Best Mid-Range 4/3 Wetsuits of 2026
Embarking on a quest for the best mid-range 4/3 surfing wetsuit for 2026? Look no further! Join us as we navigate each wetsuit's features, materials, and performance, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next surf session. A mid-range suit is a great option if you’re looking to upgrade from an entry-level suit and want a few extra features when it comes to warmth, flexibility, and comfort. You’ll be surprised at some of the high-end characteristics that are found in some of the mid-range suits reviewed below.
With all that said, we’ve put together a three-part blog about the best affordable, mid-range, and high-end 4/3 wetsuits for 2026. In this blog, we’ll focus on mid-range wetsuits. A mid-range 4/3 suit typically falls within the $300-500 price range. Generally, a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended for water temperatures ranging from 52-60 degrees F (or 11.1-15.5 degrees C). Join me as I review the best mid-range 4/3 wetsuits of 2026: taking a look at features, performance, and the different options available.
Best Mid-Range 4/3 Wetsuits Reviewed
Best non-restrictive water-tight wetsuit: Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Wetsuit - $349.95+
Best ultimate flexibility: O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Wetsuit - $419.95+
Best reliable bigger surfer wetsuit: O’Neill Heat 4/3 Wetsuit - $439.95
Best warm and long-lasting wetsuit: Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 Wetsuit - $419.95+
Award-winning wetsuit: O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire 4/3+ Wetsuit - $479.95
Best balance of flexibility and durability: Xcel Comp X 4/3 Wetsuit - $449.95
Industry Insights and Updates
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For Fall 2025, Rip Curl nearly revamped its entire wetsuit lineup, transitioning from neoprene to natural rubber. This shift delivers a significantly more environmentally friendly construction while maintaining the same high level of quality.
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For 2026, Quicksilver is using new environmentally friendly Ocean Natural Rubber. On top of that, they have introduced a new warm PrimaLoft interior fabric.
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The majority of wetsuit manufacturers now use more sustainable practices in the production process—dope-dyed yarns, water-based glues on seams, and fully or partially recycled materials in the liner, exterior fabric, and rubber.
Rip Curl E-Bomb - $349.95+
“Unrestricted Movement with Warm Insulation”
- High-performance stretch
- Warm thermal liner
- Minimal Seams
- Water-tight seal
- Not as durable as High-end suits
- Not the easiest to get in and out of
Our Take: Be ready to catch memorable waves in the Rip Curl E-Bomb. With exceptional flexibility and comfort, the E-Bomb is a top choice for performance surfers. Along with the sustainable natural rubber, you’ll find a blue E7 thermo lining throughout the entire suit, ensuring you stay warm no matter how long your session lasts. The E-Bomb was designed with fewer panels, which leads to fewer seams, creating a more movable suit from top to bottom. All seams are triple-glued and blind stitched (GBS), along with E6 Flash Lining tape on the inside seams for additional durability.
As the lowest-priced mid-range 4/3 suit on this list, you're in the right place if you're looking for a wetsuit with high-level performance that leads to less paddle fatigue.
Read our full review here: Rip Curl E-Bomb Wetsuit Review (older version)
Shop By Model
Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Zip Free - $349.95
Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Chest Zip - $369.95
Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Back Zip - $369.95
Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Hooded Zip Free - $369.95
O’Neill Hyperfreak - $419.95+
“Ultimate Flexibility”
- Highly Flexible
- Comfortable TB3 neoprene
- Minimizes paddling fatigue
- Sleek design
- Not the warmest option
- High Performance, but not the most durable
Our Take: With 60+ years of innovation and product experience, it's no surprise O’Neill is a top contender in this “best of mid-range 4/3” wetsuit lineup. The Hyperfreak continually ranks as one of our best-selling suits year after year, making it an ideal choice for surfers who want to stay comfortable in the water but maneuver like they’re in the tropics wearing swim trunks. With Technobutter 3X neoprene and an extra 0.5mm of thickness, the Hyperfreak is one of, if not the most comfortable, wetsuits on this list. That said, the Hyperfreak easily carries the label as the best 4/3 for flexibility.
Another fantastic feature of the Hyperfreak is the F.U.Z.E zipper system. The zipper is pre-fed and zips from right to left, which is a preference for many surfers due to its ease of use. The Hyperfreak is an employee favorite at Cleanline Surf and includes minimal seams with a 360-degree barrier, including drain holes. Drain holes are necessary for high-level performance surfing, so flushing doesn’t become a factor.
Lastly, the Hyperfreak 4/3 contains a few critical sustainable materials and curation processes. Eco carbon black is a key ingredient in the neoprene. Made from scrap tires, this manufacturing process results in a 72% decline in carbon emissions. Dope-dyed yarn and water-based glues round out some of the other noteworthy eco-friendly characteristics of the Hyperfreak.
Read our full review here: O'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Chest Zip - $419.95
O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Hooded Chest Zip - $449.95
O’Neill Heat - $439.95
“Long Lasting Beast of a Wetsuit”
- Wide variety of sizes
- Smooth skin panels for wind protection
- Durable seams
- Easy on and off entry
- Only offered in back zip
- Very durable, but not the best flexibility
Our Take: The O’Neill Heat 4/3 wetsuit is perfect for someone needing a long-lasting suit. It’s simple yet proven to work well in a wide range of conditions. With smooth skin front and back panels, the Heat provides wind protection from the elements. A few other standout features of the O’Neill Heat include the Redzone entry system, strategic seamless paddle zones, Technobutter neoprene, and internal firewall lining. The Redzone entry system zipper uses interlocking urethane-coated teeth, which keep the water out while holding up to the saltwater ocean. With O’Neill’s famous red firewall lining, say goodbye to the cold with the comfort and warmth found in this suit.
Surfers with a stocky build often reach for the Heat because of the generous range of sizes offered. In fact, it’s one of the rare mid-range suits offered in a 4XL. Lastly, O’Neill’s quality fluid seam weld and water-based glue keep you well protected from the cold water elements.
Read our full review here: O'Neill Heat Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
O’Neill Heat 4/3 Back Zip - $439.95
Rip Curl Flashbomb - $419.95
“Balance of Warmth and Flexibility”
- Eco friendly natural rubber
- Warm flashlining
- Durable ultimate tape
- Well thought-out seam placement
- Not the most flexible
- Higher price tag
Our Take: The 4/3 Rip Curl Flashbomb has been a cold-water favorite for many years. As one of Rip Curl’s high-performance models, the Flashbomb is built with a focus on flexibility, warmth, and durability. The wetsuit has E7 neoprene throughout, which is 20% stretchier and more flexible than the old E6 neoprene. Inside, feel the cozy warmth and comfort of the pink FlashDry lining, which Rip Curl has been using for many years. To round out the highlights, all seams are covered in soft E7 flashlining tape, which is super comfortable against the skin. Between the tape and the sealed seams, the Flashbomb is designed to keep water out, maximizing warmth.
A side note for the zip-free model: the upper chest, shoulders, and arms are free of the E6 Flashlining. Instead, a more lightweight E7 thermo liner enhances the suit's flexibility. Honestly, you’re getting a suit full of high-end features at a mid-range price.
Read our full review here: Rip Curl Flashbomb Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 Zip Free - $419.95
Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 Chest Zip - $469.95
O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire - $479.95
“High-Performance with a Mid-Range Price”
- Stretchy TB4 neoprene
- Warm Firewall lining
- Durable fluid seam weld
- 4/3+ = 4.5/3.5
- Durable, but not as flexible as normal Hyperfreak
- Takes time to break in
Our Take: The idea of the Hyperfreak Fire is to keep the flexibility of the original Hyperfreak while adding additional warmth and durability properties. With the TB4 fire lining throughout, the Hyperfreak Fire is exceptionally warmer than the original Hyperfreak. With high remarks, Stab Magazine rated the Hyperfreak Fire as the best wetsuit for surfing in 2024. In fact, both the male and female judges agreed that the Hyperfreak Fire was the definite winner.
The combo of Technobutter 4 in the body and Technobutter 4X in the entry and sleeves provides unparalleled stretch. O’Neill’s patented zipper and closure system ensures the suit stays protected against flushing when duck diving or getting worked in big surf. Lastly, fluid seam weld and GBS seams make this 4/3 mid-range wetsuit one of the most reliable options for a long-lasting, high-performing wetsuit.
Read our full review here: O'Neill Hyperfreak Fire Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire 4/3+ Back Zip - $479.95
O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire 4/3+ Chest Zip - $479.95
Xcel Comp X - $449.95
“New Standout to Cleanline’s Inventory”
- Great flexibility
- Durable Fusion X seam tape
- Innovative infrared warmth
- Easy entry system
- Slightly more expensive
Our Take: The 4/3 Xcel Comp X is new to Cleanline’s inventory and is selling quickly. It is one of the warmest performance suits Xcel has to offer. By performance, I mean high-stretch and comfortable neoprene, which would be ideal for the competitive surfer who needs the best of the best.
Making a suit that is highly flexible but durable is hard to come by. A suit that can take the beating of a competitive surfer but last's multiple seasons is a good way to describe the Xcel Comp X. With Nanoprene Lite Japanese limestone, Channel Flex exterior, and Thermo Dry Celiant interior, this is a bargain of a wetsuit. The Fusion X tape adds to the durable triple-glued and blind stitched seams. To be honest, there is a high likelihood this will be my next 4/3!
Read our full review here: Xcel Comp X Wetsuit Review
Shop By Model
Xcel Comp X 4/3 Chest Zip - $449.95
Xcel Comp X 4.5/3.5 Hooded Chest Zip - $479.95
Honorable Mentions
Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion 4/3: More of a High-End flexible suit that has a higher price tag. Worth every penny if you want the best of Rip Curl’s wetsuit.
Vissla High Seas II 4/3 Zip Free: Lightweight and flexible suit that performs well in all categories. It also has a lower price tag.
Mid-Range 4/3 Wetsuit Comparison Table
| Wetsuit | Price | Neoprene | Interior Liner | Seam Construction | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Wetsuit | $349.95+ | Plant Based Natural Rubber | E7 & E6 Thermo Lining | GBS + E6 Tape | Best non-restrictive water-tight wetsuit |
| O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ Wetsuit | $389.95+ | TechnoButter 3X | TechnoButter 3X | GBS + Taped | Best High-End Flexibility |
| O’Neill Heat 4/3 Wetsuit | $399.95 | TechnoButter 3 | TechnoButter Firewall | GBS + Taped | Best reliable bigger surfer wetsuit |
| Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 Wetsuit | $419.95+ | E7 Neoprene | E7 & E6 Flash Lining | GBS + E7 Tape | Best warm and long-lasting wetsuit |
| O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire 4/3+ Wetsuit | $449.95 | Technobutter 4 | TB4 Firewall Liner | Triple GBS + Seam Weld | Sab Mag award-winning wetsuit |
| Xcel Comp X 4/3 Wetsuit | $419.95 | Nanoprene Lite Japanese Limestone | Thermo Dry Celliant | Triple Glued and Blindstitched (GBS) | Best balance of flexibility and durability |
Best Mid-Range 4/3 Wetsuits – FAQs
What does "4/3" mean in wetsuits?
A 4/3 wetsuit has 4mm neoprene in the torso and 3mm in the arms and legs. The thicker neoprene keeps your core warm, while the thinner areas allow for flexibility where you need it most.
What water temperature is a 4/3 wetsuit best for?
A 4/3 wetsuit is typically best for water temperatures between 52°F and 62°F (11°C to 17°C). It’s ideal for spring and fall on different coasts or even year-round in moderate climates.
What qualifies as a "mid-range" wetsuit?
Mid-range wetsuits generally fall between $300 and $500. These suits often offer a good balance of warmth, flexibility, and durability without the high price tag of premium models.
Should I choose a chest zip, back zip, or zip-free model?
It depends on your preference:
- Chest zip: Most common for mid-range suits—offers better warmth and flexibility.
- Back zip: Easier to get on and off, but can flush more water.
- Zip-free: Very flexible but can be harder to enter/exit and may require a snugger fit.
How do I choose the right size?
Each brand fits differently, so check their size chart. A snug but not restrictive fit is key—no loose spots, but not cutting off circulation. If you're in between sizes, consider how much stretch the neoprene offers.
Are there eco-friendly options in the mid-range category?
Yes! Most brands focus on making their wetsuits eco-friendly. For example, O'Neill uses recycled oyster shells, and Billabong uses recycled car tires.
Can I use a 4/3 wetsuit for winter surfing?
In milder winter climates or with the right accessories (booties, gloves, and hood), a 4/3 can work. But for colder waters (under 50°F), you’ll likely want a 5/4 or 5/4/3 hooded suit for better insulation.
Similar Blogs We've Written
- Best Affordable 4/3 Wetsuits of 2026 - Comparing the best six affordable 4/3 wetsuits of 2026. Great deals for cheap price tags.
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Best High-End 4/3 Wetsuits of 2025 - Comparing some of the best high-end 4/3 wetsuits of 2025.
Final Thoughts
After reading through our selection of the best mid-range 4/3 wetsuits, what’s your top pick? The seven listed suits all have specific features that make them excel in different conditions. The Rip Curl E-Bomb and O’Neill Hyperfreak are standouts in minimal high-performance options, while the Rip Curl Flashbomb packs in incredible tech features that enhance the warmth of the suit.
Considering the factors such as durability, flexibility, and warmth, each wetsuit has its own perks and drawbacks. These mid-range 4/3 wetsuits promise to be a worthwhile investment for your next surf session. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out there and catch waves in one of these trusted mid-range 4/3 wetsuits.
If you have any sizing questions, you can always call us at 1-888-546-6176 or send an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com
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