Wetsuits are very versatile exposure protection suits. They will keep you warm from the cold, shield you from potential marine life stings, and cushion you from any sharp rocks, coral, or rusty wrecks underwater. A wetsuit is a very worthy investment. So how much does a wetsuit cost, and why is there a difference in prices?
Find out how a wetsuit works and everything else in our Ultimate Guide to Wetsuits.
How Much Does a Wetsuit Cost
Wetsuits will differ in prices. This is due to a number of factors. These include the material of the suit, the thickness, the quality in seams and stitching, and of course, the brand name of the wetsuit. A lower-end wetsuit can be as little as $50 USD, whereas a high-end branded wetsuit can be as much as $500. Let’s look at the factors that affect how much a wetsuit can cost.
Style
Wetsuits can be a shorty; with sleeves cut before the elbow and cut above the knee. They can also be a full wetsuit, which is long sleeves and full length to the ankles. You can also get part wetsuits for just the top or just the bottom. The more material needed for the wetsuit, the more the price will be.
Material
Neoprene is the most common material used for wetsuits. You can get higher or lower quality neoprene. You can also get spandex or lycra, and other synthetic fabrics in a wetsuit. Titanium is also a material that is being used in wetsuits and has great warming properties. However, this will increase the cost of your wetsuit.
Thickness
Wetsuits come in all types of thickness. Find out the uses for various thickness wetsuits here. They range from 1mm thickness and all the way up to 7mm. Again, the more material used, the pricer the wetsuit will be.
Quality
There can be an obvious difference in quality with wetsuits. Some are made quite cheaply with basic stitching and seams. These can fall apart after a few uses, with the strain of squeezing in and out of a wetsuit. Higher quality suits will have double or even triple stitching, made for extended and prolonged usage. These wetsuits are made for getting bashed around the surf.
Seals
Most wetsuits will have a basic seal around the neck, wrist, and ankles. Ideally, this will slow down the flow of water going in and out of the suit. However, some wetsuits have specially made seals that will greatly reduce the amount of water flow into a wetsuit. These seals are made of different materials that are highly effective in keeping you warmer for longer in the water.
Colors/Patterns
Basic wetsuits are a solid black color. Like a ninja suit. Some will have colored stitching. Even fancier wetsuits will have cool colors and patterns designed into the wetsuit. These help you stand out from the crowd, but may make you more appealing to sharks! Find out what colors and patterns attract sharks here.
Added Extras
Wetsuits are basic in design with its main purpose to keep you warm in the water. However, you can get added extras to a wetsuit to make your life easier. You can get hooks built into a suit to attach items to. Some wetsuits will even have a built-in hood.
Brand Name
There are some leading brand names in the wetsuit and water-sports industries. For scuba diving, leading brands include; Scubapro, Aqualung, Sherwood, Mares. For freediving, you will have; Fourth Element, Akona, Beuchat, Cressi. For surfing, you will see brand names such as; Ripcurl, Billabong, and O’Neill. Of course, these are all quite interchangeable between sports. Brand names have recognition, a history of quality products, and advanced testing technologies. This means a branded wetsuit will cost more.
