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This article was taken from the July 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
Wired dived into Highgate Men's Pond on London's Hampstead Heath to test three summer wetsuits, armed with key advice from Steve England, editor of surf mag Carve. We rated each suit on how easy it was to get into, freedom of movement while swimming and build quality around the stitching and seams. We used a Basis B1 smartwatch to measure skin temperature before and after entering the water to test whether each suit maintained steady warmth. Each is designed to be used in warmer months, with thinner Neoprene than winter-rated models.
Steve England's buying tips:
- Pick three wetsuits that fit your budget. Turn each inside out and look at the lining. Does it cover a small area or does it fill the suit?
- Try them all on. Reach up, bend over, touch your toes, crouch and twist to check whether you can move without discomfort.
- Check how tight the wetsuit is around the neck. If it chokes, get the next size up.
- Play with the zips and seals to ensure they're tight and that they won't let in any water.
- Take it off to see how easy the process is. If the suit is too tight, try a different model.
Billabong Xero Pro SS 202 CZ Steamer
This super-thin wetsuit is for long sessions on hot days. The front zip makes it a touch difficult to clamber into, with the hand and ankle openings being very narrow, causing some initial discomfort - but in the water, it feels like a second skin. Movement is seamless, with lots of give under the arms, and the stitching is welded with liquid tape on the inside.
It provides impressive warmth, but the short sleeves meant that skin temperature slipped from 24.4<sup>°</sup>C on entry to a chilly 20.7<sup>°</sup>C.
WIRED Flexible and comfy in the water
TIRED Awkward to put on and zip up £210
By far the warmest wetsuit on test, the R3 has wool insulation that goes across the chest and right down the arms and legs, meaning it'll keep you warm well into autumn; Wired stayed at a steady 24.4C throughout the test.
However, this makes the R3 heavier than the O'Neill and Billabong, which impacted movement, although it did not become difficult to swim. It was a struggle to pull off around the legs, and the seams were very damp, especially on the thighs. But the neck enclosure stopped seepage down the back.
WIRED Merino lining is great for warmth
TIRED Seams let in water around the legs £360
The hand and ankle holes on this wetsuit are so small that even a child would struggle to get in.
However, this did not mean an overly tight fit: it is snug but not uncomfortable around the chest, waist and thighs. Once Wired dived in, though, we felt an instant and unpleasant squelch of water under our arms, with more liquid trickling in as we swam. It kept skin temperature at a steady 24C. Flexibility was excellent, with no impediment of movement. If you can live with the leaks, this is fair value.
WIRED Comfortable and easy to swim in
TIRED Tough to put on; a bit leaky £145
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
