5 Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
Continuing 2023’s round-up of the best-hooded wetsuits, we move to the mid-range price tier. The suits on this list are some of the best value for quality currently available. In fact, the first entry has been Cleanline’s best-selling wetsuit for the last few years. Mid-range suits don’t have all of the premium features of a $500+ plus suit, but they pack in quality materials and rubber to keep you comfortable and warm in the water.
Wetsuits Reviewed
- O’Neill - Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $439.95
- Quiksilver - Marathon Session 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $329.95
- Vissla - North Seas 5.5/4.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $399.95
- Billabong - Furnace Comp 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $459.95
- Rip Curl - Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $319.95
Without further ado, here are the five best mid-range hooded wetsuits for 2023.
O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ - $439.95
"Stretchiest Hooded Suit Available"
The Hyperfreak series has been around for years as a mid-level option from O’Neill. However, it took until 2019 for O’Neill to release a 5/4 hooded option. Since then, the Hyperfreak 5 /4+ continues to rank as the best value in the O’Neill line, and it quickly became our single-most popular wetsuit.
The Hyperfreak features the ultra-flexible Techno Butter 3 (TB3) neoprene. This material is one of the most flexible rubbers out there, and this feature alone makes this suit worth its price tag. Additionally, the rubber in the arms and shoulders of the suit is covered with an external jersey of O’Neill’s new Techno Butter 3X (TB3X). This outer jersey material has a corduroy appearance to it. It’s designed to be even lighter and more stretchy than the rest of the suit to maximize flexibility in the upper body.
The seams are triple glued, blindstitched, and fully taped with O’Neill’s recently updated tape. Bright blue in appearance, it’s the lightest and most flexible batch they’ve ever made. There is no fluid seam or smooth skin panels on the Hyperfreak, which helps keep the weight and price tag low. By using their top materials and nixing some of the bells and whistles from more expensive bangers like the PsychoTech, the Hyperfreak is the most high-performance suit in this price range.
There’s a reason they move so quickly when we stock them, so if you see one available in your size, pick it up today. For a more in-depth look at this suit, check out our full review of the O'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit.
Highlights & Features
- High-performer for price
- Incredibly lightweight for a 5/4+
- TB3 & TB3X Neoprene throughout the whole suit
- Updated TB3X taped seams
- Easy entry and watertight seal
Quiksilver Marathon Sessions 5/4/3 - $329.95
"Best Value"
Quiksilver is a global company that crafts all sorts of surf gear and accessories. They’ve been designing suits for years and have learned a thing or two about producing bomber suits. They recently have streamlined their current offerings into two categories: the Everyday Sessions and Marathon Sessions. The Marathon Sessions is the heavier, sturdier, and more expensive suit with premium, warmth-focused features at a more affordable price. It’s also our only 5/4/3 on this list, and that little bit of 3mm neoprene makes this suit feel stretchier and more comfortable than a true 5/4 or a 5.5/4.5. In thick wetsuits, every bit of weight reduction helps.
The seam construction of the Marathon Sessions is triple blindstitched, glued, and has full internal taping. It also features an exterior seam weld to ensure that you will have no leakage during long, icy sessions. The Marathon Sessions also boasts a fair amount of smooth skin in the core and hood, so this is an excellent option if you have a lot of wind at your home break. You will find Quik’s WarmFlight eco infrared liner by flipping the suit inside out. Like other expensive liners, this liner traps body heat and reflects it back to create tangible warmth inside your suit. It is the warmest liner and suit Quiksilver makes, so this is an excellent buy if you’re a fan of their gear and looking for extra warmth.
For a more in-depth look at this suit, check out our full review of the Quiksilver Marathon Sessions Wetsuit.
Highlights & Features
- Quality StretchFlight eco-neoprene
- WarmFlight eco infrared liner
- Liquid flex sealed seams
- Premium features for the price
Vissla North Seas 5.5/4.5 - $399.95
"High-End Warmth"
Vissla recently redesigned its entire wetsuit line, making them even better than before. Notably, their latest model suits are made with premium Japanese limestone neoprene. The North Seas is Vissla’s high-end coldwater wetsuit and packs in all their best technology. The seams compete with the best on this list. They are glued, triple blindstitched, and feature full internal taping and an exterior seam weld. The seam weld and interior taping combination do a phenomenal job of creating the ideal water seal.
This suit starts to break away from the pack with its stand-out Fever Fiber liner. Vissla’s hollow fiber liner covers the core, the legs to the ankles, and the hood. The shoulders and arms are liner-free for better mobility in the paddling zone of the suit. This suit is your match if you’re tired of ice cream headaches.
In addition, the North Seas has ample smooth skin to take the sting out of howling offshore winds. Not all companies have specs on their knee pads, but Vissla included upcycled Supratex abrasion-resistant knee pads for added flexibility and strength. The buttery feel of the limestone neoprene reinforces the feeling of a bomber suit. The North Seas competes for one of the warmest suits on our list since it’s technically a 5.5/4.5 rubber. If you’re looking to turn up the heat and not break the bank, check out the North Seas.
Highlights & Features
- I-Foam Premium Japanese limestone-based neoprene
- Warm Fever Fiber Interior lining
- Upcycled Nylon Exterior Jersey
- Bonus style points
- Warmest suit for the price
Billabong Furnace Comp 5/4 - $459.95
"High Performing Eco-Friendly Wetsuit"
A similar suit to its Furnace big brother, the Furnace Comp prioritizes stretch and flexibility. Namely, Billabong’s high-tech Furnace + graphene liner is only present in the core and ends just above the knees. Without a liner in the shoulders and arms, your body will thank you for the increased paddling mobility.
The rest of the suit features Smart Foam neoprene, with a high-end Airlite jersey in the shoulders. This results in a significantly stretchier wetsuit without sacrificing too much warmth. Many Oregon locals who wear the Furnace Comp mention the 5/4 is too warm for our water and opt for the 4/3 most of the year. For reference, Oregon water temperatures often dip into the mid 40’s F.
The seams are glued, blindstitched, and fully taped. Additionally, an external seam weld is present in high-stress flex areas. The seam weld runs along the backside of the body, arms, ribs, and thighs and finishes by wrapping around the knee. The result is a lightweight suit that maintains a watertight seal as the seams stretch over time. This suit is as eco-friendly as it gets, with the neoprene and liner made of recycled or upcycled materials. For the price, it’s hard to find a better-performing suit. The low environmental burden is an added plus for eco-conscious shoppers. Read our full review for more information on the Billabong Furnace Comp Wetsuit.
Highlights & Features
- Eco-friendly and durable design
- High-Quality Tech & Neoprene
- Outstanding Comfort
- Great balance of Warmth and Flexibility
- Only available at Cleanline Surf
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/4 - $319.95
“Decades of Warmth”
The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol wetsuit is one of the longest-running wetsuit lines in history. It’s been beloved by surfers and water folk for decades as a reliable suit with tech that works. This suit is constantly receiving updates, and 2023 is a great year to pick one up. With all their models going forward, Rip Curl has decided to do away with their exterior seam weld. This has chiefly been done to help ease repairs for warranty claims in an effort to reduce waste. With this change, we have not noticed a decrease in performance.
The Dawn Patrol also features Rip Curl’s incredibly popular E5 Flash Lining. It’s an incredibly warm, high-tech liner that they have been honing for years. Inside of the legs, they have also included a gray-colored Thermo liner ensuring top-tier warmth. Lastly, the interior seams are still glued, triple-blind stitched, and spot taped.
We constantly recommend the Dawn Patrol to folks looking for an entry-level hooded wetsuit that is comfortable and warm without sacrificing stretch and performance. For a more in-depth look at the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Wetsuit, check out our full review.
Highlights & Features
- Constantly redesigned and refined wetsuit model
- Features some of Rip Curl’s best tech
- Comfortable for longer sessions
- Great warranty and repair program
Relevant Blogs We’ve Written
- Surf Wetsuit Hood Guide
- Surf Wetsuit Glove Guide
- 5 Best High-End Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
- 5 Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
Final Thoughts
The 2023 mid-range wetsuit market is competitive and full of award-winning design features and tech. If you’re looking to upgrade from your first suit or get started in a more durable and warmer wetsuit, there are plenty of options. We’ve got one more budget-friendly hooded wetsuit guide to round out those price ranges, so keep your eyes peeled. Until then, rip and tear!
If you have any additional questions about the suits, feel free to drop a comment below, call our customer service team at 1-888-546-6176, or reach out via email at support@cleanlinesurf.com.
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