Best High-End 3/2 Wetsuits of 2024
As the temperatures drop and the waves beckon, it's time to gear up with the best 3/2 wetsuits for 2024 – designed to elevate your surfing experience. Our team of cold water surfers has curated a selection of the finest top-quality 3/2 suits available. We aim to provide you with in-depth reviews and expert insights to help you make an informed decision while preparing to surf dreamy waves. So follow along as we evaluate some of the best wetsuits offered for 2024.
A 3/2 wetsuit is recommended for water temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degrees F, perfect for a Southern California summer or New England spring. We consider a high-end 3/2 to fall within a price range of $350-$600. Whether you're a surfer, paddleboarder, kayaker, or all-around water adventurer, our selection covers a wide range of key factors, allowing you to find the perfect high-end 3/2 suit for your needs and budget.
Wetsuits Reviewed
- O’Neill - Hyperfreak Fire 3/2+ Chest Zip Wetsuit - $429.95
- Rip Curl - Flashbomb Fusion 3/2 Zip Free - $519.95
- Billabong - Furnace Natural Upcycler 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $379.95
- Patagonia - R1 Yulex Regulator 3/2.5 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $479.00
- Manera - X10D Meteor 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $459.00
O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire - $429.95
“Checks all the boxes."
The O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire is a spinoff of the Hyperfreak with added durability and warmth. If you recall from our previous blog (“The best mid-range wetsuits of 2024”), you'll know the Hyperfreak is O’Neill’s best-performing wetsuit based on flexibility. The Hyperfreak Fire 3/2+ includes a TB4 Firewall lining and an Exterior Fluid seam weld. Now, you can have your favorite high-performing suit last an extended time and have additional warmth.
We’ve found that the Hyperfreak Fire 3/2+ runs snugly. While the additional features ensure the suit runs warmer, the flip side is that the Fire sacrifices a smidge of mobility, so don’t be surprised if you have to work a little harder to break it in.
O’Neill has been leading the wetsuit industry for up to 50 years and started in 1952. If you’re looking for a wetsuit with nearly 70 years of innovation to back it up, don’t look any further!
Highlights and Features
- Highly flexible and warm
- TB4 Firewall Lining
- F.U.Z.E Closure System
- Exterior Fluid Seam Weld
- O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire Wetsuit Review
Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion 3/2 - $519.95
“Seams That Don’t Leak"
The all-new Flashbomb Fusion is Rip Curl’s most technically advanced wetsuit to date. With stitchless seams that don’t leak, you don’t have to worry about getting cold while shredding the winter months. With the backing of three-time WSL World champion Gabriel Medina, the 3/2 Flashbomb Fusion does not disappoint.
The E7 Flash neoprene and lining make this 3/2 wetsuit the perfect balance of flexibility, warmth, and durability. Not only is the Flash lining incredibly durable, but it is also quick-drying. I don’t know about you, but having a fast-drying wetsuit is a game changer in my motivation for having multiple sessions in a day. Although the zip-free entry system is harder to get in and out of, it is less restricting while on and is more watertight. For a full, in-depth review, check out my coworker's write-up! Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Zip Free Wetsuit Review
Highlights and Features
- 96% Stitchless Seams
- Quick Drying Flashbomb
- Durable Seams
- E7 High Flexibility
Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler - $379.95
“Sustainable High Performance"
The Billabong Furnace Natural 3/2 balances flexibility, warmth, and durability. The Graphene liner throughout the wetsuit keeps you warm and comfy while the Natural Rubber limits restriction. I have the 5/4 hooded model and have been stoked on it. My two favorite features include the graphene liner for warmth and the minimal seam design for flexibility. The interior fabric consists of Graphene comp thermal lining and Graphene Recycler Plus. With heat-generating graphene infused yarns, warmth is not an issue.
Billabong cares for our oceans, and they do their best to incorporate sustainability into manufacturing. The Furnace Natural is constructed with 85% Natural Hevea Rubber, 15% Bolder Black, and Soy Bean Oil. Due to the sustainable properties, this is one of the most environmentally friendly wetsuits on the market. Power seams and GBS sealed seams will help this trusted suit last even longer compared to previous models. Check out the all new 2024 Billabong Eco-Friendly wetsuit line up!
Highlights and Features
- Minimal Seams
- Airlight 4D Stretch
- 100% Recycled Fibers
- Exclusive Graphene Liner
Patagonia R1 Yulex Regulator $479.00
"Cleanline's Most Eco Friendly"
Patagonia hasn’t been in the surf industry as long as brands such as O’Neill and Billabong; however, they know how to make high-quality, eco-friendly wetsuits. Yulex, a natural material sustainably tapped from hevea trees in Guatemala, is used in all of Patagonia's wetsuits. The process is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. With a high-stretch and comfortable nylon lining, internally taped seams, and AquaA glue, the Patagonia R1 is built to last multiple seasons.
The sustainable material and curation of products from Patagonia is unmatchable. One of the best reasons to purchase a wetsuit from Patagonia is their Iron-Clad warranty program. Out of all the surf brands in the wetsuit industry, Patagonia does an excellent job at repairing suits and taking care of their clientele. If you’re looking for one of the best premium 3/2 suits from a company you can trust, don’t hesitate to purchase a Patagonia Regulator.
Highlights and Features
- Natural Yulex rubber
- Internally taped seams
- Fair Trade Certified Factory
- Patagonia Regulator Wetsuit Review
Manera X10D Meteor - $459.95
“Innovative 3D Design"
The Manera X10D wetsuit is a sleek and stylish wetsuit with high-end performing characteristics. The flexibility of X10D will help you surf like never before. With the innovative 3D design, the 3/2 wetsuit is so comfortable that you might think you’re surfing the tropics in your board shorts. Re-flex skin, Air foam, and X10D+ are all layers of the wetsuit that make it perfect balance of performance and warmth.
The X10D is described as “the biggest sleeper on the market—a diamond in the rough of sorts. Simply put, it dominates the competition!” by Cleanline surfs team member Spencer, who has been working for Cleanline for 20+ years. Check out his full review here.
Highlights and Features
- Recycled Neoprene & Jersey
- Comfortable 3D Design
- Ultimate Flexibility
- Air-foam Insulation
Other Blogs We’ve Written
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of the best high-end 3/2 wetsuits of 2024, it becomes apparent that this year has marked a true pinnacle in wetsuit technology and design. These exceptional wetsuits have redefined comfort, performance, and versatility for surfers, making those early morning and late evening sessions more inviting than ever.
You might ask, what is the best 3/2 wetsuit? Well, it all comes down to your priorities. The Patagonia Regulator is the most eco-friendly, whereas the Furnace Natural is known for its incredible warmth. Do you catch yourself wondering if more expensive wetsuits are better? Suits like the Fusion and X10D have a high price point but contain an impressive stat sheet of flexible features. In addition, the extra cost typically means the suit uses a high-quality neoprene, more durable seam construction, and a warmer interior liner – resulting in longer, warmer, and more comfortable surf sessions.
I hope this wetsuit review was informative and valuable in your 3/2 wetsuit shopping experience. If you have any questions about the wetsuits featured in this blog, you can always call us at 1-888-546-6176 or send an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com
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