Best 4/3 Hooded Wetsuits for 2026

Waves are in the forecast, and it is time to gear up with one of the best 4/3 hooded wetsuits on the market. As advancements in wetsuit technology continue, surfers are increasingly gravitating towards the lighter, more flexible 4/3 hooded wetsuit to replace their heavier 5/4. With so many hooded 4/3 wetsuits now available, which one should you buy? Do you need a hood with a 4/3 wetsuit? 

We spend a lot of time in the water testing wetsuits, and a good 4/3 with a hood can make a difference in the Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Central & Northern California), where water temps often hover around 50 degrees F. Though not everyone wants a wetsuit with a hood, a 4/3 hooded wetsuit is ideal for waters from 50 to 58 degrees, depending on your air temps and tolerance to cold.

Our goal is to provide you with industry insights and first-hand feedback to help guide your purchase of a new 4/3 suit. With all of the wetsuits to select from in 2026, this blog will save you time and effort in narrowing down the best suit for your needs. That said, here’s our review of a few 4/3 hooded suits that are staff and customer favorites for 2026.

Best 4/3 Hooded Wetsuits Reviewed

Best overall wetsuit: O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $449.95

Best high-performance wetsuit: Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Hooded Zipless Wetsuit - $369.95

Best neoprene-free wetsuit: Patagonia Yulex Regulator 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $579.00

Best value wetsuit: Xcel Comp X 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $479.95

Best budget-friendly wetsuit: Vissla Seven Seas 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $329.95

Most versatile wetsuit: O’Neill Mutant Legend 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $519.95

Industry Insights and Updates

We continually update our reviews to keep the content relevant as the wetsuit industry continues to evolve. 

• For the fall of 2025, Rip Curl updated nearly all of its wetsuits to natural rubber rather than neoprene. In return, this makes their wetsuit more environmentally friendly and high performing.

• Billabong revamped nearly its entire model line with a major update: for Fall 2024, it transitioned from using traditional neoprene rubber to 100% neoprene-free rubber.

• Cleanline Surf now carries Xcel, which has been producing quality suits, boots, and gloves for decades.

• Patagonia made drastic improvements to its wetsuits in the 23/24 season. These include a new premium exterior fabric, interior liner, and more. With the new upgrades, Patagonia still tops the industry in sustainability.

O’Neill Hyperfreak - $449.95

“Best-selling high-performing workhorse”

Our Take: The O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Hooded Chest Zip wetsuit is a top seller at Cleanline Surf. With its high-performing characteristics, the Hyperfreak does not disappoint. O’Neill originally created this wetsuit by flipping the interior liner (TB3) inside out, which made it the stretchiest available option in the industry. Now, it is the same concept but with additional tech to balance the warmth, flexibility, and durability properties.

The full body and legs of the suit include TB3, which is very flexible, lightweight, and comfortable. The arms and hood are built with TB3X, an even stretchier, lightweight material that will maximize your mobility in the water. You might even question, “Am I even wearing a wetsuit?” The TB3X fully taped seams add durability and warmth to the suit.

In addition to all of the high-end characteristics, O’Neill made the Hyperfreak 4/3 with sustainable materials such as Recycled Oyster shells and eco-carbon black-infused neoprene. There's nothing like a sustainable purchase that performs well.

Read our full review here: O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review.

Rip Curl E-Bomb - $369.95

“Light-weight design with ultimate flexibility”

Our Take: The Rip Curl E-Bomb is made with high-quality materials at a mid-range cost. The performance of this comp-style suit is hard to beat. Without a zipper, there is little to no restriction. Critical stress point taping is placed throughout the suit, along with E6 taped seams. The E-Bomb is not the highest-end wetsuit from Rip Curl; however, if you need ultimate flexibility, then the E-Bomb is the way to go.

Built with Natural Rubber & E7 thermo lining, it offers an impressive stretch-to-warmth ratio, ensuring unrestricted movement while maintaining heat retention in cold conditions. If you’re looking for comfort, the E-Bomb is hands down one of the comfiest suits available. Overall, the E-Bomb is a top-tier option for surfers who demand a lightweight, ultra-stretchy suit that doesn't compromise warmth or performance.

Read our full review here: Rip Curl E-Bomb Wetsuit Review.

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Patagonia Yulex Regulator  - $579.00

“Do-it-all sustainable construction.”

Our Take: The Yulex Regulator series is Patagonia’s latest premium, eco-friendly wetsuit, coming a long way since the debut of the world’s first neoprene-free line in 2016. Made with 85% Yulex natural rubber and 15% synthetic rubber, the Regulator 4.5/3.5 is one of the most durable, environmentally friendly wetsuits on the market.

Although the regulator is warm, durable, and sustainably made, I wouldn't say it is as flexible as competitor wetsuits in the same category. It takes longer to break in, and overall, holds its structure throughout the life of the suit. A standout feature is the Patagonia Iron Clad warranty, which gives you lifetime coverage depending on the wear.

Read our full review here: Patagonia Yulex Regulator Wetsuit Review

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Xcel Comp X - $479.95

“Mind-blowing performance with maximum comfort”

Our Take: Newer to our inventory, the Xcel Comp X wetsuit is quickly turning eyes. The suit is built for the surfer who prioritizes flexibility without sacrificing warmth. Featuring Channel Flex technology, the suit provides an ultra-light, unrestricted feel, allowing for maximum mobility in the water. The Thermal Dry Celliant is proven to generate increased blood flow, and the Thermal Dry Infrared is a heat-generating fiber that doesn’t compromise mobility.

Glued and blind-stitched seams reinforced by FusionX tape ensure durability while minimizing water leaking through. In terms of sizing, Xcel wetsuits generally offer a true-to-size fit with a snug, performance-oriented feel, making them ideal for surfers who prefer a second-skin-like experience. If you need a lightweight yet warm suit, then the Xcel Comp X should be seriously considered. 

Read our full review here: Coming soon.

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Vissla Seven Seas - $329.95

“Best 4/3 hooded bang for your buck”

Our Take: Vissla continues to make a name for itself with its affordable suits and jaw-dropping surf films. A couple of my personal favorite films are Pedro’s Bay and Palmera Express. The Seven Seas 4/3 is a great bang-for-your-buck suit that prioritizes warmth, flexibility, and affordability. The Fever Fiber lining throughout retains heat, so you can stay warm for longer. It’s fully taped internally (except in the arms where you want the extra stretch), so you can feel confident the suit will hold up to the rigors of daily use.

There are two different liners (one in the body and one in the legs) that both help keep you warm and comfortable. Externally, you’ll see the standard GBS seams, but there is no special seam weld. However, because of the internal tape, you don’t really need it. Considering this wetsuit is priced between entry-level and mid-range, it has many high-end features, and the neoprene is better than we would expect from similarly priced wetsuits. It's still not top-of-the-line like you’ll find in $500 wetsuits, but it's definitely plenty stretchy.

Overall, the build quality feels solid, and the zipper is fairly heavy-duty and does not dislocate, so you don’t have to fumble around trying to start it with cold hands. A couple of other standard but nice features include reinforced knee pads and seals around the ankles and cuffs to help keep water out. All said and done, if you’re on a budget, it’s hard not to buy this suit.

Read our full review here: Vissla Seven Seas Wetsuit Review.

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O’Neill Mutant Legend - $519.95

“Ultimate versatility with great wind protection”

Pros

• Interchangeable hood & neck pieces
• Stretchy Technobutter neoprene
• Wind-resistant smooth skin panels

Cons

• Zippers can get sticky
• Not the lightest suit – reinforced seams and thicker materials add weight

Our Take: The O’Neill Mutant Legend is a highly recommended suit due to its modular design. It comes with two different zip-in attachments: a hood and a regular neckpiece (no hood). Because the closure system has overlapping layers and a zipper attachment, you get a super watertight wetsuit whether you’re using the hood or the regular neck.

Besides this exclusive hood-optional feature, looking at the rest of the Mutant’s specs, you’ll find it’s a solid high-end wetsuit. 100% fluid seam welded on the exterior, with wind-blocking smooth skin on the front and back panels, as well as a technobutter air firewall liner in key areas. As a result, this is, hands down, a watertight and super warm 4/3 wetsuit (technically 4.5mm/3.5mm). The TB3 neoprene has been a top neoprene in the wetsuit game for years, and the TB3x found in the shoulders of Mutant is the most flexible out there, making this suit a great performer when it comes to paddling and comfort.

All in all, this is a high-end wetsuit priced a bit below the top-of-the-line suits on the market, and a great selling point is the detachable hood system that allows you to have two wetsuits in one. If you’re looking for a two-in-one suit that has some of O’Neill’s best tech, then give this bad boy a try.

Read our full review here: O'Neill Mutant Legend Wetsuit Review.

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Honorable Mentions

Xcel Drylock 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit: The Xcel Drylock 4/3 Hooded wetsuit is Xcel's warmest and most durable wetsuit model. It is built with a combination of High-end features, including Channel Flex 2.0 Exterior, Thermo Dry Inferno, and Drylock wrist seals. This suit is ideal for the surfer needing extra warmth and durability. With smooth skin chest and back panels, the suit performs well in windy conditions. Check it out on our website here!

What water temperatures are 4/3 hooded wetsuits best for?

A 4/3 hooded wetsuit is ideal for water temperatures between 45°F and 55°F (7°C–13°C). The attached hood helps prevent heat loss, making these wetsuits a solid choice for cold-water surfing.

Are there any neoprene-free 4/3 hooded wetsuits?

Yes. The Patagonia Yulex Regulator 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit is one of the best neoprene-free options on this list. Made from natural rubber (Yulex), it’s an eco-friendly alternative that still delivers excellent warmth and durability, though it comes at a higher price point of $579.00.

Is a hooded wetsuit better than wearing a separate hood?

We would recommend an attached hood if warmth is your main concern. The attached hood will let less water in therefore keeping you warmer. The benefit of having a detachable hood is that you can be more comfortable going hoodless when the water is closer to 55 - 60 degrees F. There are also some detachable hoods that offer less coverage and are a little bit more comfortable. Check out our wetsuit hoods over at our website, or read our wetsuit hood guide to learn more about hoods.

Relevant Blogs We've Written

• 7 Best Surf Boots For 2025 - For information on surf boots that pair well with these 4/3 hooded wetsuits.

• 5 Best High-End Hooded Wetsuits For 2025 - Read further if you’re looking for more insight on the best high-end hooded suits.

• Best Affordable 4/3 Wetsuits For 2025 - Priced between $200-$300, we’ve got a handful of highly recommended affordable suits that get the job done.

• Best Mid-Range 4/3 Wetsuits of 2025 - In the market for a step up from your entry level suit? Take a look at our top recommendations for suits under $500.

• Best High-End 4/3 Wetsuits of 2025 - For the best of the best, read further for our premium offerings that feature top-notch materials and performance.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it, the best 4/3 hooded wetsuits of 2026! High-performance options like the Rip Curl E-Bomb and Xcel Comp X prioritize maximum stretch for unrestricted movement, while eco-conscious choices like the Patagonia R3 Regulator focus on sustainability without compromising durability. The Vissla Seven Seas provides a great balance of affordability and performance, making it a solid mid-range choice, while the O’Neill Mutant stands out for its modular design, offering both a hooded and standard neck option. 

Ultimately, the best wetsuit depends on individual preferences, water temperatures, and surf conditions, but all of these models deliver premium performance for those looking to stay warm and comfortable while surfing in cold water.

Whatever your needs are, don’t hesitate to chat with one of our experts. Drop a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com.

James

James grew up as a snowboarder in the Wasatch Mountain range, with an admiration of the sea. After catching his first wave and soaking up the sea breeze, he gained an eternal love for surfing. Nowadays, he lives to ride sideways and is stoked to share his passions with others while writing blogs and working on the Customer Service team. If you don’t see him at the surf break, he’ll be pumping a bowl or ripping down a mountain.