Best Affordable 4/3 Wetsuits of 2024
Having the right suit is crucial to a successful surf session. Catching wave after wave without worrying about the elements taking over is a must for any surfer. As surfing becomes increasingly common in colder climates, there’s no need to break the bank on a new cold-water wetsuit. In fact, there are many affordable wetsuit options that feature advanced technology - which has come a long way in the past few years.
With all that said, we’ve put together a three-part blog about the best affordable, mid-range, and high-end 4/3 wetsuits for 2024. In this blog, we’ll focus on affordable or sometimes referred to as entry-level wetsuits. An affordable 4/3 suit typically falls within the $200-300 price range. Generally, a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended for water temperatures ranging from 52-60 degrees F (or 11.1-15.5 degrees C). Join me as I review the best affordable 4/3 wetsuits of 2024 while taking a look at the stand out features of each one.
Wetsuits Reviewed
- Rip Curl Omega 4/3 Wetsuit - $199.95
- O’Neill Epic 4/3 Wetsuit - $229.95
- Billabong Absolute 4/3 Wetsuit - $249.95+
- Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Wetsuit - $279.95
- Vissla Seven Seas 4/3 Wetsuit - $279.95
- Buell RB2 4/3 Wetsuit - $299.95
Rip Curl Omega - $199.95
“Best Budget Friendly”
The Rip Curl Omega has quality features at an affordable cost. The E3/E5 neoprene excels in flexibility and is exceptionally lightweight. You can find E5 neoprene on Rip Curl’s popular Dawn Patrol, which we’ll review below. The light, stretchy neoprene will help you paddle longer without fatigue becoming a factor. The Omega also has smooth skin panels on the chest and back. These panels have a soft, rubbery look and feel to them and add protection from the elements, specifically the wind.
Additionally, the glued and blind stitched (GBS) seams throughout the suit ensure it holds up under some of the harshest conditions. It is also important to note that the Omega has hand-taped spots in the stress points, which add to its overall durability. With a price tag of just under $200, the Omega could be described as one of the best budget surfing 4/3 wetsuits.
Highlights and Features
- Smooth skin panels
- Critical stress point taping
- Stretchy E5 neoprene
- Batwing back zip entry
Shop By Model
Rip Curl Omega 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $199.95
O’Neill Epic - $229.95
“The Trusted Go-To”
The O’Neill Epic is a classic option that has been vital in the affordable wetsuit market. It’s consistently one of our best-selling suits, a highly recommended entry-level option, and gets the job done. The 100% UltraFlex neoprene speaks for itself by providing exceptional comfort and durability. My 3/2 Epic has held its own over the years to the wear and tear of harsh saltwater environments.
With strategic seamless paddle zones and glued/blindstitched seams, the Epic is built for high-performance flexibility. O’Neill has been making some of the best 4/3 wetsuits for many years, and the detail in each suit contributes to its success. The Epic is undoubtedly one of the best cheap wetsuits on the market.
Highlights and Features
- Easy to use back zip entry
- Durable GBS seams
- Warm Fluidflex liner
- Wind-blocking smooth skin panels
- O’Neill Epic Wetsuit Review
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O’Neill Epic 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $229.95
Billabong Absolute - $249.95+
“Next Level Graphene Warmth”
At our Cleanline shops, the majority of the rental fleet consists of the Billabong Absolute. Due to its warmth, comfort, and durability, the Absolute is an excellent option for someone looking for the best bang for their buck. Billabong wetsuits are next-level in terms of comfort and warmth. A key contributing factor is the Graphene Liner, an award-winning material that makes Billabong suits unique due to its heat-generating capabilities.
The Absolute consists of SMART foam neoprene, 100% Pro Stretch exterior fabric, and Graphene/ silicon stretch interior fabric. SMART foam comprises 30% recycled car tires, scrap rubber, and oyster shells. Billabong cares for our oceans and practices sustainability in nearly every aspect of operations. Lastly, the Absolute is high on the list when it comes to the best 4/3 for warmth due to the famous Graphene Liner.
Highlights and Features
- Toasty Graphene Liner
- Eco-friendly SMART foam
- Durable seams
- Watertight seams
- Billabong Absolute Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
Billabong Absolute 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $249.95
Billabong Absolute 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol - $279.95
“Long-Lasting Durability”
The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol is another excellent option in the 4/3 affordable wetsuit category. With high-end features at a reasonable cost, the Dawn Patrol wetsuit is well worth the price. Rip Curl suits generally fit long and slim compared to other brands such as Billabong. Although a slimmer fit, the back zip entry is easy to get in and out of — even for beginners.
The wetsuit is made of E5 neoprene, which is exceptionally warm, lightweight, and flexible. With a back smooth skin panel, the Dawn Patrol does an excellent job absorbing solar heat and reducing wind chill. The highlight of this suit is the partial interior liner called Flashlining. The pink fuzzy liner does an incredible job of keeping the suit warm and comfortable. For durability, the wetsuit consists of E5 tape and triple-glued/blind-stitched seams. Out of all the wetsuits in this blog, the Dawn Patrol excels in durability and even carries a 3-year warranty on the stitching.
Highlights and Features
- Strong Rip Curl reputation
- Hand-taped seams at critical stress points
- Easy to use back zip entry
- Quick drying liner
- Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Vissla Seven Seas - $279.95
“All You Need and Nothing You Don’t”
Vissla created the Seven Seas wetsuit as an everyday go-to option with their catchphrase “everything you need and nothing you don’t.” With quick-dry fever fiber thermal lining, triple-glued/ blindstitched seams, and flexible internal taping, say goodbye to the ocean chill. This 4/3 wetsuit is designed anatomically for natural movement and includes SuperStretch limestone-based neoprene for additional mobility. Considering all the features combined, the Seven Seas ranks up there as one the best 4/3s for flexibility and warmth.
Vissla truly embodies the core of surfing and its way of life. They make some of the best surfing short films, with an experienced team of riders and a free-surf mentality. Vissla's focus on sustainability is unparalleled, which you can read more about in the Seven Seas review below.
Highlights and Features
- Quick drying liner
- Tailored fit
- Bluesign approved
- Warm and flexible from top to bottom
- Vissla Seven Seas Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
Vissla Seven Seas 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
Buell RB2 - $299.95
“Ultimate Bang for your Buck”
Based in Santa Cruz, California, Buell has been making wetsuits for over 15 years. The RB2 was one of my very first wetsuits, and I highly recommend it based on my experience. After spending more time in the wetsuit industry, I’ve realized just how good Buell wetsuits actually are. The RB2’s durability and warmth at an affordable cost are unmatchable. Lastly, the RB2 is one of the best affordable 4/3s for flexibility with the highly maneuverable Ninja neoprene.
With durable liquid-glued external seams, internally taped seams, and triple-glued/blind-stitched seams, the RB2 holds up well over time. The slant zip tech makes flushing almost nonexistent. In fact, Buell was one of the first to start using the unique slant zip entry. Look no further than the no-nonsense RB2 for an affordable and dependable suit.
Highlights and Features
- Durable seam construction
- Flexible Ninja neoprene
- Comfortable neoprene
- Slant chest zip
- Buell RB2 Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
Buell RB2 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $299.95
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Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of the six best affordable 4/3 wetsuits for 2024, it's clear that finding the perfect balance between performance and affordability is not as complicated as it seems. Each suit on our list has been carefully selected to cater to all types of surfers, ensuring that you'll find the ideal wetsuit for your adventures, whether you're a surfer or simply someone who loves swimming in colder water. Investing in a quality 4/3 wetsuit will enhance your overall experience.
From innovative design features found in the Billabong Absolute to the durability of the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol, these wetsuits deliver without compromising your budget. So, gear up and paddle out confidently, knowing you have the best 4/3 wetsuit to extend your next surf session.
If you have any questions about the suits we’ve reviewed, you can always call us at 1-888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or send an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com
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JamesJames grew up as a snowboarder in the Wasatch Mountain range, with an admiration of the sea. After catching his first wave and soaking up the sea breeze, he gained an eternal love for surfing. Nowadays, he lives to ride sideways and is stoked to share his passions with others while writing blogs and working on the Customer Service team. If you don’t see him at the surf break, he’ll be pumping a bowl or ripping down a mountain.. |
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