If you’re surfing through a NZ winter, a good 4/3 wetsuit isn’t optional—it’s the difference between staying out for hours or calling it early. Blitz has been in the surfing wetsuits game since 1983 and the current owner has been supplying wetsuits for over 16 years. Over this time we've seen various models come and go, huge advancements in tech and have chosen our winter 2026 range to get the best options in their respective categories.
The 2026 range is seriously impressive. Warmer linings, lighter neoprene, better stretch, and smarter seam tech mean you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for warmth anymore. Even the lowest cost options are way better in performance and warmth than years gone by.
We’ve broken things down into simple categories so you can quickly find what suits your budget, your surfing level, and how often you’re getting in the water.
Low Cost Options (Best Value, Solid Warmth for those on a budget)
If you’re after something affordable that still gets the job done, this category has come a long way. These aren’t “basic” anymore—they’re reliable winter suits with solid features. You will get a fully sealed wetsuit with a decent amount of stretch to get you through the winter without blowing your budget.
What you can expect:
- Durable neoprene (slightly stiffer, but long-lasting)
- Glued & blind stitched seams (GBS), Stress point taping
- Back zip (easier entry) or entry-level chest zip options
- Good warmth, slightly less flexibility
- Some models have extra thermal lining
Standout Models:
Quiksilver Prologue 4/3 wetsuit (Back Zip – 2026 update) ****STAFF PICK
At just $330 this is our pick for best value for warmth and performance in the market for this winter. A great entry-level suit that’s super easy to get in and out of. It has been upgraded this year to include Primaloft thermal lining on chest and back to make this have features as good as most mid-priced suits. Also more recycled content than previously.
If you're on a budget you should really consider this one while stocks last. Warmer, greener and more flex than previous years. We didn't expect to see this many features at this price. (also available in youth)
Rip Curl Trad 4/3 Wetsuit (Back Zip – New 2026 version)
Rip Curl’s updated budget option at just $360—clean design, durable build, and improved lining panels for extra warmth where it counts.
Thermal lining on your sides through the core and the inside of your arms for extra warmth. E3 neoprene in the action panels for a decent amount of stretch for a lower priced suit. Available in both men's and women's and comes with a free Rip Curl wetsuit bucket while stocks last
O’Neill Reactor 4/3 wetsuit (Back & Chest Zip)
One of the most trusted names at this price point ($400). The chest zip version gives you a bit more warmth and less water flushing, while the back zip keeps things simple.
This is one of the bets priced chest zip wetsuits on the market for this winter at $400 (for both versions) and we have been pleasantly surprised with the amount of stretch available).
👉 In simple terms: These suits are like a reliable daily driver—nothing flashy (but flashier than before), but they’ll get you through winter comfortably on a budget.
Mid Range (Feature-Packed & Great Value)
This is the sweet spot for most surfers. You get a noticeable jump in warmth, stretch, and comfort without going full premium. You will find tech on these that would only be found on high-end wetsuits not so many years ago
What you can expect:
- More flexible neoprene (easier paddling)
- Better thermal linings (faster drying, warmer core)
- Improved seam sealing (less water entry) with more taped areas
- Chest zip options for better performance
Standout Models:
Quiksilver Mercury 4/3 Wetsuit (Chest Zip)
A big step up in stretch and warmth from the Prologue. Great for regular surfers who want comfort without breaking the bank. The aesthetics fit in well with Quiksilver's 2000s influenced clothing ranges. And only $450! Not much more than the lower cost wetsuits above so might be worth considering the small jump in price.
This is a very good performance and warmth suit for this price range and sitting $50 below its competitors below you should come try one on. Also available in youth sizes 8-16, this is a cool looking suit with good tech for the youth at just $400.
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 wetsuit (Chest & Back Zip)
A crowd favourite year after year. The chest zip version is the pick for warmth and performance, while the back zip keeps things user-friendly for easy entry.
Durable, great performance and great value. Now made greener than before with Ocena premium plant based foam, water based glues and recycled jersey lining. This has been one of the best selling winter wetsuits for years but with regular updates it is better than ever before. Plus the price dropped last year form $530 down to $480 in adults. Available in men's, women's and children's.
🔥 Bonus: All full-priced Rip Curl 4/3 winter 2026 wetsuits come with a FREE Rip Curl wetsuit bucket (while stocks last)—perfect for keeping your car dry post-surf.
O’Neill Defender 4/3 Wetsuit (Chest & Back Zip)
Super solid mid-range suit at $500 with great durability and flexibility. Made of 100% Ultraflex DS neoprene for a great amount of stretch with internal taping and Ultrafibre Firewall (thermal lining). The Defender and Rip Curl Dawn Patrol compete directly with each other and sometimes it just comes down to fit on which one you will choose.
Women’s version: O’Neill Bahia 4/3 wetsuit – same performance focus, tailored fit.
👉 In simple terms: These are your “do-it-all” suits—warm, flexible, and built for regular use. Great value with higher end features at the mid-range prices
Highest Performance Options (Light, Flexible, Serious Surfing)
If you surf a lot, you’ll feel the difference instantly here. These suits are all about stretch, minimal restriction, and keeping you in the water longer. If you want to have the most stretchy, free, high performance wetsuit on offer than these are the models to chest out.
What you can expect:
- Ultra-stretch neoprene (feels almost like wearing nothing)
- Advanced thermal linings on some models
- Lightweight construction
- Chest zip dominant (better seal, less flushing)
- Hydrophobic properties
- Light, flexible neoprene
Standout Models:
Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Wetsuit (Chest Zip) $480
The E Bomb is a well-known high performance, essentially the Rip Curl Team wetsuit, that has kept surfers moving freely for years and just keeps getting better and better. Known for insane stretch and lightweight feel. Minimal seams = maximum flexibility. Ideal for high-performance surfing.
Such little amount of resistance in your arms it feels like you are wearing a much thinner suit. Now with Ocena plant based foam and water based lamination, this is the most eco-friendly version of this high performance wetsuit yet. E6 and E7 thermal lining for extra warmth without limiting stretch. This wetsuit goes directly head to head with O'Neill's best-selling Hyperfreak for most popular performance wetsuit.
O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3 Wetsuit (Chest & Back Zip and Hooded chest zip) $580
This is the jewel in O'Neill's crown and has been the best selling steamer in Australasia for the last few years. So popular because of the amazing performance and warmth without having to go to top end prices. The suit fits well and has very little resistance to paddling. One of the softest suits on the market thanks to TB3/TB3x neoprene. Super stretchy, light and hydrophobic TB3 neoprene throughout the body and legs and ultimate stretch TB3x in the shoulders and arms for little resistance. Internally taped. No thermal lining but this suit has great thermal properties in the neoprene itself.
Also now available in a Hyperfreak hooded version for extra warmth on those icy mornings for just $20 more!
O’Neill Hyper X 4/3 Wetsuit (Limited Release – 2026)
Brand new and pushing the limits. Ultra-light, ultra-flexible, and designed for surfers who want top-tier performance without compromise. This is made from 100% TB3x ultimate stretch neoprene for the best stretch you have ever felt in an O'Neill wetsuit. PLus stitch free seams with Fluid seam welding.
Try this one on for the most premium, free feeling wetsuit you've ever worn! We are the only surf shop in Gisborne with access to this suit and one of just ten accounts throughout the country who can stock it.
👉 In simple terms: These suits move with you, not against you. Less fatigue, more waves.
Top End Wetsuits (Ultimate Warmth & Technology)
This is as good as it gets. If you hate being cold—or just want the best—these suits are packed with the latest tech.
What you can expect:
- Premium neoprene (maximum stretch + heat retention)
- Advanced thermal linings (quick-dry, heat-trapping)
- Seam innovations (including fused seams)
- Lightweight and ultra-warm (no trade-off), the bets of everything
- If you want the best no matter what then check out these wetsuit
Standout Models:
O’Neill Hyperfire 4/3 Wetsuit (super stretch with extra warmth)
Next-level warmth meets high stretch. $700 in adults version, $450 in youth. The Hyperfreak has been such a popular model that they put in a thermal upgrade for the Hyperfire. Quick dry TB4 Firewall throughout the torso and upper legs for extra warmth the the amazing stretch of the Hyperfreak. For those surfers wanting the stretch of the Hyperfreak in a warmer suit. Maybe you don't paddle around a lot and just wait for the biggest bombs, stop yourself getting cold in the Hyperfire.
Designed for serious winter conditions without sacrificing mobility. Available in men's, women's and youth.
O’Neill FireX 4/3 chest zip wetsuit
Taking all the best features of the Hyperfreak and Hyperfire but adding even more for O'Neill's Ultimate cold water wetsuit. Also available in 5/4 hooded versions that we can order for you. Made from TB4 and TB4x high stretch neoprene to give you great mobility in a super warm suit. An extended amount of Firewall thermal lining from the Hyperfire. Fluid seam welded external seams for added warmth and durability. Also on the chest and back panels there is a triple layer of honeycomb shaped centre neoprene that traps warm air from your body movement for extra warmth. I wore one of these as a prototype in the Catlins on the year of its release and it felt like I was getting warmer while I paddled.
Built for cold-water performance. Heavier on warmth, ideal if you really feel the cold or surf exposed spots. Top end price at $800 but worth it if you want the best
Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 wetsuit (2026 – New 3/4 Fused Seam Version)
Rip Curl's famous Flashbomb series just continues to get better and better! More stretch, more warmth and now for the first time ever with fused, stitch-free seams throughout the body and legs. Taken the best form Rip Curl's premium FBomb Fusion wetsuit without the price tag. One of the fastest-drying wetsuits in the world, now even warmer with fused seam tech. Completely lined throughout with E6 and E7 Flashdry lining which is not only super warm but dries in 20 minutes when the suit is hung to dry. Super warm and flexible and even better than before. Come check out the 2026 Flashbomb $780.
Less stitching = less water entry + more durability. Available in men's and women's and also the Flashbomb Pro (non-fused) for youth
🔥 Don’t forget: Grab a FREE Rip Curl wetsuit bucket with any full-priced Rip Curl 4/3 while stocks last.
👉 In simple terms: These are your “no excuses” suits—maximum warmth, premium comfort, and built for the harshest winter sessions.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
- Surf occasionally? → Go Low Cost
- Surf weekly? → Mid Range is perfect
- Surf a lot / want performance? → Highest Performance
- Hate the cold / want the best/no budgetary constraints? → Top End
The good news? There’s no bad option in 2026, there is something for everyone—just the right one for how you surf.
