Looking for the best 4/3mm men’s wetsuit for winter? We’ve got you covered. At Blitz Surf Shop, we know that finding the right wetsuit isn’t just about warmth — it’s about comfort, performance, price, and how much you’ll actually enjoy being in the water.
To make things easy, we’ve broken down our current 2025 men’s winter wetsuit range into five categories. Whether you’re after something simple and affordable or the warmest, highest-spec suit out there, we’ve got something to match your surf style and budget.
We do our best to cover lots of bases to make it easy for you to get the right suit for your needs and budget
🌊 Economy Suits – Budget-Friendly and Reliable
These suits are perfect for beginners, weekend warriors, or anyone who wants a decent suit without spending big.
1. Quiksilver Prologue 4/3mm Back Zip Wetsuit $330
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Best for: New surfers or those on a budget
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Features: Freemax neoprene, back zip, sealed glued and stitched seams.
- How they keep the price down: Standard neoprene through the body and legs, higher stretch neoprene where you need the stretch like your arms and shoulders.
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Why we like it: Affordable, easy to get on and off, and good stretch for the price.
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Heads-up: THis suit is fully sealed with glued and stitched seams but there is no thermal lining, if you want that go up to the next price category
2. O'Neill Reactor II 4/3mm Back Zip Wetsuit $370
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Best for: Budget-conscious surfers wanting O’Neill quality
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Features: UltraFlex neoprene, back zip, glued and sticked sealed seams
- How they keep the price down: Like the Prologue O'Neill has put standard neoprene through the body and legs and higher stretch, more costly neoprene where it is required so you can get good stretch without the cost
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Why we like it: It’s a great entry-level option with similar flex to the Prologue. Classic O'Neill fit and comfort.
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Heads-up: Like the Prologue, this suit is fully sealed with glued and stitched seams but there is no thermal lining, if you want that go up to the next price category
💸 Best Value – Feature-Packed Without the Price Tag
These suits give you a solid step up in performance, warmth, and construction — all without breaking the bank. Extra flex and extra warmth adding features.
3. O’Neill Defender 4/3mm Back Zip $480
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Best for: Surfers after great warmth and durability at a lower price
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Features: 100% UltraFlex DS stretch neoprene, GBS (glued and blindstitched) seams, taped internally through body and legs, internal thermal lining body and legs, back zip
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Why we like it: Comfortable, warm, and well-made. It’s a noticeable upgrade from entry-level suits without a massive price jump. Stay warmer for longer with less resistance. Easier entry than a chest zip wetsuit
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3mm Back Zip Wetsuit $530
Competing directly with the O'Neill Defender with similar specs and pricing. Additional quick dry lining in the core and back water barrier under the zip which justifies the slightly higher price point
4. O’Neill Defender 4/3mm Chest Zip $500
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Best for: Anyone looking for more performance at a similar great value
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Features: Same materials as the back zip version, but with a chest zip for better water seal and greater freedom of movement
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Why we like it: Same value as the back zip, but chest zip adds extra warmth and flexibility. A great balance of price and performance.
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Chest Zip $530
Direct competition with the O'Neill Defender with similar specs and pricing.
- Best For: Anyone looking for a good mix of performance and warmth features at a good price point
- Features: E5 neoprene plant based natural rubber, E5 Flashdry lining chest and back to front of knees, E4 termal lining to ankles, E5 internal taping, sealed seams, chest zip for greater freedom of movement
- Why we like it: Lots of features and good performance for this price point. Upgraded zipper and greener materials
⚡ Highest Stretch – Performance-First Wetsuits
These suits are made for surfers who want to move freely, paddle faster, and surf longer with less restriction. If you're one of those surfers who keeps moving and wants the highest performance then these are for you
5. O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3mm Chest Zip (Our Best Seller) $580
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Best for: High-performance surfers who want maximum stretch
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Features: Super-stretchy TechnoButter 3 neoprene through the body and legs, TB3X ultimate stretch through arms and shoulders, minimal seam design, chest zip, sealed glued, stitched and taped seams
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Why we like it: It’s our best-selling suit for a reason — it feels like you’re not even wearing a wetsuit. Light, buttery soft, and ultra-flexible.
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Bonus: Hydropohobic properties causing less water retention so dries fast, feels amazing, and fits just right.
6. Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3mm Zip Free $580
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Best for: Performance surfers after a Ferrari
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Features: Super stretchy E6 neoprene through body, ultimate stretch E7 neoprene upper third of suit, E6 tape internally on the glued and stitched seams, no zip, E6 thermal lining
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Why we like it: No zips = no restriction. It’s ridiculously stretchy and perfect for surfers who prioritise freedom of movement. Upgraded colourways for 2025 look sick
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Heads-up: Less warmth than the next list of suits but unbeatable for performance and stretch.
🔥 High Performance + Warmth – The Best of Both Worlds
These suits offer serious performance with thermal lining tech to keep you warm during long winter surfs. Warmer than the previous two suits with similar high levels of performance.
7. Billabong Revolution 4/3mm Chest Zip with Graphene Lining $600
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Best for: Eco-conscious surfers who want performance and warmth
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Features: Graphene thermal lining, recycled Superlight foam, chest zip
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Why we like it: Stylish, flexible, and lined with graphene — a next-gen material that retains heat incredibly well. Great for mid to colder winter conditions. Great feeling rubber on.
8. O’Neill Hyperfire 4/3mm Chest Zip $680
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Best for: Surfers who want Hyperfreak-level flex + more warmth
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Features: TB4 Firewall lining, fully taped seams, chest zip on top of the same features as the Hyperfreak
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Why we like it: Combines that iconic O’Neill Hyperfreak flex with a serious boost in warmth. The added lining makes it better for colder days than the Hyperfreak. The Firewall lining through the body and upper legs is dry to touch in 20-30 minutes
9. Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3mm Zip Free $680
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Best for: Surfers who want premium warmth and performance without a zip
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Features: Quick-dry thermal Flash Lining through out body and legs, E7 neoprene upper body, standard thermal lining upper body, zip-free entry
- Where does it fit in the range? The Flashbomb zip free has features of both the E-Bomb and Flashbomb for those wanting E-Bomb upper body performance with Flashbomb warmth in the lower body. Because there is less Flashdry lining coverage than the chest zip Flashbomb it is $50 cheaper
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Why we like it: The Flash Lining dries lightning-fast and keeps you toasty. Paired with zip-free freedom and E7 neoprene, this is a top choice for committed winter surfers who still want max flex.
❄️ Maximum Warmth – The Ultimate Winter Suits
If warmth is your number one priority and you surf in cold water all winter long, and don't mind a bit of extra budget to get the top end features, then these are the suits for you to choose from.
10. Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3mm Chest Zip $730
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Best for: Cold water surfers who want top-tier warmth and tech
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Features: E7 quick-dry thermal Flash Lining throughout the entire suit, glued and stitched seams with internal flashdry tape, chest zip. E6 super stretch neoprene legs and body, ultimate stretch E7 neoprene in upper section, arms and shoulders
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Why we like it: Everything you want from the Flashbomb but with a secure, watertight chest zip. This suit is designed to keep you warm in the harshest conditions. The Flashbomb keeps getting upgraded and this is the best yet!
11. O’Neill Fire X 4/3mm Chest Zip $780
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Best for: Surfers chasing the Ultimate O'Neill coldwater suit, supreme warmth without sacrificing flex
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Features: TB4X neoprene, TB4 quick dry thermal Firewall lining, chest zip, glued/stitched and externally welded seams
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Why we like it: The Fire X is O’Neill’s warmest suit yet. Packed with thermal tech, but still delivers the flex O’Neill is famous for. Costs a bit more than the other suits in this blog but it really delivers
12: Rip Curl FBomb Fusion 4/3mm Chest Zip Wetsuit $880
Final Thoughts
No matter your surfing style, budget, or local water temps, there's a 4/3mm suit at Blitz Surf Shop to suit your needs. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, come in and try a few on — or hit us up online and we’ll help you pick the best fit for your winter missions.
🧼 Don’t forget to rinse your suit in fresh water and dry it in the shade to keep it in top shape all season long. For full wetsuit care tips read our wetsuit care guide here
Shop the full winter wetsuit range online at www.blitzsurf.co.nz or visit us in store in Gisborne!
