Top 6 Best Hooded Wetsuits
Options for wetsuits are rapidly growing as surfing is not the only sport that requires a wetsuit. Diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding, among others, need wetsuits to counter the cold. There are many features that users must consider before buying the best-hooded wetsuit. It can be overwhelming, especially for first-time wetsuit shoppers who just want to end up with the wetsuit of their dreams. As this is an essential piece, shoppers are advised to be familiar with specific parts and use this as a reference in selecting their wetsuits. Top 6 Best Hooded Wetsuits in Review Whatever watersports you are into, wetsuits will always be an essential piece in every activity. The protection that wetsuits give will always be the top feature because it is the suit’s primary function. With the many brands out there that provide the best hooded wetsuits, it is often quite a headache to pick the best among them. That is why we have provided you a list of the best hooded wetsuits in the market and will leave you to decide which one fits you. Men’s Infiniti Hooded Full Suit by XCEL Superfreak F.U.Z.E. Hooded Wetsuit by O’Neill R4 Yulex 5.5/4mm Hooded Wetsuit by Patagonia 5/4 Furnace Ultra Hooded Fullsuit by Billabong Flash Bomb 5/4mm by Rip Curl Ultra Hot Combo 5/4mm by Hotline #1. Men’s Infiniti Hooded Full Suit by XCEL – Best Overall wetsuit Specifications: Water Temp Rating: 48 degrees & up Thickness: 5/4 mm Neoprene Type: 100% stretch Seam Construction: Sealed and Taped Zipper Style: Chest Zipper Xcel is known to be the 4-peat winner of the Wetsuit of the Year by SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association). Their Infiniti Hooded full suit gives justice to their continued success. It was recently upgraded to having Thermo Lite, and it is strategically placed in the back and chest for that ideal warmth and comfort. Heat in the chest area is essential because most of our organs are located here. The outer sleeves have an S-seal seam that is ready for various conditions. Also noticeable in the wetsuit is the glide skin collar that prevents flushing and the dope dye that does an eco-friendly anti-fade. Above all, the wetsuit engineered its design to fit like a second skin. #2. Superfreak F.U.Z.E. Hooded Wetsuit by O’Neill – Most flexible wetsuit Specifications: Water Temp Rating: 48 degrees & up Thickness: 5/4 mm Neoprene Type: Ultra Flex Seam Construction: Ulta Flex Taped Seams Zipper Style: Front Upper Zip Entry O’Neill prides itself on being a trusted brand by athletes. They started in 1952 and have been making waves in the surf culture since then. Colliding authentic heritage with modern performance has brought them to create the Superfreak F.U.Z.E. 5/4 Hooded Wetsuit. We want to mention three things about this wetsuit – drain holes, F.U.Z.E. Closure, and UltraFlex Neoprene. In this wetsuit, the drain holes are found on the chest and upper arms. Between the two drain hole areas, the chest area is quicker in draining out, thus maintaining body heat. It’s important to note that once the chest gets cold, it is difficult to have it warmed again, so this wetsuit gets a plus in the body temperature department. Front Upper Zip Entry (FUZE) is a sturdy zip that will not rust with seawater, so expect this to last long. Plus, this closure prevents water from getting into the wetsuit. Now, this is ideal for winter surfing, where the water gets icy. The UltraFlex Neoprene is a material we love because it is flexible and stretchy, making it comfortable to wear for an extended period. It does not restrict any movement, and it reduces wind chill. #3. R4 Yulex 5.5/4mm by Patagonia – Best Eco-friendly wetsuit Specifications: Water Temp Rating: 38 degrees & up Thickness: 5.5/4 mm Neoprene Type: 100% stretch Seam Construction: Sealed and Taped Zipper Style: Chest Zipper When you go to Patagonia’s website, you will see an odd banner statement ‘business unusual’. Why unusual? They are in the business of mitigating extinction threats of all earth’s life forms by solely operating under the green premise of environmental consciousness. Their wetsuit R4 Yulex 5.5/4mm is by far the most eco-friendly you’ll get in the market. They are almost petroleum-free, and they also did unusual changes to production and glue methods and made sure that these wetsuits bring the slightest hint of environmental burden. Let’s dive further into this Central American material, Yulex. It is derived from Hevea (a tree found in the forests of Guatemala) and incredibly shares the same flexibility and warmth with Neoprene. They started experimenting in 2012; then, in 2016, they pushed to go all out and use this natural rubber in all of their wetsuit lines. Since then, they are enjoying a cult following of individuals who believe in minimized carbon footprint. Serious reconfiguration and improvement have been implemented to the flex and flexibility to sustain its fame. Tweaks have been made to achieve their most pliable Yulex formula to date. This upgraded version makes paddling so much easier. As for the fit, the new R4 Yulex is designed to have more space in the shoulders and chest areas compared to previous years. They are comfortable and true-to-size. #4. 5/4 Furnace Ultra Hooded Fullsuit by Billabong – Best value for money Specifications: Water Temp Rating: 37 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit Thickness: 5/4 mm Neoprene Type: Airlite Stretch Seam Construction: 100% welded and sealed Zipper Style: Chest Zipper Committed to being the leading brand in beach fashion and surf culture, Billabong brings us 5/4 Furnace Ultra Hooded Fullsuit in the myriads of wetsuits in the market. It sports a sleek design with a subtle logo at the sleeve, chest, leg, and back. But aesthetics are just a part why they’re gaining positive feedback and reviews. Enthusiasts from all over agree to the company’s claim that they are the warmest in the market. It could be true as it has a Drymax entry mechanism that keeps heat in and water out. But the … Read more