Comfort / Flexibility and sizing?
Key Features:
Needessentials Wetsuits Review: Men’s 4/3 chest zip fullsuit
Reviewed by: Lachy
Wetsuit Materials: Limestone based neoprene, thermal lining
What we like: Flexibility, comfort, warmth and price/value
What we don’t: Nothing, we love this wetsuit!
Rating: 9/10
From Needessentials Wetsuits:
- Highest quality 360° stretch limestone neoprene
- 60% rapid-dry thermal lining
- 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 cold conditions, the needessentials 4/3mm Thermal Chest Zip Wetsuit has been developed for water temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C (53° to 64° 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 cold water conditions.
Key features for me are:
- The snug fit along with its flexibility.
- The front chest zip is obviously very common nowadays but also a big positive.
- Stitching also doesn’t bother me as it has on previous wetsuits and fits with the comfort of the wetsuit overall.
- The thermal underlay on the chest and upper legs plays a huge factor in the warmth.
How Warm is It?
The 4/3 is my go-to and I can wear it from winter all the way into the beginning of summer. I pair it with booties in winter and have surfed it anywhere from the Mid Coast (South Australia), down south along Middleton, Waitpinga, Parsons, and have also worn it over in Streaky Bay where the water is considerably colder. Unless you’re a sitting duck out there, the wetsuit is sufficiently warm enough.
The wetsuit is very comfortable, with the main feature being its flexibility. The material seems to have a bit more give in comparison to previous wetsuits I’ve worn and doesn’t burn my shoulders and traps out as quickly when paddling.
I’m 5ft9, 75kgs and I wear a medium short.
What do you think of its construction quality?
Construction quality is great, especially for the price. Stitching is still intact and wetsuit has not stretched.
How has it held up over time?
I’ve had my 4/3 for two years now and it is almost the same quality as when I first purchased it. I do wash it out with fresh water after every surf, which I think plays a big role in maintaining the quality of your wetsuit. The only wear and tear is a light fray on the underside of the chest piece which has no effect on the warmth or performance.
Your thoughts on the price and value of Needessentials Wetsuits?
In terms of value, I think Need Essentials have the best wetsuits on the market.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Favourite wetsuit I’ve had, and for price it simply can’t be beaten!
I would rate this suit as 9/10.
Hope you got some value from our Needessentials Wetsuits Review. Do you have one yourself? We’d love to hear your feedback.
Get Foamie will be reviewing more surf wetsuits so stay tuned!
You might be interested in some of our recent reviews:
Rip Curl Flash Bomb 3/2 Review
