10 Best Long John Wetsuits 2025 in the United States

The O'Neill Epic 4/3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit is a solid choice for various water activities like surfing, diving, and paddle sports. Its 4/3mm thickness strikes a good balance between warmth and flexibility, making it suitable for moderately cold water. The wetsuit is made from UltraFlex neoprene, which is known for its superior stretch and comfort, enhancing performance and ease of movement. Additionally, the FluidFlex Firewall panels offer wind resistance and extra insulation, beneficial in colder conditions.

The seams are blind stitched and triple glued, effectively keeping water out and adding durability to the wetsuit. The back zip entry system simplifies putting on and taking off the wetsuit, while ensuring a watertight seal. The fit is tailored to individuals with a medium-short build, providing appropriate measurements for chest, waist, and height. However, the back zip may not be as convenient as a front zip for some users, and the specific sizing might not suit all body types.

The wetsuit's construction and materials are robust, but it is imported from China, which might influence purchasing decisions for some. It offers good value for its price, especially for recreational water activities.

The O'Neill Women's Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit is designed as an entry-level wetsuit suitable for various water activities like surfing and diving. With a thickness of 3/2mm, it offers decent insulation for mildly cold waters. The wetsuit is made from ultra-stretch neoprene, which is known for its flexibility and comfort. This material helps improve performance by allowing greater freedom of movement.

The seamless paddle zones enhance this mobility by reducing seam placement, thereby minimizing discomfort during paddling or swimming. Additionally, the wind-resistant smoothskin provides extra insulation against cold winds, which is beneficial in keeping the wearer warmer in cooler conditions. The backzip entry system is user-friendly, simplifying the process of putting the wetsuit on and taking it off, while maintaining a water-resistant closure to minimize water entry.

The fit is tailored for women, with specific size dimensions ensuring better comfort and performance during activities. Some users might find the sizing a bit tricky as it is specified in Short format (10S), which is suitable for individuals within a specific height and weight range. This wetsuit ranks well in its category, and its strengths lie in its material quality, comfort, and ease of use. However, it might not be the best choice for those needing extremely thick wetsuits for very cold water or those preferring chest zip systems.

The Rip Curl Men's Dawn Patrol 3/2mm wetsuit is made from high-quality E5 neoprene, which offers good flexibility and comfort, making it easier to move around in the water. Its 3mm thickness is a solid choice for moderate water temperatures, suitable for many water sports like surfing and paddleboarding. Instead of a back zip, this model uses a chest zip entry system, which helps keep water out and improves warmth, but some users may find it a bit trickier to get on and off compared to back zippers.

The wetsuit features taped stress points and strong seams, enhancing durability for regular use. The thermal lining with water-wicking technology and mesh panels helps keep you warm by absorbing sunlight and reducing wind chill. The fit is designed to be snug yet flexible, though as with most wetsuits, proper sizing is important to ensure comfort and performance.

This wetsuit serves as a versatile and reliable choice for those looking for a comfortable, warm option in mild to cool conditions. However, if you need something for colder water or prefer an easier entry system, you might want to consider thicker suits or models with back zips.