Needessentials Review: 2mm short sleeve men’s wetsuit
Reviewed by: Duncan
Wetsuit Materials: Limestone based neoprene
What we like: Durability is great – practical non flashy but quality design, and great value for money
What we don’t: A bit uncomfortable for long days in the surf
Rating: 8/10
What does Needessentials say?:
- Highest quality 360° stretch limestone neoprene
- 100% glued, blind stitched and internally taped
- Chest zip entry with internal water barrier
- Extra durable 4-way stretch kneepads
- Sealed cuffs
- Internal key stash
Designed and tested in cool conditions, this wetsuit has been developed for water temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64° to 75° Fahrenheit). Featuring highest quality, rapid-dry thermal lined limestone neoprene, combined with the best level of seam construction this is a high-performance warm thermal wetsuit that will keep you comfortable in cool water conditions.
Key Features:
No Nonsense Wetsuit, everything you want with no extra frills.
Chest zip is solid construction and well placed,
Stitches are overlocked and placed well, highly durable material.
Logoless, which is nice not to be paddling around as a billboard for the big brands.
How Warm is It?
2mm , good suit for all year round in Australia. I find short sleeves gives you a bit of temperature regulation, but the extra thickness helps keep the chill of the a stiff offshore breeze off your chest.
Comfort / Flexibility and sizing?
Generally comfortable, when surfing multiple sessions (4/5 hours/day) in a day for a run of swell it can begin to rub on a few spots, but for your general use sessions it goes good for the price.
Size Used (Small). I am 180cm and 73kg (In Retrospect I would go Size M)
What do you think of its construction quality?
Super well constructed, stitching is durable, zip is high quality all individual components are functional, but its lack of flashiness and functional nature only adds to the appeal for me personally.
How has it held up over time?
This is a 2 year old wetsuit, which is holding up pretty strong with the only downside a bit of bubbling of the neoprene however it’s purely cosmetic and as soon as the suit is wet you’re not spotting it. One of those things only the owners going to notice when up close.
Your thoughts on the price and value of the Needessentials 2mm short arm chest zip?
Original Cost $200 (AU), shows no real signs of wear, hasn’t lost temperature retention. Needsessential hits its target for a good value, functional suit, performs as well as the big brands if not better for anywhere between 30-50% less of your coin.
Final Thoughts and Rating
There are higher performance suits out there , but this isn’t a million miles away and for the money and the durability , it definitely hits above its weight.
Just a blend of all the good elements of a suit, wrapped up in a basic but well executed wetsuit.
I would rate it 8/10.
Hope you enjoyed our Needessentials Review. Do you have one yourself? We’d love to hear your feedback.
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