Stab’s Search For The World's Best 3/2 Wetsuit

That ice-cold water will be here before you know it, watch above to see which wetsuit will give you the most bang for your buck.
Wetsuits tested (All 3/2 wetsuits):
- 7till8 custom
- Billabong Furnace natural
- Feral Chest Zip
- Quiksilver Highline Plus
- Ripcurl Flashbomb Zipperless E6
- XCEL Comp X
-O'Neill Psycho Tech Back-Zip
- Manera Seafarer
- Buell RB1Accelerator

[@Ronan_Shaw]

I know this isn't relevant to the test, but this guy RIPS. I love the editing too, nice job

[@skaterhugs1147]

Well it is relevant because you want someone who is very experienced rating the wetsuits. But regardless, he do be rippin

[@emick3326]

It would be cool if you guys weighed each suit out fully soaked. The additional weight of a wetsuit, especially a thicker one, can make a huge difference in my experience.

[@TheGreenhoffa]

Yep , this is the most important reason for me buying a suit .. all these mass produced oil based neoprene suits soak water like a sponge , which adds so much more weight and effects performance ,not only making you colder ,letting in more water in and I believe also making the suit deteriorate faster . But the added weighted is just number one on my list . Put a Yamamoto and a billabong / oneill ect ..in a bucket of water ..pull them each out soaking wet , the billabong will feel like it weights 20lbs and the Yamamoto suit almost feels didn’t even soak up any weight or water !

[@samdecasas6920]

@@TheGreenhoffa too bad Yamamoto costs as much as a shortboard

[@TheGreenhoffa]

@@samdecasas6920 but it last 5times longer in my experience.

[@marcgabor9690]

@@TheGreenhoffa That's been my experience too. My Yamamoto suits (Matuse) are around 5 years old and the thought to replace them never crosses my mind. They are just as warm as they were on day 1, dry quickly and don't get too heavy when wet. A few years ago I bought a ripcurl 4/3 and was shocked at how much heavier it was, how slow it was to dry and worst of all it was wayyyy less warm after just one season.

[@tejaksz]

@@TheGreenhoffa do you have any experience with mystic using yamamoto?

[@Kevinsaidla]

Thanks for not locking this video behind a paywall, it's awesome!

[@Spektrallity]

It has been locked, it came out in January for subscribers I think

[@user-eg7nj1is7l]

it's been locked for months. lol

[@jistone7851]

This video was genuinely one of the most entertaining videos I've watched and it's essentially just a wetsuit review video

[@daisycool8715]

I’ve always loved watching these wetsuit reviews and you actually helped me determine which wetsuits to try buying when the time came to retire my old one. However, one thing I would love to see in a video is the wear and tear of a wetsuit after a prolonged period. One thing I noticed is the more main brand wetsuits seem to deteriorate faster, for example my chest zip ripcurl e-bomb is the most comfiest wetsuit i’ve had with the fuzzy lining on the inside keeping me warm for the winters, however, not even a year of owning it, the neck quickly started falling apart, and the “seal skin panels” tend to rub off too. As the average consumer who also wants the best long lasting wetsuit too, i think it would take these reviews to the next level if you could test the wear and tear of wetsuits. but the review itself has been super informative too! also love just watching you surf too

[@sebastianclerey3207]

I have the same problem with all the ripcurls I've owned. Fit great, warm, comfy, dries fast... but fall to pieces in under 1 season

[@DysentaryGary22]

I got a rip curl and the neck has these tears in it, I thought it was just me screwing it up somehow but I guess everyone has the same issue

[@doublestrokeroll]

I got over 5 years out of an ebomb surfing it 2 to 4 times a week, winter season. I found it very durable. My quicksilver very similar to the one in the vid, gave me about 3 I think, before it started to stretch out and leak cold water in. Felt great, just didn't last as long. I'm in a Feral 3/2 now and I'm loving it. It is only one season so far though so we'll see about the durability.

[@vznquest]

this is true. i bought my first wetsuit from decathlon in china and that thing lasted 10 years, haha. to be fair it did leak like a bitch tho. but all the seams and parts held up.

[@daprovocateur]

Just picked up a 4/3 Billabong Furnace (standard, not the Natural). Thanks for the tip! We’ll see how it goes this year.

[@killicks4896]

I don’t know why but these are my favorite surfing videos on youtube

[@bearwolfdog]

Yea. Great video all around. Super informative and the surfing was fun to watch too.

[@ezekielrickens4970]

i have an og 1980s oneil. and it still fits me. wetsuits have come so far since then

[@buffalobill7016]

Amazing vid man srsly productjon value off the charts on this one

[@peacelovevans101]

Awesome video!! Super informative and creative and well done!!

[@ernestomadera1018]

Awesome video dude great show of the suits and editing is rad I just bought my wet suit and surfboard I’m new to surfing but super stocked

[@no1yourewrong]

Intro edit SLAPS

[@oldschoolwaverider]

Haven’t started watching yet but xcel has always served me the best so far.

[@robscanlan]

This guys funny! 😂 I love this video! 👏

[@jamesrichards3551]

Seeing this in NJ makes me happy

[@luckybeanzphoto]

One glaring omission. Patagonia suits, by far the largest and longest lasting. Plus most sustainable. And great warranty. If they can't repair it they give you discount off your next purchase and recycle the old one for you.

[@stefanzomods]

I’ve been through so many rip curl wetsuits I buy a few every year. I think my next purchase will be Patagonia because their quality is unmatched.

[@Surfingsucksnow]

Sheico makes Patagonia wetsuits as well. It’s the same material as quicksilver, rip curl, etc.

[@noahg-123]

@@stefanzomods might be a bit surprising as far as stretch goes going from ripcurl to Patagonia..

[@TheAndos77]

Patagonia wetsuits are like wearing a truck tyre, they didn't sell well in our store and most companies used recycled materials now

[@damodaraomalley3974]

My top of the line Patagonia almost ripped the arm off it brand new from taking it off. If they brake so easy then they aren't Ecco viable. Better get an O'Neil that youl get two seasons out of

[@samthegronk]

Glad you didnt bother with the patagonia. it is eco, but they fall apart so quick you need 3 during the life of a standard wetty. Xcel are the standout at the moment in my opinion, and the infinity is the best made wetsuit i have had to date. Note they are manufactured in Thailand now, best workmanship I have seen on a suit. I had a couple xcel dry lock suits a few years back and they have come a longgggg way very quickly.

[@birdzbeeztreez4248]

Great Video! I had no idea how good you are!! Great backside reverse360 sliders what do you call that? 2 on 1 wave so sick!!Cant believe you doggy doored that barrel!! great ice bath bonus!!

[@waynemembrey499]

Great review......Agree there should've been a longevity test, what about Isurus and Need Essentials? I bought a 3/2 Isurus steamer back in 2018 and it's still going strong, also have a Need Essentials LS spring suit and it's also great quality for the price

[@Kathrynbyram]

Oneill psycho tech!!! Love it so much

[@familywucherpfennig7290]

GREAT REVIEW -WELL DONE , THOROUGH TESTING ,THANKS

[@gattazleo]

Its the first time i see someone better at barrels on his backhand

[@nessimlarafa5556]

great video amazing work and nice vibes🔥🔥

[@cameraman2149]

I feel like he underscored the xcell. He seemed to love that thing

[@3style.4life]

good job, nice test and review

[@JesseGiglio]

Love this. I like to see Vssla in the mix too. I have a couple. I like them but sometimes you don't know what you're missing

[@StokedOnFishing]

Thank you!!!

[@Zerbabilon]

Cool vid. I’m kind of surprised about the O’Neill. I’ve been wearing wetsuits for 25+ years and I love my O’Neill HyperFreak it’s super stretchy and no back zipper. I’ve been curious how HyperFlex stacks up though. I thought about joining the Gravy Train but they look kind of cheap.

[@bonsummers2657]

I've never noticed the back zip top when paddling. I clearly notice the inconvenience of modern chest zip wetsuits. The Aleeda chest zip full suit 5/4/3 I had in 1986 was great, easy in easy out, - the modern chest zips are difficult in difficult out. Warmth and flexibility was fine / good with the 1986 Aleeda chest zip.

[@ChronicSurfer]

I have a 4/3 Front-Zip Billabong Furnace Comp and it is hands down the warmest and comfiest suit I've ever owned.

[@luisdactitud]

Hey Kyle! How heavy is this suit? I have a 3/2 Revolution but I am thinking of going to Cali during Fall and I need a new suit.

[@ChronicSurfer]

@@luisdactitud It really depends on where and when you're coming to California. I live in Huntington Beach. You can hands-down get away with a 3/2 in the winter, but if you're going north of Rincon, I'd probably start looking into a heavier suit. I have a 4/3 Billabong Furnace Comp and never get cold.

[@MarleyOrdonezPOV]

The O’Neill HyperFreak is hands down the most confortable and flexible suit out there

[@thenamenoonehas]

Where's the Patagonia?

[@SenorNutellq]

No Vissla?

[@Spance-er]

I'm surprised you didn't include Patagonia or Matuse. They both use a completely different wetsuit material (geoprene). Matuse suits are 100% geoprene. Both company's have reasons for being superior, of course, but I'd like to hear your take on it after trying so many traditional suits.

[@chriscondron9397]

Also for the rip curl suit I have the 4/3 and it’s so warm as well as super stretchy

[@neilgouws6962]

Ditto, I got one too 🤙🏻 Think this wetsuit test was ment for quick/short surf sessions ? My last surf session was 5hrs in +- 16degC water .. This video is really informative though ✌🏻... My choice is budget related, I'm from South Africa.. every thing you buy here, cost 20 times more expensive than one can buy in the USA 🤦‍♂️ Cheers 🇿🇦

[@jistone7851]

I have a 3/2 and honestly I would describe it as 'snuggly' and Australia doesn't get too cold really so I've always been so warm in the water. Also My model has the smoothie paneling on the front and back so not sure if that has an impact on warmth, I definitely don't get any wind chill.

[@jeffarcher400]

Just saw a video on the rise of graphene coatings by Scott HD Seems graphene is cytotoxic with prolonged skin contact. I wouldn't use a graphene wetsuit just yet. I like the Yamamoto rubber for warmth but do notice reduced flexibility and it's harder to get over the ankles when taking off. Fuzzy lined suits hold water increasing weight and increasing drying time. I can say Yamamoto doesn't pick up any weight. Ideally a suit could have dense rubber on legs, stomach, chest and arms but flex panels on shoulders. Dive suits have zippers at ankles and wrists. It really makes it easier to get out of. Thinking about slitting the ankles at least and gluing a Velcro closure. Had luck with a flexible suit and electric heated vest but it's another thing to deal with. Might attract sharks too. Speaking of which, Kevlar weave protection in body and along vital arteries could make a shark resistant suit. Third lung suit with a small sealed bladder containing CO2 absorbent like the old rebreathers. A few breaths can change everything.

[@taradead]

I found the fuzzy lining dried quicker than not having it. Mine was a vissla.

[@elliotyoung6033]

Sick clip, but there should be a longevity test. Most people buy a wetsuit and hold onto it for atleast one to two winters. That is the factor i look for when buying a wetsuit. I have had Quicksilver wetsuits that shit themselves within 2 months, but a Vissla that has held together and still warm two years later. Ps: that surfboard looks like shit. good surfing but.

[@Ducecannon]

Deserves more views!

[@-spyguy-6307]

damn Mikey has the insider hook ups on haydenshapes! He rode the raven model in this which was just released in march 2022

[@sjfleishnetworkportal]

such a good vid XD great job

[@temocavilesstovold8294]

Underrated

[@Goomer]

A lot of folks and myself (O'neill) buy suits that fit them right, some of us older guys don't have the most athletic bodies any longer.

[@samstraus605]

I have a billabong graphene suite and the seems on the neck are a killer. I always get rashes because they decided to bring the stitching to the interior neck part of the wetsuit. Huge design flaw. Otherwise its a great suit

[@JohnCarrFitness]

Billabongs great but zippers don’t last, O’Neill hyper freak is my new fav

[@adeneda8924]

dawn patrol wetsuit is amazing lasted me 3 years

[@merelvanvliet4413]

Loved the video, is there also one reviewing women's suits?

[@BradT_Herping]

i am in love with my comp x

[@briana6573]

I feel like crowning a "worlds best" wetsuit should be comparing slightly thicker suits. I know there are probably more surfers using 3/2's but a 3mil suit is generally thin enough and the water warm enough that you aren't completely held back by a lower end model. Up in the 4/3 and 5/4 range the gap between a high end suit and low end suit really starts to present itself (in warmth, flexibility, weight etc).

[@jishyg8526]

I haven't tried the others but love my hyperfreak. You should've used the chest zip version, maybe different outcome. Only complaints I heard were with the neck above the back zip. What other issue if any?

[@MidWestMTB]

I think the biggest difference between cheap and expensive suits is how long they last. I've bought a couple $150-200 wetties and they last for a season and a half but my "nicer" wet suit, I've had for almost 5 years now and she's still looking great. Just a little thin in the shoulders.

[@taradead]

No matter the price, Ive never had a suit really last much more than a year. The shoulders always wear thin, holes pop up on shoulder seams, etc...so I haven't been buying suits over $250 for the past couple years .

[@MidWestMTB]

@@taradead That's crazy, 4/3 or 3/2 or what? I don't know where you're located but you can't go wrong with a ripcurl outlet wetty. Those things are solid, maybe just a couple stiches that got misaligned.

[@shamypiper]

haahaha even before getting into the info I probably watched the intro like 3 times 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jaspervanloo9864]

The best wetsuit is the one that fits you best. I hate Hurley is a company, but unfortunately it’s the wetsuit that fits me best, even though I’d rather want to go for ripcurl or xcel.

[@user-lt9sy4uc6c]

how did you guys get this many good days of waves in a row on the east coast

[@jonahhex9620]

“Scientific” / fair but not boring reviews 👍🏻

[@noahg-123]

wish feral was in stock...

[@tamhederson]

love this channel way too much...but not sure why there is no "C Skin" or "Vissla"...

[@Camareez]

They know Vissla is #1 already

[@dylans9449]

Probably didn’t want to pay or send any to them.

[@DanielHatchman]

I assume it was vissla who were using the snail mail XD

[@taradead]

I hated my vissla. 4/3 neoprene was only 3.5/2.5 (compared it to the Buell I bought after it). Started leaking within about 4 months and tops of shoulders wore thin and leaked within 6 months. Buell lasted twice as long.

[@DanielHatchman]

@@taradead that's so weird! I just got a 2/3 this summer and the 2mm bits were 3.5 and the 3 was 4. Sounds like they have some neoprene issues. It was meant to be flexy and light weight for Queensland winter instead it was stiff and I could wear it in down to 12 degC water...

[@jsmith7348]

No Vissla... the only suit that actually fits me lol

[@samestroff-liberti1030]

26:00 yeah... thats about right for east coast

[@andersonmyhr8263]

Brings you back to shore making you paddle back out and into the whitewash of the next perfect set

[@alfonsot.2467]

Very interesting, but why is not Isurus in this video?!

[@surfrat1981]

Yeah BUELL! Killing it! Best suits ever!

[@adambauer3424]

I hate mine. Got a rip in a month after purchase. Super uncomfortable too.

[@vznquest]

yeah my long sleeve springsuit is all i can ask for. on sale last year for under $100.

[@taradead]

For the price, not much can beat Buell. The RB1 (reviewed in this vid) is a thick and warm suit, but the chest zip design is a bit too flushy for it's water temp rating. I bought a hooded RB2 this year...still under $300.

[@CHGJack]

Man If I surf in 6c in 3/2 I am gonna freeze even in the NASA wetsuit

[@thefreediverjohn]

Atlantic City!

[@bodyboardmaniac]

I think you should only include brands that sell internationally. Some of the brands in there don't sell outside of the USA

[@thomasramonleal7062]

Maybe next time you can mention, Coral Reef Wetsuit for your public. After all, " They Make The Best And Repair the Rest "

[@oldmate9433]

Need essentials all day

[@jammyd33]

would be nice to see C Skins, Alder and Needessentials in the mix

[@seacoastboys]

Can’t believe they don’t show Patagonia suits. Best and most sustainable.

[@sfunderground1548]

nice backside turn on the buell segment

[@pumkin0]

if you guys recorded this in Stone Harbor New Jersey and didn't invite me I'm pissed

[@miras.6761]

nice video .. more...

[@morgonemusic3372]

So if I wear one of these wetsuits will I be able to rip like this dude?

[@humphriesjoe92]

Yo mikey, you know it's 2021 right?

[@testtesttesttesttest884]

Jesus this guy rips!

[@ragetobe]

Shocked the Hyperfreak isn't on this list.

[@fissers_oax3415]

Am I the only one who was looking at the intro words to the song which made it sound like it was saying the words

[@steezemastergeneral4763]

What boards did you ride in the tests?

[@lizpyshnik6159]

Crystals!

[@chriscondron9397]

No Hurley this year

[@nathanbrown4751]

What is the song at 26 minutes? Can’t be that hard to list all the songs in the explanation.

[@jameslewis79]

do they have all of these in adult sizes?

[@chrisp7390]

Wow nj was firing for these tests

[@yxngbt387]

Ikr haven’t seen it like that here in months 😭 we might get lucky later this week thi

[@ridesharegold6659]

October/November will do it. Peak season in NJ.

[@yxngbt387]

@@ridesharegold6659 yessir and you can get away with a 3/2 in November or boardies in early October

[@christopherbelmonte5145]

Y’all remember 2020?

[@keenanwiech5721]

What about vissla suits

[@taradead]

Yuk... wouldn't buy another one.

[@SwimDudeSwim]

I love my Vissla 4/3, but I’m kind of iffy on my 3/2. It’s one of the warmest suit companies in my opinion

[@djizzah]

yamamoto neoprene hands down, vissla, xcel

[@doublestrokeroll]

I've got a Feral and I do love it but Sheico rubber is great too. There really isn't that big a difference.

[@taradead]

My vissla wore thin (holes) within six months. Shortest lasting suit I've ever owned (surfing since '85)...wouldn't buy another one.

[@yes-vb1nq]

whats that girls name at 0.37? asking for a mate

[@benboner]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssss thank you

[@killicks4896]

YES

[@markvaintraub8353]

What about Patagonia suit?

[@keedonyaroslaski5251]

Why isn’t vissla featured in this

[@broken_diesel]

I just spend 30+ mins 😡 trying to figure out what “the best” wetsuit is for 2020 to end having to buy all three bc they all do something better than the other one ☝️. Anyone else mad about this?? Lol 😆 just kidding!!!! I loved the video 🎥😬🤙

[@texrobinson6236]

best wetsuit has to be Need Essentials

[@Surfingsucksnow]

Other big companies probably paid stab to not include them in the test lol

[@doublestrokeroll]

Sheico's version of yamamoto. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Sheico are a great company that make great wetsuits for pretty much everyone. Only a handful use the japanese stuff. "Best" though? The differences are not going to be that drastic in my opinion.

[@noahg-123]

@@doublestrokeroll I saw that need essentials only has YULEX instead of the Yamamoto. Are they similar or different in your opinion? I had a Patagonia yulex, pretty heavy, no stretch, great warmth. Do you think a feral Yamamoto might add some extra stretch and less weight? If you don’t got a answer don’t worry haha, but you seem like the guy to ask when it comes to wetsuits.

[@doublestrokeroll]

@@noahg-123 lol...thanks but I'd hardly call my self an expert. As I said before, the Yulex is Sheico's version of Limestone based wetsuits. Unfortunately I've never tried Patagonia, but my Feral is for sure "less stretchy" than the Rip Curl and Quicksilver suits I've had and a bit heavier when dry. Though when you get them wet I think they probably balance out a bit because most of those name brand suits have linings which add weight when wet. I'm going to guess the Feral probably similar to the Yulex. A buddy of mine just got a Need Essentials and so far he is very happy with it although like me with the Feral we've only surfed them a handful of times. What I can say is, at first the Feral is quite hard to get in and out of, but it does eventually form to your body and "relax" a bit. It feels great though. And even though it's less stretchy, it doesn't really bother me all that much. I guess it's like the video says...just depends what your priorities are. If you really want light and stretchy then a rip curl is probably the way to go.

[@starcarbonracer]

Mine is quite damaged in 6 months

[@willsimotas1252]

What area are you surfing in this video, socal?

[@christiantreichler3116]

Oz all the way let’s gooo

[@Gusteve18]

The ice test was really impressive. Especially because it was made on a shoe box…

[@nivsurftrips]

You forget the best wetsuit off them all - “Needessentials”

[@JustCurious637]

I've had 3 Needessentials suits. They're cheap and comfortable, but IMHO they won't last a full season if you surf everyday. Just my $.02

[@doublestrokeroll]

Sheico's version of yamamoto. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Sheico are a great company that make great wetsuits for pretty much everyone. Only a handful use the japanese stuff. "Best of them all" though? The differences are not going to be that drastic in my opinion.

[@taradead]

nah. They sell direct, which means you can't try it on before you buy...not all wetsuits have the exact same sizing.

[@doublestrokeroll]

@@taradead No, but they most have pretty good sizing charts that are pretty accurate for their products. I got a Feral wetsuit online by selecting the one in my height and weight range and it's as perfect as a non custom made wetsuit could be. It's not that risky.

[@trapeziumcut]

hurley didnt even make the cut

[@samleboutillier7992]

Gould you test these in maybe colder waters e.g. 10 C

[@ridesharegold6659]

The conditions they had were kinda perfect for a 3/2. Much colder and you should really be looking at a 4/3.

[@ozziedaly]

what about testing 6mm ??????

[@marickjolivot]

Lmfao the intro