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Best Spearfishing Wetsuit
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Editor's Pick
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Premium Option
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Product Name: |
Product Name: |
Product Name:
Beuchat
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Feature 1:
Highly resistant to abrasions
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Feature 1:
Best ergonomic design
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Feature 1:
Pre-formed flap with plastic clip
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Feature 2:
Super stretchy on the correct direction of the suit
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Feature 2:
Super flexible and comfortable
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Feature 2:
Long "Supratex" reinforcements
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Choosing the right spearfishing wetsuit is one of the most critical gear decisions you’ll make. Unlike a standard surfing or scuba diving suit, a spearfishing wetsuit is a specialized tool designed for warmth, flexibility, and stealth. The right suit allows you to stay in the cold water longer, move more efficiently, and get closer to fish.
This guide will break down not just what to buy, but how to choose the perfect suit for your body, budget, and environment.
Before looking at brands, you must understand these core concepts. Getting them right is more important than any logo.
1. Wetsuit Thickness & Water Temperature
Choosing the correct thickness is essential for safety and comfort. Being cold is dangerous and cuts your dive day short.
| Water Temp (°F) | Water Temp (°C) | Recommended Thickness |
| 75°+ | 24°+ | 1.5mm – 3mm |
| 65-75° | 18-24° | 3mm |
| 55-65° | 13-18° | 5mm (The most versatile for temperate waters) |
| 45-55° | 7-13° | 7mm |
Is a 7mm wetsuit too thick? For spearfishing in cold water, a 7mm suit is essential, not excessive. However, it is far too thick and buoyant for surfing or for diving in temperate water.
How much weight for a 5mm wetsuit? A common rule of thumb is to start with 10% of your body weight and adjust from there. A 180 lb diver in a 5mm suit will likely need around 18 lbs to be neutrally buoyant. Add 2-4 lbs for a 7mm suit. Always perform a buoyancy check in shallow water.
2. Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell Neoprene
This is the single most critical feature of a spearfishing wetsuit.
Open-Cell (The Standard for Spearfishing): The inside of the suit is raw, unlined neoprene. To put it on, you must use a water-based lubricant (like soapy water). This creates a perfect “second-skin” seal, eliminating water flow and making it significantly warmer than a closed-cell suit of the same thickness. Open-cell neoprene offers superior warmth and flexibility, which is why it’s the choice for freediving and spearfishing.
Closed-Cell (Durable and Convenient): The inside is lined with nylon, like a surfing suit. It slides on easily without lube but allows for some water flow, making it less warm. It’s more durable and a good choice for rental gear or those who prioritize convenience over maximum warmth.
3. Anatomy of a Spearfishing Wetsuit
Two-Piece Design: All proper spearfishing suits are two-piece suits: a hooded jacket and pants. This design prevents water from flushing down your back when you dive head-first.
Pants Style: You have two options:
- High-Waist Pants: Simple, comfortable, and easy to put on.
- Farmer John: Bib-style pants that provide an extra layer of neoprene over your core for added warmth.
No Zippers: Spearfishing wetsuits do not have a zipper. Zippers are a major point of water entry and stiffness, which is counterproductive for freediving.
4. Does Color and Camouflage Matter?
Why are most wetsuits black? Black is the natural color of carbon-infused neoprene, making it the cheapest and most UV-resistant option.
Do you need camo? While not strictly essential, a camouflage pattern helps break up your silhouette against the background (kelp, reef, or blue water). For hunting wary fish, this visual disruption can give you a crucial advantage.
What about sharks? There is no scientific consensus that one color attracts or deters sharks over another. The most important safety measure is to dive with a buddy and be aware of your surroundings.
7 Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
1. Polo Sub Custom Wetsuit
Best For: The Perfect, Tailored Fit
A perfect good fit is everything, especially in thicker suits (5mm+). Polo Sub makes high-end, custom wetsuits tailored to your exact measurements. This eliminates tight spots that restrict breathing and loose areas that flush with cold water. For the serious spearo, the premium price is justified by unparalleled comfort and performance.
2. Cressi Tracina
Best For: Proven Performance and Fit
Cressi is a legendary Italian manufacturer with decades of experience. The Tracina is a workhorse known for its excellent anatomical cut, durability, and effective camouflage pattern. It features high-density neoprene, reinforced knees, and a durable chest loading pad, making it a reliable choice for any hunter.
3. Epsealon Tactical Stealth
Best For: All-Around Flexibility and Comfort
Made with high-grade Yamamoto neoprene, this suit is exceptionally stretchy and comfortable. This limestone-based neoprene is preferred by many freediving enthusiasts for its superior flexibility, which makes breathing cycles easier and long days in the water less fatiguing.
4. Beuchat Mundial
Best For: Durability and Visibility for Taller Divers
Beuchat suits are often cut slightly longer, making them a great fit for taller spearos. They are known for their robust construction with long “Supratex” reinforcements on the knees, elbows, and chest pad. Many models also feature high-visibility orange panels for safety.
5. Riffe Covi-Tek Camo (Closed-Cell)
Best For: Durability Without Lubricant
For those who prefer the convenience of a non-lube suit, the Riffe closed-cell neoprene suit is a top contender. It’s tough, resistant to tears, and perfect for rugged conditions like hunting in sharp lava rock or for commercial divers who are in and out of their suit all day.
6. Picasso Thermal Skin
Best For: Performance on a Budget
Picasso delivers quality spearfishing gear at an accessible price. Their wetsuits often feature quality Yamamoto neoprene with an open-cell interior and a pre-formed ergonomic cut. For the price, it’s hard to beat the features and performance.
7. Mako Spearguns Yamamoto Wetsuit
Best For: Direct-to-Consumer Value
Mako built its brand on offering high-quality gear at near-factory prices. Their two-piece suits are made with 100% genuine Yamamoto neoprene and are a favorite among many divers for their warmth and durability. The Farmer John style is especially popular for added core warmth in cold water.
Are Expensive Wetsuits Worth It?
Yes, to a point. The price of a wetsuit is largely determined by the quality and grade of the neoprene used.
Entry-Level (150−150-150−250): These suits are functional and get the job done. They typically use a more basic grade of neoprene that may be less flexible or compress more at depth.
Mid-Tier (250−250-250− 400): This is the sweet spot for most divers. You’ll find suits made with high-quality neoprene (like Yamamoto) that offer excellent warmth, flexibility, and durability.
Premium/Custom ($400+): These suits use the absolute best materials and are often tailored for a perfect fit. For the dedicated diver who spends hundreds of hours in the water, the investment is often worth it for the gains in comfort and performance.
How to Care For Your Wetsuit
- Putting It On (Open-Cell): Mix a small amount of biodegradable soap or wetsuit lube with water in a bottle. Pour the mixture inside the suit to coat the interior. It will then slide on effortlessly.
- After Every Dive: Rinse your suit thoroughly, inside and out, with fresh water.
- Drying and Storage: Hang your suit to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Never leave it in direct sunlight. Store it by laying it flat or on a wide-shouldered wetsuit hanger to protect the shoulder material.
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