Choosing a wetsuit involves more than just thickness and neoprene type. The entry system, specifically the zipper, plays a crucial role in comfort, flexibility, and how well the wetsuit performs in different water temperatures. There are three main types of wetsuit entries: back zip, chest zip, and zipperless, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and the water conditions you’ll be facing. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the best wetsuit to keep you warm and comfortable in the water.
Back Zip Wetsuits: Classic and Convenient
Back zip wetsuits are the traditional and arguably most recognizable design. Characterized by a zipper running vertically down the spine, they are known for their ease of entry and exit. The long zipper, often equipped with a leash for self-operation, allows for a wide opening, making slipping into and out of the suit relatively straightforward. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with the snug fit of a wetsuit, especially in thicker models designed for colder waters.
However, the back zip design has its drawbacks, particularly in colder water temperatures. The primary concern is water entry through the zipper seam along the back. While many manufacturers incorporate flush guard technologies, like Quiksilver’s Hydroshield, to mitigate this, some water seepage is still possible. This can lead to a chilling sensation as cold water flushes down your back, especially in lower water temperatures. Another limitation of back zip wetsuits is reduced flexibility in the back panel. The zipper, lacking stretch, can create tension when bending forward, potentially restricting movement during activities like paddling or surfing.
Chest Zip Wetsuits: Enhanced Warmth and Flexibility
Chest zip wetsuits represent a more modern approach to wetsuit entry, prioritizing warmth and flexibility. Entry is achieved through a zippered opening located at the chest. You typically enter by inserting your head through the neck opening, dropping into the suit, and then pulling the chest panel over your head before zipping it closed. While chest zip wetsuits may require a bit more practice to master the entry and exit process compared to back zip models, the benefits in terms of performance are significant, especially when considering varying water temperatures.
The chest zip design excels at minimizing water entry. The overlapping neoprene layers and the horizontal zipper placement create a tighter seal at the neck and chest, significantly reducing water flushing. This is a crucial advantage in colder water, as it helps maintain core body temperature for longer periods. Furthermore, the absence of a long zipper down the back panel contributes to increased flexibility across the back and shoulders. This enhanced range of motion is highly valued in watersports, allowing for more comfortable paddling, swimming, and surfing. Chest zip wetsuits often feature a snugger neck seal, which, while contributing to better water resistance, can sometimes feel slightly restrictive to some users. However, this snug fit also reduces the likelihood of neck rashes caused by water movement.
Zipperless Wetsuits: Maximum Mobility for Warmer Waters
Zipperless wetsuits are designed with a focus on maximizing mobility, making them particularly suitable for warmer water temperatures where ultimate warmth is less critical. Typically found in lighter wetsuit thicknesses (3/2mm and thinner) and neoprene tops, zipperless suits eliminate zippers and stitching in key areas to enhance flexibility. Entry systems vary but often involve a chest or neck opening secured by a small zipper, elastic, or Velcro closure.
The primary advantage of zipperless wetsuits is unrestricted movement. By removing the rigid zipper elements, these suits offer a more natural and less restrictive feel, which is highly beneficial for activities demanding a wide range of motion, such as paddling and surfing in warmer water conditions. However, the trade-off for enhanced mobility is often reduced thermal insulation compared to zippered wetsuits of similar thickness. Zipperless designs may allow for more water entry, and the absence of a tight zipper closure can compromise warmth in colder water temperatures. Therefore, zipperless wetsuits are generally best suited for warmer climates and water temperatures where maximum flexibility is prioritized over ultimate warmth.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Zipper for Your Water Temperature Needs
Selecting the right wetsuit zipper type depends largely on the water temperatures you anticipate encountering and your activity preferences. For colder water conditions, chest zip wetsuits offer superior warmth and flexibility, minimizing water entry and maximizing range of motion. Back zip wetsuits remain a convenient and user-friendly option, particularly for warmer to moderate water temperatures, prioritizing ease of entry. Zipperless wetsuits excel in maximizing mobility and are ideal for warmer waters where flexibility is paramount. Consider the balance between warmth, flexibility, and ease of use to choose the wetsuit zipper system that best suits your needs and ensures comfortable and enjoyable sessions in the water, whatever the temperature.
