smart Foam neoprene, with a high-end Airlite jersey in the shoulders. This results in a significantly stretchier wetsuit without sacrificing too much warmth. Many Oregon locals who wear the Furnace Comp mention the 5/4 is too warm for our water and opt for the 4/3 most of the year. For reference, Oregon water temperatures often dip into the mid 40’s F.
The seams are glued, blindstitched, and fully taped. Additionally, an external seam weld is present in high-stress flex areas. The seam weld runs along the backside of the body, arms, ribs, and thighs and finishes by wrapping around the knee. The result is a lightweight suit that maintains a watertight seal as the seams stretch over time. This suit is as eco-friendly as it gets, with the neoprene and liner made of recycled or upcycled materials. For the price, it’s hard to find a better-performing suit. The low environmental burden is an added plus for eco-conscious shoppers. Read our full review for more information on the Billabong Furnace Comp Wetsuit.
Highlights & Features
- Eco-friendly and durable design
- High-Quality Tech & Neoprene
- Outstanding Comfort
- Great balance of Warmth and Flexibility
- Only available at Cleanline Surf
Xcel Infiniti 5/4 - $449.95
“High Performing Work Horse”
With an unwavering dedication to research, development, and design innovation, Xcell has pushed the boundaries of what wetsuit technology is capable of. 2024 is the first year Cleanline surf shop decided to partner with Xcel wetsuits based out of O’ahu Hawaii. The long over-due partnership has brought the innovation of Xcel wetsuits to the unmatchable retail-to-consumer business of Cleanline surf shop.
After having a training by Cleanline’s Xcel rep, there is a high likelihood that this will be my next cold water wetsuit. At a perfect balance of warmth and stretch, the Xcel Infiniti is the workhorse of the Xcel wetsuit lineup. Channel flex exterior technology is a lightweight, hydrophobic material that breaks up tension by reducing fiber and water weight, which in return allows a full free range of motion. The ultra-stretch IR interior is a light and flexible infrared smart fiber that maximizes warmth and comfort.
Xcel wetsuits are on the high-end spectrum but have the price tag of a mid-range level wetsuit. So, if you’re looking for a wetsuit with top-tier performance at a fair cost, look no further.
Highlights & Features
- Durable Fusion X Seam Tape
- Infrared Warmth
- Ultra Flex IR Interiort
- Quick Drying Thermolite IR
Relevant Blogs We’ve Written
- Surf Wetsuit Hood Guide
- Surf Wetsuit Glove Guide
- 5 Best High-End Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
- 5 Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
Final Thoughts
The 2024 mid-range wetsuit market is competitive and full of award-winning design features and tech. If you’re looking to upgrade from your first suit or get started in a more durable and warmer wetsuit, there are plenty of options. I hope this blog has been resourceful in your wetsuit shopping experience! Cheers 🤙
If you have any additional questions about the suits, feel free to drop a comment below, call our customer service team at 1-888-546-6176, or reach out via email at support@cleanlinesurf.com.
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