Best Open Water Wetsuits for 2024 – Our top 7
Welcome to the world of open water swimming in 2024! Whether you’re tackling triathlons or exploring the deep blue, the right wetsuit can be your best ally. Let’s dive into the top 5 wetsuits of the year, each uniquely crafted to enhance your aquatic pursuits. We’ll explore their design, who they’re perfect for, and weigh their pros and cons. Plus, each suit gets star ratings for durability, comfort, and price.
We will show you our top 7 wetsuits which have been tried and tested in the field! Showing from our 7th favourite, all the way down to our number 1 pick.
We dive deep in review of the following:
- Roka Maverick X2 Wetsuit
- Speedo Proton Wetsuit
- Blueseventy Reaction Wetsuit
- Arena Powerskin Storm Wetsuit
- TYR Hurricane Cat 2 Wetsuit
- HUUB Axiom Wetsuit
- Blueseventy Helix Wetsuit
Ready to find your second skin?
Our number 7…
Pros: Offers good flexibility, durability, and a comfortable fit, making it ideal for longer swimming sessions.
Cons: May lack some of the advanced features found in high-end competition wetsuits.
Price Range: £140.00 – £199.00
Star Ratings:
Durability: ★★★☆☆, Comfort: ★★★★★, Price: ★★★★★, Insulation: ★★☆☆☆
Overall: 15/20
The wetsuit excels in comfort, thanks to its flexible material and design, which accommodates a wide range of body shapes. However, it’s important to note that the thinner neoprene in certain areas, while increasing comfort, might compromise on insulation in colder waters.
In terms of price, the Speedo Proton offers very good value for its features, especially considering its durability and the quality of materials used. It’s an investment for both new and intermediate swimmers who are looking for a reliable wetsuit for training and entry-level competitions.
Overall, the Speedo Proton Full Tri Wetsuit is a solid choice for those seeking a balance of functionality, comfort, and affordability in their open water gear
Number 6 on the list..
6: TYR Hurricane Cat 2 Wetsuit
Pros: Very light weight, extremely affordable and very durable.
Cons: Comfort is a bit sacrificed due to the narrow neck line.
Price Range: £99.00 – £199.99
Star Ratings:
Durability: ★★★★☆, Comfort: ★★☆☆☆, Price: ★★★★★, Insulation: ★★★★☆
Overall: 15/20
The TYR Men’s Hurricane Cat-2 Wetsuit, is designed with a focus on durability, comfort, and performance. It’s made from 39 Cell Yamamoto Nano SCS Neoprene, known for its superior quality and longevity. The suit features range of motion zones and speed wrap paneling, enhancing flexibility and comfort during swimming. The quick-release ankle cuffs and form-fitting wrist cuffs add to its user-friendly design. However, it may lack some advanced features found in higher-priced wetsuits. Neckline is not for everyone as it is quite narrow. Similar to the Bluseventy reaction. Overall, this wetsuit is a solid choice for athletes seeking quality and performance without breaking the bank.
In the top 5..
5: Blueseventy Reaction Wetsuit
Pros: the Blueseventy Reaction Wetsuit is a top-notch choice for swimmers who prioritise comfort, flexibility, and durability in their gear.
Cons: The wetsuit is good on all levels, but does not excel on any. Also has a very narrow neck cuff which can lead to chafing. Not as good as its brother, the Helix. More on that later….
Price Range: £350,00- £449.00
Star Ratings:
Durability: ★★★★☆, Comfort: ★★★☆☆, Price: ★★★★☆ , Insulation:★★★★★
Overall: 16/20
After wearing the Blueseventy Reaction Wetsuit, we can confidently say that it stands out for its comfort and flexibility. The neoprene material offers just the right balance of flexibility and buoyancy, making it ideal for both training and competitive swimming. The suit’s design also provides a great range of motion, particularly in the shoulder area, which is crucial for swimming efficiency.
The durability of this wetsuit is very good. After several uses, it has maintained its shape and effectiveness, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The Reactive Stretch Technology in the suit has been a game-changer for reducing arm fatigue and ensuring efficient execution of each stroke. It did however, give way on the zip on the third longer distance swim.
It’s worth noting that while the suit is mid-range in price, it may still be a significant investment for some. But given its performance and durability, I believe it offers good value for money. However, the nexkline is very narrow which did leave to chafing.
Number 4…
Pros: Cutting-edge design with comfort and performance, making it a top choice for competitive swimmers.
Cons: the biggest downside is the outrageous price tag. This is way it is at only number 6 on our list.
Price Range: £900.00 – £1075.00
Star Ratings:
Durability: ★★★★★, Comfort: ★★★★★, Price: ★★☆☆☆, Insulation: ★★★★☆
Overall: 16/20
After using the Roka Maverick X2 Wetsuit extensively, I can confidently say that it stands out for its exceptional design and performance. The suit is incredibly lightweight and flexible, making it extremely comfortable for long swims. The “arms up” cut provides an excellent range of motion, and the extended “X” taping and lateral panels of thicker neoprene add structure and flotation, optimising the body position in water.
Durability-wise, it’s impressive. The suit has held up well over time, showing its quality in materials and construction. However, its high price tag is something to consider. It’s one of the more expensive options out there, but given its advanced features and design, it’s a worthy investment for serious triathletes aiming for top performance.
The first podium slot…
Pros: Flexible arm panel, optimal body position in water.
Cons: Simplistic design, lacks high-end features.
Price Range: £175.00 – £249.00
Star Ratings:
Durability: ★★★★☆, Comfort: ★★★★☆, Price: ★★★★★, Insulation: ★★★★☆
Overall: 17/20
Now, i am a big fan of HUUB. As someone who has spent considerable time using all different HUUB Wetsuits, This is our favourite.
Durability: The HUUB Axiom stands out for its construction quality. It is designed with smooth skin neoprene, known for its durability. The suit withstands regular use quite well, and I’ve noticed minimal wear even after several swimming sessions. The material blend including neoprene, polyamide, and metalized fiber adds to its longevity.
Comfort: One of the highlights of the HUUB Axiom is its comfort. The suit features a flexible low-neckline design, which is crucial for comfortable breathing during long swims. Additionally, the super-flexible underarm panel enhances freedom of movement, making it feel less restrictive than other wetsuits I’ve used. This feature is particularly appreciated during longer training sessions or races.
Price: Priced at £173.99, the HUUB Axiom offers good value for money, especially considering its quality and features. It’s positioned as an entry-level wetsuit, perfect for beginner triathletes or leisure swimmers. The price point makes it an accessible option for those new to open water swimming or triathlon training.
Overall, the HUUB Axiom Wetsuit strikes a balance between affordability, comfort, and durability. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a reliable training suit without breaking the bank. While it may not have all the high-end features of more expensive suits, it more than meets the needs of its target audience.
Taking the silver medal..
2. Arena Powerskin Storm Wetsuit
Pros: Provides excellent hydrodynamics, supports muscle compression, and offers superior body stability. Cons: May be on the pricier side, and its snug fit might not be comfortable for all swimmers.
Price range: £450.00 – £539.99
Star Ratings:
Durability: ★★★★★, Comfort: ★★★★★, Price: ★★★☆☆, Insulation ★★★★☆
Overall: 17/20
The Arena Powerskin Storm is a high-end wetsuit that delivers on its promise of advanced performance, buoyancy, and comfort. It’s particularly well-suited for competitive swimmers and triathletes who are looking for a suit that can keep up with rigorous training and racing demands. The eco-friendly aspect of the Yamamoto Limestone Neoprene is also a plus, offering a sustainable option without compromising on performance.
Given its features, the Powerskin Storm is an excellent choice for swimmers looking for a top-tier wetsuit, albeit with a higher price tag. Its combination of flexibility, buoyancy, and innovative design elements make it a standout option in the market for serious open water swimmers and triathletes
It was always going to be number 1…
Pros: Great buoyancy, lightweight design, good price and has long term research and development behind it.
Cons: Designed for shorter events which does effect durability.
Price range: £400.00 – £615.00
Star Ratings:
Durability: ★★★★☆, Comfort: ★★★★★, Price: ★★★★☆, Insulation: ★★★★★
Overall: 18/20
The big dog. This has been my number 1 for the last 7 years. The Blueseventy Helix wetsuit, a high-end option which is designed for top-tier performance in open water swimming. It features advanced technologies such as LIFT panels for improved buoyancy and Torsional Stretch Technology for enhanced flexibility, particularly in the shoulder and chest areas. While it offers exceptional comfort and performance, the suit’s fit, especially around the neck, may require some adjustment, but it is the wetsuits ability to be adjusted is what makes it brilliant. Its reverse zipper design is innovative but might need practice for quick transitions. Overall, the Helix is ideal for swimmers seeking advanced features and high-quality materials.