Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2025

Finishing 2025’s round-up of the best-hooded wetsuits, we enter the affordable price tier. The suits on this list are some of the best for value currently available. Affordable suits don’t have all of the premium features of $500+ suits, but they pack in enough tech and rubber to keep you warm and comfortable in our frigid waters. Whether you're an avid surfer or just learning, exploring the best affordable options of this year will help you gear up for your next surf session without sacrificing quality or budget.

Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits Reviewed

Best eco-friendly option: Vissla Seven Seas 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $349.95

Best comfortable fit and sleek look: Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuits - $329.95

Long-lasting reputation: Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $319.95

Best bang for your buck: Xcel Axis 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $314.95

Industry Insights and Updates

• Billabong revamped nearly its entire model line with a major update: going from a traditional neoprene rubber to a 100% neoprene-free rubber back in Fall 2024.
  

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

• The parent company of Billabong and Quiksilver wetsuits filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Because of that, we expect a limited inventory of all Billabong and Quiksilver wetsuits in the near future. 

Vissla Seven Seas 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuits - $349.95

“Super Stretch Flexibility in an Eco-Friendly Construction” 

Our Take: Starting off our list, we have the Vissla Seven Seas. Namely, the 100% Japanese limestone-based neoprene that gives this wetsuit a premium buttery feeling. After spending some time in a limestone-based suit, you really begin to notice a difference in flex and comfort. Vissla chose to ax the smooth skin on the suit's chest and just include one panel on the back. They also decided not to use an exterior seam weld to save on weight and price. This results in a much easier-to-repair suit that is a bit longer-lasting.

Vissla didn’t skimp on their interior seams as they are glued, triple-blind stitched, and fully taped. Their incredibly soft and hard-working interior liner, Fever Fiber, also makes an appearance in the core and ends just above the knees. The legs of the suit are finished with their Eco Fiber liner. There’s even a strip of Eco Fiber in the hood to help prevent ice-cream headaches. This suit is jam-packed full of higher-end features and is one of the better buys on this list.

Read our full review here: Vissla Seven Seas Wetsuit

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Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $329.95

“Sleek Fit with Great Performance” 

Our Take: Quiksilver has been designing wetsuits for years and producing surprisingly high-performing hooded suits for the price. We covered the Marathon Sessions in the mid-range wetsuit guide, and the Everyday Sessions make an appearance in this one. The Everyday Sessions is the lighter, more flexible, and cheaper suit made with performance features in mind. It’s one of two 5/4/3's 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 thicker hooded wetties, every bit of weight reduction helps.

Starting with the seam construction of the Everyday Sessions, they are triple blindstitched, glued, and spot taped. The Everyday Sessions only have smooth skin in the hood, which greatly reduces the weight as compared to the Marathon Sessions. Instead of a liner just in the core, Quik decided to put their WarmFlight Eco Velvet thermo liner throughout the entire suit. It’s incredibly comfy and does a great job of keeping you toasty warm during cold sessions. This suit is excellent if you’re a fan of their gear and looking for extra stretch and comfort in the water.

Read our full review here: Quiksilver Everyday Sessions Wetsuit

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Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $319.95

“Trusted Do Everything Wetsuit” 

Our Take: The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol has a long-lasting reputation. Due to its universal fit and durable properties, we used to have this wetsuit in our rental fleet. The only reason it isn’t still on our rental fleet is because of the collaboration we have with Billabong. I’m glad we still sell the Dawn Patrol, and I often recommend it to customers. The included features to value make the Dawn Patrol well worth the price.

The wetsuit is exceptionally warm and flexible, made of E5 neoprene and E5 flashlining. Flashlining, Rip Curl’s signature lining, is a sought-after material that revolutionized the surf industry. My favorite aspect of flashlining is how fast it dries after a session. Having a dry wetsuit to get into can sometimes be the determining factor on whether to go out for a second session or not. Along with Flashlining, Rip Curl included Yulex natural rubber and a recycled external jersey, which makes the Dawn Patrol a great sustainable option.

Read our full review here: Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Wetsuit

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Xcel Axis 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $314.95

“A little bit of Everything” 

Our Take: The Xcel Axis is a great option for the surfer looking for enhanced warmth and comfort. Xcel created the Axis model with elevated features to maximize the performance of their entry-level wetsuit. The smooth skin panels located on the front and back of the wetsuit add additional warmth by preventing wind from entering the suit. The smooth skin panels also provide a nice grip for less unnecessary paddling movement. While paddling through a critical break, it is nice to know that you will be securely set on the sweet spot of your board, which, in return, conserves your energy.

Thermolite IR is an infrared-infused fiber that enhances the wetsuit's overall performance through warmth, flexibility, and drying time. It is infused in the front and back panels on the inside of the Axis. With a Semi-dry zipper system and fusion X seam tape, the Axis keeps you drier for longer and is exceptionally durable.

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Honorable Mentions

Manera Seafarer 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit—$379.00: Although this suit is slightly more expensive, it is another great affordable wetsuit with a revolutionary 3D fit.

Billabong Absolute Natural+ 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit—$339.95: The Billabong Absolute Natural+ is new for 2024 and is one of my personal favorites. The only downside is that inventory is currently limited. 

Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits

Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits – FAQs

What thickness wetsuit is best for cold water surfing?

For cold water (50–60°F / 10–15°C), a 4/3mm or 5/4mm hooded wetsuit is typically ideal. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer it will be, especially with an integrated hood.

Why choose a hooded wetsuit instead of a separate hood?

A hooded wetsuit provides better heat retention by reducing water flush through the neck. It’s also more convenient and secure than a separate hood, especially in powerful surf.

Can affordable wetsuits be warm and durable?

Yes. Many affordable hooded wetsuits use limestone-based neoprene, taped seams, and thermal liners for warmth without the premium price tag. Brands like Vissla, Xcel, and Rip Curl offer strong value options.

What should I expect to spend on an affordable hooded wetsuit?

A quality hooded wetsuit can be found in the $200–$350 range. It won’t have all the high-end bells and whistles, but it will cover the essentials for most cold-water surfers.

Are affordable wetsuits flexible enough for performance surfing?

Yes! They’re plenty flexible for paddling and maneuvering. However, premium wetsuits will generally be lighter and more pliable.

How long should an affordable wetsuit last?

With proper care (rinsing, drying in the shade, avoiding sharp objects), a budget wetsuit can last 2–3 seasons of regular use.

Do affordable hooded wetsuits fit true to size?

Sizing varies by brand, so always check each brand’s size chart and reviews. A good fit is essential for warmth, especially around the hood, chest, and lower back.

Similar Blogs We've Written

• 5 Best Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits - The best Mid-Range hooded wetsuits with a focus on performance.

• 5 Best High-End Hooded Wetsuits - The best hooded wetsuits offered in the surf industry with the latest technology.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the best affordable 5/4 hooded wetsuits of 2025 prove that you don't have to break the bank to stay warm and protected in colder waters. This year's top budget-friendly options deliver impressive warmth, durability, and flexibility without compromising any essential features. By prioritizing value and performance, these wetsuits offer excellent functionality for those who want to enjoy their time in the water while keeping costs in check. If you’re looking to purchase your first suit or find something cheaper and more lightweight, there are plenty of options. This list compiles all of Cleanline’s best affordable hooded wetsuits for 2025.

We believe there is a wetsuit out there for every person and every budget. We’ll see you in the water: cheers!

If you have any questions about these or any other suits, feel free to give us a shout at support@cleanlinesurf.com, leave a comment, or call us at 1-888-546-6176

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.