6 Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2025
Continuing 2025’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+ suit, but they pack in quality materials and rubber to keep you comfortable and warm in the water. Mid-range hooded wetsuits range from $375 to $500. If you’re looking for a wetsuit with competition performance without breaking the bank, look no further.
6 Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits Reviewed
Best overall flexibility: O’Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95
Best non-resistant water-tight fit: Rip Curl E-Bomb 5/4 Hooded Zip Free Wetsuit - $389.95
Best innovative full motion wetsuit: Vissla New Seas 5/4 Hooded V-Zip Wetsuit - $479.95
Best seam construction for warmth: Xcel Infiniti 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95
Best do it all wetsuit: Xcel Comp X 5.5/4.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $469.95
Best innovative 3D design fit: Manera Seafarer 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $379.00
Industry Insights and Updates
We continually update our reviews to keep the content relevant as the wetsuit industry continues to evolve.
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Billabong Bankruptcy: Billabong's parent company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Because of that, we expect a limited inventory of all Billabong wetsuits in the near future.
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Cleanline Surf now stocks Xcel wetsuits! This opens up our inventory to more options for all surfers.
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Wetsuits are better than ever before, and surfing cold waters is completely doable for any skill level of surfer.
O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ - $449.95
"Stretchiest Hooded Suit Available"
- Comfortable Neoprene
- Incredibly lightweight for 5/4+
- Updated TB3X Seams
- Watertight Seal
- Not the most durable
- Slim fit
Our Take: 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. The Hyperfreak does not have fluid seams or smooth skin panels, 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.
Read our full review here: O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review
Rip Curl E-Bomb 5/4 - $389.95
"Watertight Performance with Maximum Flexibility
- Durable critical seam sealing
- Lightweight
- Flexible E7 Neoprene
- Quick drying
- Lengthier fit
- Not the warmest option
Our Take: The Rip Curl E-Bomb stands out in the best mid-range 5/4 hooded wetsuit market due to its high-performing stretch at an affordable cost. The top-tier E7 neoprene works in your favor when you need a warm but flexible suit. As a zip-free wetsuit, you may question how hard it is to get on and off. The answer is simple: if you are familiar with wearing a wetsuit, this zip-free wetsuit will become second nature. If you’re unfamiliar with wearing wetsuits, it will take a little more time to get the entry and exit process down.
Zip-free wetsuits are superior in warmth due to their non-leaking characteristics. The most common location where a wetsuit leaks water is the zipper. With no zipper, little to no leaking takes place, which, in return, will keep you warmer for longer. With GBS seams, E6 tape, and sealed cuffs, the Rip Curl E-bomb is exceptionally durable while maintaining high-end flexibility.
If you need a high-performing 5/4 wetsuit that checks all the boxes when it comes to flexibility, warmth, and Durability, then the Rip Curl E-Bomb will meet your needs. Sammy, Cleanline's retail shop assistant manager, says, “The E-Bomb 5/4 is hands down my personal favorite suit Cleanline Surf is carrying at the moment.”
Read our full review here: Rip Curl E-Bomb Wetsuit Review
Vissla New Seas V-Zip 5/4 - $479.95
"Innovative Zipper for Unparalleled Performance"
- Eco-friendly limestone neoprene
- Warm Fever Fiber lining
- Durable 3.0 Taping
- Revolutionary V-Zip Stretch
- Slightly more expensive
- Not the longest-lasting option
Our Take: 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 New Seas is Vissla’s mid-range 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. The 3.0 Neo interior taping and GBS seams do a phenomenal job of creating the ideal water seal.
This suit starts to break away from the pack with its stand-out V-Zip Entry. Vissla’s V- Zip entry is dominant compared to normal chest zip wetsuits because it increases the range of motion in the chest and shoulders. Paired with 3D anatomically designed panels, this could easily be described as Visslas's highest-tech wetsuit.
In addition, the New 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.
Xcel Infiniti 5/4 - $449.95
"Next Level Lightweight Warmth"
- Durable Fusion X seam tape
- Warm Infrared Liner
- Quick drying
- Windproof smooth skin
- Not the most flexible
Our Take: With an unwavering dedication to research, development, and design innovation, Xcell has pushed the boundaries of what wetsuit technology is capable of. 2024 is the first year Cleanline surf shop decided to partner with Xcel wetsuits based out of O’ahu Hawaii. The long over-due partnership has brought the innovation of Xcel wetsuits to the unmatchable retail-to-consumer business of Cleanline surf shop.
After having a training by Cleanline’s Xcel rep, there is a high likelihood that this will be my next cold water wetsuit. At a perfect balance of warmth and stretch, the Xcel Infiniti is the workhorse of the Xcel wetsuit lineup. Channel flex exterior technology is a lightweight, hydrophobic material that breaks up tension by reducing fiber and water weight, which in turn allows a full free range of motion. The ultra-stretch IR interior is a light and flexible infrared smart fiber that maximizes warmth and comfort.
Xcel wetsuits are on the high-end spectrum but have the price tag of a mid-range level wetsuit. So, if you’re looking for a wetsuit with top-tier performance at a fair cost, look no further.
Xcel Comp X 5.5/4.5 - $469.95
"Long-Lasting Trusted Companion"
- Channel Flex Stretch
- Durable Fusion X seams
- Magnetic closure
- Warm TDC & TDIR
- Slightly more expensive
Our Take: The Xcel Comp X is slightly more expensive than competitors, but it's worth every penny. The Channel Flex exterior technology, Thermo Dry Celiant, and Thermo Dry Infrared are a few features that make this wetsuit stand out. With an easy entry system and fusion X tape, durability is an afterthought. Cleanline recently started selling Xcel wetsuits, and we have had nothing but positive feedback from staff and customers.
The Comp X is 5.5/4.5 thick to maintain the warmth of a 5mm and the stretch of a 4mm. It is hard to find suits that check multiple boxes, and the Xcel Comp X has many features that make it one of the best, well-rounded suits on the market.
Read our full review here: Xcel Comp X Wetsuit Review
Manera Seafarer 5/4/3 - $379.00
"Strategic Placements in an Innovative 3D Design"
- Comfortable 3D design
- Warm X10D lining
- Recycled material
- Durable seams
- Great price
- Could be considered to warm
Our Take: The Manera Seafarer is a 3D-designed wetsuit for superior stretch and comfort. The X10D+ Fleece & Jersey lining is extremely warm and flexible. Paired with the S-foam neoprene, the Seafarer is high performing at an affordable cost. The fusion cut cuffs on the wrist and ankle areas of the wetsuit is a game changer. If you have ever had a wetsuit without the rubber material on the wrist and ankles, then you’ll know how much this feature matters.
Manera avoids placing seams in areas of tension so that the wetsuit can move freely. This strategic placement also improves the suit's durability and comfort. Rashes from the neoprene are unheard of in Manera suits. If you decide to go with the Seafarer, you will be able to focus on what matters, catching waves!
Honorable Mention
Rip Curl Flashbomb 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit: The Rip Curl Flashbomb is a High-End wetsuit priced right in the top half of the Mid-Range price tier. With a long-lasting reputation, the Flashbomb remains a top seller in the wetsuit market. Warm and fast drying with ultimate E7 neoprene stretch.
Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2025
| Wetsuit | Price | Neoprene | Interior Liner | Seam Construction | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O’Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip | $449.95 | TechnoButter 3 & 3X | TB3 Neoprene | GBS + TB3X Taped | Maximum Flexibility |
| Rip Curl E-Bomb 5/4 Hooded Zip Free | $389.95 | E7 Neoprene | E7 & E6 Thermo Lining | GBS + E6 Tape | Low Resistance Fit |
| Vissla New Seas 5/4 Hooded V-Zip | $479.95 | Feather-Foam | Thermal Fever Fiber | Triple GBS + Neo 3.0 Tape | Full Motion Surfing |
| Xcel Infiniti 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip | $449.95 | Nanoprene Lite Japanese Limestone | TDR & IR | Triple GBS + FusionX Tape | Warmth & Cold Protection |
| Xcel Comp X 5.5/4.5 Hooded Chest Zip | $469.95 | Nanoprene Lite Japanese Limestone | TDC & TDIR | Triple GBS + FusionX Tape | All-Around Performance |
| Manera Seafarer 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip | $379.00 | S-Foam | X10D Thermal Fleece & Jersey | GBS Seams | Ergonomic 3D Fit |
Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits – FAQs
What defines a “mid-range” hooded wetsuit?
A mid-range hooded wetsuit typically costs between $375–$500. These suits balance performance, warmth, and durability, offering better materials and construction than budget suits but without the ultra-premium price tag of high-end options.
How warm are mid-range hooded wetsuits?
Most mid-range hooded wetsuits come in 4/3mm or 5/4/3mm thickness, providing sufficient insulation for water temperatures ranging from 48–58°F (9–14°C). The attached hood adds vital warmth for cold-water surfing.
Are mid-range wetsuits durable?
Yes, many brands use high-quality neoprene (like Super Stretch or Eco-friendly options) and reinforced seam construction (GBS, taped, or critically taped) that ensures good longevity with proper care.
Do they use eco-friendly materials?
Many mid-range wetsuits now incorporate limestone-based neoprene or partially recycled linings, especially from brands like Vissla, Patagonia (on sale), and Billabong.
How should I choose the right fit?
Look for snug, second-skin comfort with no loose areas or major gaps. Most brands offer size charts, and some mid-range suits now come in tall or short variations for better fit options.
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Final Thoughts
The 2025 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. I hope this blog has been resourceful in your wetsuit shopping experience!
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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