What is the difference between an expensive and a cheap wetsuit?

The price is not the sole decisive factor when it comes to purchasing a wetsuit, but it is not entirely unimportant either. Often, the price of a wetsuit also reflects its quality. 

The key criteria when purchasing a wetsuit have already been covered in separate sections such as “What do I need to consider when buying a wetsuit?” or “Which wetsuit do I need? Which wetsuit is best for me?” explained in detail, but we will now focus more on the price argument here.

Of course, it is always possible to come across a provider who unreasonably charges high prices, but this is rather rare because in today's world, the high competition in the online market for diving equipment regulates the price level. And whether a single retailer is charging unfairly high prices, you can quickly find out by comparing prices from different retailers and manufacturers. There will always be slight differences, which can also be justified by varying levels of service, but if a specific wetsuit has a higher price level, there is a good reason for that, as retailers and manufacturers with unjustifiably high prices do not last long in the market. Therefore, you can safely assume that a higher price for a wetsuit also signifies higher quality and often better service from the provider.

A higher price of a wetsuit often indicates higher material quality. Not all neoprene is the same, as we have explained in detail in the section “What is a wetsuit made of?” - there are different types of neoprene that are more or less environmentally friendly or durable, and they incur different costs due to their raw materials and manufacturing processes.

The additives added to neoprene that can lead to greater durability or elasticity also incur different costs. The result is a neoprene material that offers varying levels of comfort and fit, thermal insulation, and durability. The higher material price reflects higher material quality, guaranteeing greater comfort and longer durability.

What also contributes to a wetsuit's longer lifespan are special coatings and applications designed to protect the delicate material from wear and tear. Higher-priced wetsuits often feature this special protection on the shoulders, chest, knees, elbows, and sleeves. These coatings or rubber pads help prevent rips and abrasions in the neoprene material caused by heavy diving equipment, frequent use, or falls and kneeling. They also provide better protection for you during diving, reducing the risk of injuries.

Of course, 5mm neoprene is simply 5mm neoprene, and the material thickness itself does not change with a more expensive wetsuit. However, if it is made of a more elastic material that fits closely to the body and minimizes water flow, the wetsuit will provide better insulation compared to a wetsuit made of stiff neoprene that does not conform well to the body. Additionally, the higher-quality wetsuit is likely to have lining on the inside, contributing to better thermal insulation.

And then, you need to take a look at the cuffs - they are also relevant for the wetsuit's cold protection. A snug or even double cuff on the arms and legs, known as a semi-dry wetsuit with a well-fitted collar, minimizes water flow and provides significantly better cold protection.

Take a look at the seams of your wetsuit - how many pieces is it made of? A basic wetsuit consists of fewer pieces and has fewer seams, which results in lower manufacturing costs but also promises a less precise fit. A wetsuit with a complex, anatomically shaped cut is more challenging to produce but will fit more snugly, providing better insulation and significantly higher comfort and freedom of movement.

Such elaborate workmanship has its price, but it's worth it!

A classic, simple wetsuit without any frills is certainly sufficient for diving, but if you dive frequently and have higher demands on your equipment, more elaborate suits with special features often offer more storage space or easier handling. For example, higher-quality wetsuits may have an additional pocket for dive accessories, a holder for dive instruments, a D-ring to attach the hood, or simply additional zippers on the arms, legs, or collar that greatly facilitate putting on and taking off. You can also keep an eye out for these practical details if you ever wonder why one suit costs almost twice as much as another.

Conclusion - a higher-quality material, elaborate cut, or additional features naturally result in higher manufacturing costs and, consequently, a higher retail price - that is what sets apart an affordable wetsuit from a high-end one.

For occasional dives or other water sports, you don't necessarily need to invest in an expensive high-end wetsuit, as a lower-priced basic wetsuit will serve you very well. 

However, if you plan to pursue your hobby for a longer period of time, you will definitely enjoy a higher-quality wetsuit more. A higher-priced wetsuit will likely provide a more comfortable fit, better insulation, practical handling, and longer durability. Therefore, investing in a high-quality wetsuit is worthwhile if you dive frequently, engage in challenging dives, or simply value superior quality.