Buell Women's RB2 Wetsuit Review

Ryan Buell believes in having fun and is unafraid to try new ideas. So I’m not surprised the Buell Women's RB2 is one of our all-around best-selling cold water wetsuits. Still relatively new to Cleanline, Buell has established itself as a reputable mid-level brand with an affordable price point. We've reviewed the RB2 and will highlight below how Buell has incorporated his sense of humor and all the necessary features to make it a functional, warm, and durable suit.

“The Buell RB2 is a true gem in the lady's wetsuit market. From the robust sizzle seam weld to the warm thermal liner, this wetsuit has been designed with top-notch materials to ensure maximum performance and protection. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the RB2 is becoming more popular among cold water surfers with each passing day.”

Let’s take a closer look at what the Buell Women’s RB2 model line is all about.

Buell Women's RB2

Neoprene and Liners

The Women’s RB2 is made of Buell’s Ninja Neoprene, some of the softest and lightest neoprene on the market. This material is noticeably more flexible than many similarly priced wetsuits from other brands. Another cool feature of Ninja Neoprene is that it has 30% less water absorption than your average rubber. This makes the RB2 feel lightweight in the water and helps it to dry quicker on land. To top it off, you can feel good about using the RB2 as it has a limestone-based neoprene with a smaller environmental impact.

On the inside, the RB2 is lined with what Buell calls an “Internal Thermal Insulation Barrier.” Essentially, it's a blue, plush, waffle, patterned material that is comfortable and gives the wetsuit more warmth overall. This thermal barrier lines the chest, back, and upper legs of the RB2. Since the liner only covers the main torso area and upper legs, the suit maintains good flexibility in the shoulders and arms for less restrictive paddling.

Seams and Stitching

The seams are glued and blind stitched along with a “Sizzle” seam seal on the outside. The Sizzle Seam is a wide seam weld (neoprene glue) that Buell applies on the exterior seams to help prevent water from seeping in, while maintaining ultimate flexibility throughout the wetsuit. This is definitely a highlight of the RB2, as seam seals are typically only found on high-end wetsuits in the $350+ price range. Over the years, Buell has improved the sizzle seal, and the current seam seal is wider and the strongest it’s ever been.

Lastly, on the inside of the RB2, you’ll see some black circles; these patches are strategically placed in high-stress areas of the wetsuit to fortify the seams better.

Fit and Cut

From our experience wearing the RB2, we’ve found that it runs true to size. The soft neoprene stretches nicely around the female curves without bunching in the armpits. Overall, the ankles have a solid, snug fit to them. Sometimes when I’m not wearing gloves, the wrists tend to flush when duck diving bigger waves. However, that could simply be due to smaller wrists.

I’m a harsh critic when it comes to hoods. That said, I was pleasantly impressed with the hood's fit, how it moves with my body while working thru the lineup, and the ease of getting it on/off. Most importantly, it stays in place without popping off, even with a full head of long hair.

Seams and Stitching

Buell doesn’t cut corners in the design of his wetsuits. Everything from the stitching of the seams to the B! logo is carefully thought out and tested for ultimate quality. The seams are glued and blind stitched along with a “power-lite Sizzle” seam seal on the outside.

The Sizzle Seam is a wide seam weld (neoprene glue) that Buell applies on the exterior seams to help block out water from seeping in while still maintaining ultimate flexibility throughout the wetsuit. Over the years, Buell has improved the sizzle seal, and this year’s seam seal is wider and the strongest it’s ever been. This is a highlight of the RB2, as seam seals are typically only found on high-end wetsuits in the $350+ price range. On the inside of the RB2, you’ll see some black circles; the patches are strategically placed in high-stress areas of the wetsuit to better fortify the seams.

Entry and Zipper

The RB2 features a slant zip chest zip. Buell himself was actually the first wetsuit designer to develop and market the slant zip back when he worked at Hotline. So he knows the mechanics better than anyone. Buell’s revolutionary entry design became so popular that it’s now used on most chest zip entries across all the different brands. Slant zips became popular because they seal off water from entering at the neck while remaining flexible and easy to get in and out of.

Performance

We can’t say enough good things about the RB2 suit. Once out in the water, it truly shines from head to toe. Whether you are just getting started on a soft top or getting deep in the barrel, the RB2 steps up and delivers. When chatting with surfers about one of the best affordable to mid-range cold water suits, I immediately mention the RB2.

From reading thru the tech listed above, you’ve probably come to realize that the RB2 balances a durable seam construction, warm internal liner, and comfortable neoprene, all without breaking the bank. What does that give you? Being able to perform your best in the water no matter what mother nature throws your way.

Value and Durability

Buell doesn’t cut corners in the design of his wetsuits. Everything from the stitching of the seams to the B! logo is carefully thought out and tested for ultimate quality.

You’ll notice that the RB2 uses minimal paneling. Think about it: less paneling = fewer seams to break down over time resulting in a more durable wetsuit. Last but not least, don’t forget about the embossed Supratex Tuff knee pads! Knee pads are sometimes an area where companies will cut corners. Buell didn’t sacrifice on quality knee pads that are tough as Kevlar on the outside but comfy on the inside.

We proudly offer the 6/5 and 5/4 RB2 for under $300. Take our word; this isn’t some gimmicky suit found in the dark corners of our shop. The RB2 is the real deal for any cold-water surfer.

Staff Feedback

"I loved my 5/4 RB2 Buell for my first suit. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for the most affordable suit that is still high quality. Mine lasted me a while and kept me plenty warm."

-Sarah H.

Customer Feedback

“So far, this suit has kept me toasty warm. Easy to get in/out of, but fits well, so water pockets aren't a problem. The seams seem pretty hardcore, which is great because that's usually the first thing to go in my other suits.”

-AKB

“I never leave reviews. This suit, though is absolutely fantastic. I stay super warm in mid 50s water. This suit fits like a dream on my 5’6” curvy 145lb frame. It’s a little snug getting it over my hips, but once on, it fits really well, and it’s so comfortable. If I keep my hood on, I come out of the water with a pretty much dry head. This wetsuit rocks! Finally, a decent hooded suit that is built with a woman’s frame in mind. I highly recommend this wetsuit.”

-Sjamgo

“I love this 4/3 hooded suit so much I bought 2! Hard to find any hooded suits for women thinner than a 5/4. I have had one of these for about a year, using it pretty regularly in CA, and it is holding up great!”

-CK

Final Thoughts

The Buell RB2 is a true gem in the lady's wetsuit market. From the robust sizzle seam weld to the warm thermal liner, this wetsuit has been designed with top-notch materials to ensure maximum performance and protection. Plus, its sleek design and slant zip entry were created with comfortability and ease of movement in mind. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the RB2 is becoming more popular among cold water surfers with each passing day. The attention to detail and performance speaks volumes and proves that Buell knows what it takes to provide surfers with an experience like no other.

For those thinking about giving it a go, why not? Do you have what it takes to use the RB2 to its full potential? We humbly suggest giving it a try--you won’t be disappointed! Remember the wetsuit that Jennifer Lawrence wore in “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”? That was designed by yours truly: Mr. Buell.

If you have any questions about the Women’s RB2 wetsuit, feel free to drop a comment below, give us a shout at support@cleanlinesurf.com, or call us at 1-888-546-6176.

Sarah

Originally from the rolling hills of New Hampshire, Sarah now calls Oregon home. She started at Cleanline Surf in 2019 and, since then, has grown into the role of the Customer Service and Blog Manager. When she’s not at work helping dial in customers with surf gear, Sarah is happiest out adventuring. From mellow summer surf sessions to winter splitboard missions to ripping down her favorite mountain bike line, Sarah is always ready to go at the drop of a hat.