13 Best Surfing Wetsuits Under $200 (2022 Buyer's Guide)
Finding the right surfing gear can sometimes be quite difficult, especially for beginners. There is so much on offer that it can be hard to make the right choice.
To help you out, I've listed the best surfing wetsuits under $200. There are seven summer and six winter wetsuits—all under $200.
In addition, there are wetsuits for both men and women on this list, so there is something for everyone. Hopefully, this list can help you make the right choice!
What to Look For When Buying a Wetsuit?
Buying a wetsuit is an important process for every surfer. You want that optimal balance between warmth, flexibility, and comfort, but how do you find the perfect wetsuit?
There are two main factors to look out for: thickness and flexibility.
As you might imagine, more thickness will provide more warmth, but it will harmfully impact your flexibility, which you will need when doing those cool surfing maneuvers!
When buying a wetsuit, it is best to set a price point and compare the reviews made on the specific suits you find. This can be a lot of work, but don’t worry.
I have done all the work for you, and in this article, we will take a look at the best surfing wetsuits under $200!
What size of wetsuit should I get?
Size matters when it comes to wetsuits. It should be tight for optimal functionality but not too tight to promote flexibility.
Sizes are an essential part of choosing the optimal wetsuit.
To help you with the available sizes, I have compiled the following size tables for both men and women to refer to.
Men’s wetsuit sizing guide:
| Size | Height (inch) | Weight (lb) | Chest (inch) | Waist (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2XS | 5’6" - 5’8" | 115 - 130 | 35.5 - 36.5 | 27.5 - 28.5 |
| S | 5'7" - 5'9" | 125 - 140 | 36.5 - 37.5 | 28.5 - 29.5 |
| SS | 5'5.5" - 5'7.5" | 130 - 150 | 37.5 - 39 | 29.5 - 31 |
| S | 5'8" - 5'10" | 135 - 155 | 37.5 - 39 | 29.5 - 31 |
| ST | 6'0" - 6'2" | 145 - 160 | 37.5 - 39 | 29.5 - 31 |
| MS | 5'6.5" - 5'8.5" | 145 - 165 | 39 - 41 | 31 - 33 |
| M | 5'9" - 5'11" | 150 - 170 | 39 - 41 | 31 - 33 |
| MT | 6'1" - 6'3" | 160 - 180 | 41 - 43.5 | 33 - 35 |
| LS | 5'7.5" - 5'9.5" | 160 - 180 | 41 - 43.5 | 33 - 35 |
| L | 5'10" - 6'0" | 170 - 190 | 41 - 43.5 | 33 - 35 |
| LT | 6'2" - 6'4" | 180 - 200 | 41 - 43.5 | 33 - 35 |
| XLS | 5'8.5" - 5'10.5" | 180 - 200 | 43.5 - 46 | 35 - 37 |
| XL | 5'11" - 6'1" | 190 - 210 | 43.5 - 46 | 35 - 37 |
| XLT | 6'3" - 6'5" | 200 - 220 | 43.5 - 46 | 35 - 37 |
| 2XL | 6'0" - 6'2" | 210 - 230 | 46 - 48.5 | 37 - 39 |
| 3XL | 6'0" - 6'3" | 230 - 250 | 48.5 - 51 | 39 - 44 |
| 4XL | 6'1" - 6'4" | 250 - 270 | 51 - 53.5 | 44 - 48 |
(Please note that sizes may vary by manufacturer)
Woman’s wetsuit sizing guide:
| Size | Height (inch) | Weight (lb) | Chest (inch) | Waist (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5’1" - 5’3" | 90 - 105 | 30 - 32 | 24.5 - 26.5 |
| 4 | 5'3" - 5'5" | 110 - 115 | 30.5 - 32.5 | 25 - 27 |
| 6S | 5'2.5" - 5'4.5" | 105 - 120 | 31.5 - 33.5 | 26 - 28 |
| 6 | 5'4" - 5'6" | 110 - 125 | 31.5 - 33.5 | 26 - 28 |
| 6T | 5'5.5" - 5'7.5" | 115 - 130 | 31.5 - 33.5 | 26 - 28 |
| 8S | 5'3.5" - 5'5.5" | 115 - 130 | 32.5 - 34.5 | 27 - 29 |
| 8 | 5'5" - 5'7" | 120 - 135 | 32.5 - 34.5 | 27 - 29 |
| 8T | 5'6.5" - 5'8.5" | 125 - 140 | 32.5 - 34.5 | 27 - 29 |
| 10S | 5'4.5" - 5'6.5" | 125 - 145 | 34 - 36 | 29 - 30.5 |
| 10 | 5'6" - 5'8" | 130 - 150 | 34 - 36 | 29 - 30.5 |
| 10T | 5'7.5" - 5'9.5" | 135 - 155 | 34 - 36 | 29 - 30.5 |
| 12 | 5'7" - 5'9" | 140 - 160 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 30.5 - 32 |
| 14 | 5'8" - 5'10" | 150 - 170 | 37 - 39 | 31 - 33.5 |
| 16 | 5'9" - 5'11" | 165 - 185 | 38.5 - 40.5 | 33.5 - 35 |
(Please note that sizes may vary by manufacturer)
What thickness of wetsuit should I get?
The thickness of your wetsuit is of course determined by the water temperature in your area.
In a warmer area closer to the equator, a thin 3/2mm spring suit will suffice, while colder areas might require a 5/4mm full suit.
That is why we make the distinction between warm and cold water wetsuits in this article!
It is important to note that two numbers dictate wetsuit thickness, the first number is the torso thickness, and the second number is the limb thickness.
The limb thickness is generally thinner as warmth is less important here, and flexibility takes primary importance.
7 Best Summer Wetsuits Under $200
Let’s take a look at some of the best budget wetsuits out there!
Please note that the wetsuits are listed in no particular order.
O’Neill Epic 3/2 Back Zip Full Suit:
Price: $195
Description:
The O’Neill Epic series is the perfect entry-level wetsuit for beginner surfers.
As the name suggests, this wetsuit comes with a zipper on the back instead of the usual front zip we know in surfing.
The suit is fitted with wind-resistant padding on the stomach, which can be a nice bonus on windier surfing days.
The suit is also seamless, which is great as seams allow water to enter your wetsuit, which is, of course, not what we want! The suit uses a flexible neoprene allowing you optimal mobility.
As any surfer will know, you cannot really go wrong with a company like O’Neill, and the O’Neill Epic 3/2 back zip full suit is one of the most affordable suits in their collection.
The O’Neil Epic 3/2 will be just what you need to surf on a transition day from cold to warm water with a comfortable and flexible suit on a budget of approximately $200!
Pros:
- Seamless
- Wind-resistant padding
- Great flexibility
Cons:
- Backzips generally allow water to enter the suit
- Might be a little too warm in real warm water conditions
Billabong Absolute 3/2 Back Zip Full Suit:
Price: $190
Description:
The Billabong Absolute 3/2 Back Zip Fullsuit is another great entry-level surfing option.
Billabong is tailored explicitly to surfers, and their line of impressive wetsuits reflects that. The Billabong Absolute 3/2 Back Zip Full Suit is no exception to this rule.
The suit is made from a nobel prize-winning neoprene material, providing optimal warmth and flexibility.
This suit is also equipped with a back zip, but for some more money, there is a front zip version available as well.
This particular 3/2mm model is perfect for the warmer days of late and early summer. The suit is also available in thicker sizes for the colder days.
The suit is made completely from recycled materials, making this both a great wetsuit and an eco-friendly option!
Pros:
- Good for the environment
- Impressive material
- High-quality brand
Cons:
- Backzips generally allow water to enter the suit
- Seams may allow water and wind to enter, reducing thermal performance. Buying the plus version will solve this issue, but as you can expect, this will cost significantly more.
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Back Zip 3/2 Full Suit:
Price: $140
Description:
The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Back Zip 3/2 Full Suit is one of the older models in the rip curl wetsuit lineup. This is the reason for the incredible price of just $140!
The fact that this suit might be a little outdated for today’s high-tech standards isn’t a big deal for the average surfer.
The suit has a back zip, just like the others shown on this list so far.
Rip curl is a great wetsuit brand, and this entry-level 3/2 full suit will get you some great warmth and flexibility for an even better price!
Pros:
- Good warmth and flexibility for the price point
- Reliable and high-quality brand
Cons:
- No fancy modern technology, just the bare basics
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
O’Neill Reactor II Back Zip 3/2 Full Suit:
Price: $140
Description:
The O’Neill Reactor II is one of the cheapest surfing wetsuits you can find, but that does not mean that it lacks in performance.
The Reactor II comes in both a male and female version, and it does exactly what it is supposed to do.
As you can expect from this price point, there are no fancy modern features, but if you are looking for a reliable wetsuit for the warmer days of surfing from a reliable brand, then the O’Neill Reactor II is what you are looking for!
Pros:
- Wind resistant padding
- Extra flexible neoprene
- Great price
Cons:
- No fancy modern technology, just the bare basics
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
Rip Curl Omega 3/2 Back Zip Full Suit:
Price: $180
Description:
The Rip Curl Omega is a very similar suit to the Dawn Patrol we looked at earlier. One of the older and cheaper models of the famous surfing brand, but therefore not less useful.
The Omega is one of the best suits you can get for the price point.
The suit comes in plenty of different color combinations making you perfectly visible in the water at all times. It has been designed to be a lightweight, basic, but great budget wetsuit solution!
Pros:
- High-quality brand
- Hydro Lock Collar to prevent water from entering the neck
- High-quality seems
Cons:
- Might be too warm on a hot day
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
O’Neill Reactor 2/2mm Back Zip Shorty:
Price: $105
Description:
We have now looked at several great budget full suits for the warmer days of surfing, but sometimes you just want a shorty with exposed arms and legs.
This brings down the price, and on hot days there is nothing better than surfing in a shorty.
This suit is the short version of the O’Neill Reactor we looked at earlier. It is essentially the same suit other than a slight difference in thickness.
Pros:
- Shorty can be great on hot days
- High-quality brand
- Wind resistant padding
- Extra Flexible Neoprene
Cons:
- Shorty may be too cold depending on the conditions
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Long Sleeve Spring:
Price: $160
Description:
This edition of the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol suit we looked at earlier is the perfect hybrid between a complete shorty and a full suit.
The long sleeve arms and short legs allow for a great thermal balance. As far as the suit itself goes, it doesn’t get much better when it comes to wetsuits for this price point.
The suit is incredibly durable, as any suit developed by Rip Curl. With this suit, you are guaranteed a lot of warm surfing without any issues!
Pros:
- Great thermal balance due to long sleeves
- High-quality seams
- High-quality brand
- Incredibly durable
Cons:
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
6 Best Winter Wetsuits Under $200
Now that we have looked at some of the best summer wetsuits on a budget let’s continue by looking at some of the best winter ones!
Please note that the wetsuits are listed in no particular order.
O’Neill Epic 4/3 Back Zip Full Suit:
Price: $170
Description:
This is the slightly thicker version of the O’Neill Epic wetsuit discussed earlier.
This extra mm of thickness on both the limbs and the torso will make a massive difference in thermal performance, therefore making this a great suit for colder conditions.
The price is great for what you get, as the suit comes with high-quality seams and wind-resistant padding, as you can expect from a brand like O’Neill.
Pros:
- High-quality brand
- High-quality seams
- Wind resistant padding
Cons:
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
- Bigger sizes can slightly exceed the $200 budget
Realon 5/4 Surfing Wetsuit Back Zip Full Suit:
Price: $120
Description:
For this next suit, we move away from the well-known surfing brands to take a dive into the deep end.
The Realon 5/4 Surfing Wetsuit is great value for money.
The thickness of this suit makes it perfect for even the coldest of conditions, and the great price of the suit even allows you to buy extra equipment such as boots or gloves within the $200 budget.
The suit is made of flexible neoprene with wind-resistant padding, showing that a good wetsuit does not have to cost hundreds of dollars.
Pros:
- Great price
- Flexible Neoprene
- 5/4 thickness is perfect for colder conditions
Cons:
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
- Less known brand
Hyperflex 5/4mm Back Zip Full Suit:
Price: $175
Description:
Hyperflex is a relatively modern wetsuit brand that makes affordable wetsuits with modern features.
Their 5/4mm back zip full suit for the colder days is no exception. The suit features quantum foam neoprene, which is lighter and more flexible than its competitors.
It also comes with a microfleece lining to increase thermal performance and drying time. The suit is equipped with kneepads to aid in durability.
All in all, this suit is amongst the best of the best for the price point.
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible Quantum Foam Neoprene
- Quick drying time
- Kneepads
Cons:
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
Roxy Women’s 5/4/3 Prologue Back Zip Full Suit:
Price: $130
Description:
This suit has been specifically made for women.
As we can see, Roxy has opted for a slightly different approach in thickness as we now have three thicknesses instead of two.
This is nothing to worry about, as the Roxy Prologue is the perfect suit for colder days if you’re a female surfer.
The suit comes with glued and stitched seams to keep all the water out and an adjustable neck closure to prevent water from entering via the neck.
This suit is truly all you need to surf like a boss on colder days.
Pros:
- Great thermal performance
- Specifically made to fit women
- High-quality brand
- Stitched and glued seams
Cons:
- Back zips generally allow water to enter the suit
Ho Stevie! 4/3 Chest Zip Full Suit Men’s:
Price: $199
Description:
This suit comes in at the edge of the designated price range, but you definitely get what you pay for!
The suit comes with high-quality stitched and glued seams, perfect for even the coldest days of surfing.
It is incredibly durable as it has been made using high-quality neoprene, which also happens to be incredibly flexible.
The suit comes with a chest zip instead of all the back zips we have seen on this list. This is great for thermal performance, as a chest zip doesn’t allow water to enter as a back zip does.
All in all, this suit is guaranteed to last you a long time with great thermal performance!
Pros:
- High-quality seams
- Incredibly durable
- Flexible neoprene
- Chest zip
Cons:
- On the edge of the price range
Roxy Women’s 5/4/3 Syncro Hooded Front Zip Full Suit:
Price: $160
Description:
This is another suit developed by Roxy specifically for female surfers.
This suit features a front zip and a hood, making this the perfect suit for surfing in even the extreme cold conditions of winter.
The price is incredible for what you get, a high-quality suit from a high-quality brand complete with hood and front zip.
There is not much more you can ask for in a wetsuit!
Pros:
- Hooded
- High-quality seams
- High-quality brand
- Knee pads
- Chest zip
Cons:
- Hood might be too warm on average days
Conclusion
There you have it, the 13 best budget wetsuits under $200 for both warm and cold conditions!
You can’t go wrong with any of the suits on this list, but remember to make a list of the features you want in a wetsuit to make sure you don’t overpay for unnecessary features!
