Best Women's High-End 3/2 Wetsuits of 2024
And up last in our three-part series: we’ve got the best high-end 3/2 wetsuits for women in 2024. We factored in neoprene quality, price point, seam construction, and overall performance to highlight and review the best 3/2 suit options in three different categories: affordable, mid-range, and high-end.
Over the past few years, wetsuit technology has undergone tremendous improvements, and we’re seeing more premium options for ladies. You can expect to see a high-end 3/2 wetsuit priced for around $380-$500+. It might cause sticker shock, but if you’re a seasoned surfer looking for the best of the best, it’s worth every penny.
A 3/2 suit is recommended for water temperatures between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your tolerance to cooler water temperatures. Let’s take a closer look at a few of our top high-end 3/2 wetsuits for women in 2024.
Best Women's 3/2 Wetsuits Reviewed
Best overall wetsuit: Billabong Women’s Furnace Natural Upcycler 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $379.95 Coming Soon
Best sustainable wetsuit: Patagonia Women’s R1 Yulex Regulator 3/2.5 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $479.00
Best seam technology wetsuit: Rip Curl Women’s Flashbomb Fusion 3/2 Zip Free Wetsuit - $519.95
Wetsuit Industry Insights and Updates
- Billabong revamped nearly it’s entire model line with a major update: going from a traditional neoprene rubber to a 100% neoprene free rubber for Fall 2024.
- Some wetsuit manufacturers are changing out the sizing on their womens suits, going from numbered sizes to letter sizes. For example, some brands now refer to a size 4 as a S (small), a 6 as a M (medium) and so on.
- The Flashbomb Fusion stands out with its "stitch-free" seam construction. Read more below about what that means in terms of performance and durability.
Billabong Women’s Furnace Natural Upcycler - $379.95
"Best overall wetsuit"
Pros
- Exterior fluid seam weld offers durability and warmth
- Natural neoprene-free rubber
- Materials break down in the landfill once the suit is retired
- Premium stretch, warmth, and flexibility
Cons
- No short or tall sizes
- Baggy chest for slender body types
Our Take: It’s common to see Billabong’s suits featured in nearly every one of our “best of” blog series. Over the years, Billabong has established itself as a staple in the wetsuit market, known for pushing the boundaries of high-tech performance, all while using sustainable practices. The newly updated Furnace Natural is no exception.
For Fall 2024, Billabong re-launched a handful of its wetsuit models: making a major shift from a traditional neoprene rubber to an eco-friendly proprietary concoction called Natural Rubber. This stuff is the real deal. Our first impressions blow the neoprene-free competition out of the water. Simply put, the all-new Natural Rubber rivals the flex and comfort of O’Neill’s high-end Technobutter. If you’ve worn Technobutter, you know what a massive compliment that is. Mix in the famous graphene liner, technology that allows the suit to break down in the landfill, and an exterior jersey made from 100% recycled materials. You’re left wondering how Billabong can top themselves.
Aside from the new tech, let’s talk about the price of the Furnace Natural. Typically, when a wetsuit undergoes a major upgrade, the price tag creeps up. Not with Billabong. In fact, the Furnace Natural prices have stayed the same or even decreased by $10-20.
Patagonia Women’s Yulex Regulator - $479.00
"Best sustainable wetsuit"
Pros
- One of the most eco-friendly suits
- Ironclad Guarantee
- Easier entry and more flexible than previous models
- Comfortable and adequate stretch
Cons
- Expensive
- No exterior fluid seamweld
Our Take: Patagonia’s big claim to fame is being one of the first reputable companies to release a neoprene-free wetsuit. It was a rough go at times, with fit issues and less-than-ideal comfort. However, Patagonia took the feedback to heart, returned to the drawing board, and re-launched the all-new Yulex Regulator in 2023. They got it right this time, and we’re stoked to chat more about what makes this suit a top choice in the high-end wetsuit category.
First, the updated Regulator now uses recycled nylon fabric instead of polyester, making the suit more flexible. In addition, seams were removed from high-stress areas such as the backside (bootie). This change really improves comfort by leaps and bounds compared to the former iterations. Also, Patagonia nixed the exterior seam weld, allowing more freedom of movement from top to bottom. Lastly, the interior liner was updated to a loose-weave knit, creating more warmth and increased flexibility.
What stayed unchanged? Patagonia’s commitment to using sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to create one of the most eco-friendly suits on the market. They also didn’t touch the natural Yulex rubber, which still maintains its FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified status. Don’t pass on the rock solid Ironclad Guarentee - it’s worth every penny.
Read our full review here: Patagonia Yulex Regulator Wetsuit
Rip Curl Women’s Flashbomb Fusion - $519.95
"Best seam technology wetsuit"
Pros
- 96% stitch-free seams that don’t leak
- World’s fastest-drying wetsuit
- Zip-free entry for ultimate mobility
- Internally taped seams
Cons
- Smaller entry can be limiting for some folks
- No short or tall sizes
Our Take: Last up is Rip Curl’s newest release, the Flashbomb Fusion, which features an industry-first: dry seam technology. The Fusion is also the only zipless (sometimes called zip-free) suit featured in this blog. If you are a wetsuit tech geek looking for a high-end minimalist suit, consider the Flashbomb Fusion.
First, what is dry seam technology? We’ve tried it out for ourselves, and it’s legit. Nearly 100% free of any stitching that pierces the neoprene, which weakens with time, the Fusion’s seams use a system of layers that are tapered and glued along with internal taping for added durability. Seams are typically one of the first things to go on a suit. With the dry seam tech, the Fusion is built to last longer, which balances out the high price tag over time. In addition, if you’re still spry enough to squeeze through the zip-free entry, enjoy the unlimited range of motion sans free of any chest zip material getting in your way or potentially prematurely breaking down.
Let’s not forget about Rip Curl’s E7 neoprene (25% more stretch and 10% lighter than the E6 found in the Dawn Patrol) and the toasty warm, and comfortable E7 Flash Lining. Combine all these features together, and you get the Fusion: the epitome of stretch, warmth, and comfort.
Read our full review here: Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Zip Free Wetsuit Review
Relevant Blogs We've Written
- Best Women’s Affordable 3/2 Wetsuits of 2024 - Looking for a suit under $260? We've got some great recs for you.
- Best Women’s Mid-Range 3/2 Wetsuits of 2024 - Read further for some reputable options that are around $280-$370.
- Women’s Wetsuit Fit Guide - It’s got a great FAQ section, further insight into how the different brands fit, and guidance on sizing a wetsuit.
- Best Wetsuits for Larger Ladies - Are you in need of a larger suit? Take a look at our top recommendations based on our years of experience fitting wetsuits.
- A Women’s Guide to Wetsuit Entries - Read more for a further look into the pros and cons of the different wetsuit entry types.
Final Thoughts
We've delved into the details of various women’s high-end 3/2 wetsuits, navigating techy industry terms along the way. Dry seam technology? Nobel prize-winning graphene? Natural Rubber? Is it worth the hype and premium price tag? Don’t worry if it seems overwhelming—doing your research pays off when you discover the perfect suit for your needs.
Which option suits you best? Ultimately, it hinges on your priorities. If the budget allows, the Flashbomb Fusion and Yulex Regulator are high on the “best of the best” options. Alternatively, continue on with inhibited surf adventures with the newly updated Furnace Natural Upcycler.
If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or drop an email at support@cleanlinesurf.com. We are stoked to talk about what options are available to you.
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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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