Ready to hit the waves on a surfing, paddling, or diving adventure? Whether you’re a surfer, open water swimmer or sailor, having the best wetsuit makes all the difference. In this wetsuit guide, we’ll look at what makes the best wetsuits for men stand out, how to get the right fit, and check out the GUL Response 3/2mm Flatlock Steamer Wetsuit for men from Get on the Water.
Wetsuits aren’t just about looking cool; they’re essential for maintaining body heat and enhancing performance in cold water. A high quality wetsuit can help you enjoy water sports longer and more comfortably, no matter the conditions. However, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, given the many options available. Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Good Wetsuit?
Not all men’s wetsuits are created equal. Different wetsuits have different neoprene thickness for varying applications. Some are for specific water sports, others are versatile. The gold standard for wetsuits is good insulation, flexibility, and durability, with either blind stitched or flatlock stitching and quality neoprene. It should be made from high-quality materials that can withstand rigorous water sports.
What to Consider When Buying a Wetsuit What Will You Use the Wetsuit For?
An important aspect of choosing a wetsuit is determining what you will use it for. Different water sports have different requirements. Surfers need warmth and flexibility, swimmers need buoyancy and reduced drag. Your intended purpose for the suit also determines the style of suit you need, including the type of zipper.
Chest zip main use is surfing and water sports, since it allows a more custom fit, while back zip main use is diving and other prolonged underwater activities. This is just a guideline and your personal preference will determine whether a chest zip or rear zip style is the best wetsuit for you.
Where and When Will You Use the Wetsuit?
What thickness wetsuit you’ll need will depend on the climate and water temperature in the area and the season. If you plan to stick to summertime swims, a thinner wetsuit may suit you, while you should consider a thicker suit if you participate in any cold water activities in winter.
This will also determine the coverage level you need. If you plan to be surfing or swimming in warm water temperature locations, a suit that only covers your upper legs may be sufficient, while full-length suits with gloves and a hood are better for cold winter swims.
Water temperature will also determine what seams you should look for in your suit. Glued and blind stitched seams offer a fully waterproof seal, ideal for colder water activities, while flatlock seams are much more breathable for warm water. Flatlock seams are also more flexible for a comfortable, super stretchy fit.
Get the Right Wetsuit Size
Choosing the right size is important for comfort and performance. Take your measurements of your chest, waist, hips and height and use the manufacturer’s size chart to choose the perfect fit. If you’re between sizes, it can be better to choose the snugger fit as wetsuits will loosen up slightly when wet and a wetsuit that is too loose will have more drag and poorer insulation.
How Should a Wetsuit Fit?
A wetsuit should fit snugly but not restrictive, allowing a full range of motion. It should fit like a second skin so water doesn’t flush through and compromise insulation.
GUL Response 3/2mm Flatlock Steamer Wetsuit
Let’s look at the GUL Response 3/2mm Flatlock Steamer Wetsuit from Get on the Water. This high-performance suit is popular with our wetsuit testers and a great choice for water sports enthusiasts. Here’s why:
- Flatlock Seams: These seams are durable, comfortable, and flexible, with no chafing.
- X-Flex Super Stretch Panels: Unrestricted movement in the water.
- Seam-Free Seat Construction: More durable and comfortable for long sessions.
- Powertex4 Knees: Reinforced areas to withstand wear and tear so your wetsuit lasts longer.
- Back zip: Back zip wetsuits are easier to put on than chest zip suits due to a longer zipper and more space to step into the suit.
Whether you surf, sail or swim the GUL Response wetsuit is a good choice.
GUL Response 3/2mm Flatlock Steamer Wetsuit
The GUL Response wetsuit is a great value. It’s made with advanced neoprene made from limestone and is super warm and flexible. With its clever design and durable construction it’s a great go-to wetsuit for water sports enthusiasts.
YULEX Rubber Seams vs Limestone Neoprene Seams
New technologies have made it possible to develop suits with excellent durability made from eco-friendly materials like oyster shells and recycled tires. The GUL Response 3/2mm Flatlock Wetsuit uses limestone neoprene, which is made from the same chloroprene compound as traditional neoprene but instead of using petroleum-based components, it uses calcium carbonate from limestone to make chloroprene rubber chips. Limestone has the same flexibility and insulation as regular neoprene. It offers exceptional flexibility and durability and is used to make some of the warmest wetsuits available for any water activity.
Some brands rebrand limestone options as sustainable wetsuits, but GUL acknowledges that natural rubber has less of a carbon footprint than limestone. Other suits using YULEX natural rubber seams are made from sustainable materials, and many use recycled materials like recycled polyester, which is soft on the skin and helps trap heat. GUL uses limestone because it is warmer and more flexible than other wetsuits like YULEX suits. Please keep this in mind when choosing a limestone wetsuit over YULEX rubber wetsuits.
Comfort and Performance
A comfortable wetsuit means more time in the water. The GUL Response 3/2mm Flatlock Steamer wetsuit has an ergonomic design to fit snugly without being restrictive. You can move freely, stay warm and focus on the water sports you enjoy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right men’s wetsuit involves multiple factors, including the location and season, fit, and materials and features. The GUL Response 3/2mm Flatlock Steamer Wetsuit for men from Get On the Water, with its back zip, flatlock seams, and lightweight limestone neoprene construction, is a great choice for water sports enthusiasts and offers the best value for features.
