As the water temperature drops, it's tempting to ditch surfing for a cozy cup of cocoa. But if you're a hardcore surfer, you probably won't let sub-zero water temperatures stop you from catching some waves. However, a blazing sun won't warm you up once you're submerged in icy water, which is why wearing a proper bottom is crucial to keep you warm. Not only will it keep you warm, but it will also provide extra protection against dangerous marine life and hazards. But with so many options available on the market, choosing the best bottoms for your water activities can be overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes a great wetsuit bottom, as well as how to choose the perfect one for your purposes. We’ll cover different types of materials and designs, trends, and our picks for top three bottoms to help you make an informed decision.
So let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Wetsuit Bottom
A nice wetsuit bottom is a must-have accessory for any surfer to keep you warm in cold waters, but they’ll also provide extra protection from sharp rocks and other hazards. Selecting a wetsuit bottom is more complicated than a full wetsuit because your suit comes in more than one piece. Here are some things to consider to ensure that you stay warm, flexible, and comfortable.
Material
The material of your wetsuit bottom plays a significant role in keeping you warm, and it makes a world of difference. The materials that these bottoms are made of include neoprene, polypropylene, and polyolefin.
A neoprene wetsuit provides more insulation between the suit and your skin. Neoprene pants come in different thicknesses, which affects both insulation and flexibility.
Polypropylene or polyolefin bottoms are more affordable, but with limited insulation. If you are looking for a budget-friendly wetsuit bottom, these materials can do the trick.
Length and Thickness
Consider how cold the water is when choosing the length and thickness of your wetsuit bottom. The colder the water, the longer and thicker your wetsuit bottom should be. If you're in warmer waters, it would be best to go for a thinner and shorter bottom.
Seams
Seams can make or break a wetsuit. Bottoms are either glued and blind-stitched or liquid taped.
A glued and blind-stitched wetsuit bottom is more flexible and has fewer seams, making it comfortable to wear.
Taped wetsuits, on the other hand, are durable as the tape adds extra reinforcement in the areas that are more prone to ripping. Overall, choose a wetsuit bottom with sealed seams to keep your body warm and to avoid leaks.
Personal Preferences
Bottoms come in a variety of styles and designs, ensuring that you can select one that aligns with your personal taste. Some wetsuits have an elastic waistband, while others have a drawstring closure. Some wetsuits also have knee pads or reinforced ankles to prevent wear and tear in high wear areas.
Additionally, choose a bottom that fits snugly; but does not hinder your movements. If your bottom is too loose or too tight, it will restrict your movements and negatively affect your experience out in the water. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to hit the surf in no time!
How we choose the Wetsuit Bottoms
When it comes to the wetsuits, we focus on a few key factors that contribute to the overall quality and performance. For the first order of business, we look at the materials used and how well they perform when exposed to different temperatures, pressures and other conditions. We also look at the design elements such as whether there are multiple layers for additional warmth and protection, or if there are special features that make the bottom more comfortable or durable. Additionally, we evaluate any safety aspects such as antibacterial coatings or reinforced areas for protection against sharp marine life. With all this information taken into consideration, we can be sure that each product is of top-notch standards and suitable for its intended purpose.
🏅 Omer Blackstone 5mm Wetsuit Pants
Why we ❤️ these bottoms
The Omer Blackstone Wetsuit Pants offer remarkable performance in the water. Having a protective 5mm neoprene fabrication and a two-tone photographic camouflage material, they're designed to make you virtually undetectable while diving or spearfishing in various contexts such as reefs and oceans. By using the latest in camouflage technology, these bottoms ensure optimal stealthness. Any experienced diver knows how important being inconspicuous can be; the BLACK STONE Wetsuit Pants will help you stay ahead of the game.
🩳 features
The Omer Blackstone 5mm Wetsuit Pants offer the perfect combination of comfort, style and performance. Featuring high-definition camouflage that blurs the point of reference against your background to improve your stealthiness underwater, these bottoms are designed for avid divers. Further enhanced with internal, double lined neoprene near the ears allowing easier equalization and 3D photographic camouflage, you'll love the look and feel of these pants. Lastly, abrasion resistant knees provide extra durability while open cell/lined neoprene ensures excellent thermal insulation and stretch capabilities so you can move freely during your dives.
🥈 GoldFin Wetsuit Pants
Why we ❤️ these bottoms
Wetsuits are an essential item for any water enthusiast, and the GoldFin Wetsuit Pants have you covered. They are lightweight yet offer just the right amount of warmth and protection for a range of activities including snorkel diving, kayaking and more. The fabric is incredibly breathable, keeping your skin fresh in all climates. Their ergonomic design means they fit perfectly to your body, allowing for maximum stretch without sacrificing comfort. Overall, the GoldFin Wetsuit Pants offer unbeatable affordability for those on a budget looking for superior quality and performance.
🩳 features
For the budget conscious woman looking to keep warm and comfortable in the water, GoldFin Wetsuit Pants are an excellent choice. These bottoms feature a 90% neoprene and 10% nylon construction for superior breathability, comfort and shape recovery, as well as compression fit to ensure warmth in cold water. The 2mm neoprene fabric provides unparalleled performance and 4-way stretch capabilities to give you more control while snorkeling, diving, kayaking, canoeing, rafting or swimming. With GoldFin Wetsuit Pants you won't have to sacrifice quality or fit in order to stay within your budget.
🥉 Orca Men's Openwater RS1 Bottoms
Why we ❤️ these bottoms
Wetsuits do more than allow swimmers to stay comfortable in the water; they are essential for proper biomechanics, buoyancy and streamlining. The Orca Men's Openwater RS1 Bottom is our favorite because it is extremely easy to get on and off! But besides being convenient, the wetsuit has excellent insulation and gliding capabilities. It engages the swimmer’s core, while the 2mm of neoprene on its sleeves also serves as a good elbow brace. As long as you remember to remove the cloth protection from the pants section so that the Velcro sticks, these Wetsuit Bottoms are an all-around great choice!
🩳 features
The Orca Men's Openwater RS1 Bottom is an excellent choice for those looking to take their open water adventures to the next level. Crafted with premium Yamamoto neoprene, this durable and lightweight bottom provides a high-performance experience. And the SCS innovation features 60% water flow resistance, helping to keep you warmer for longer. Additionally, the design incorporates Infinity Skin lining that is made from a high-elasticity nylon infused with bamboo fibers, providing unmatched flexibility with each stroke. Plus, Hydrolite technology makes it easy to slip on and off for fast transitions in between races and events. Overall, this could be just the thing your swimming tool kit needs.
Wetsuit Bottoms FAQs
When it comes to buying wetsuits, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of FAQs and their answers that will give you the knowledge and peace of mind that the suit you purchase will meet your needs. From choosing the right thickness of material for your climate, to understanding special features and safety aspects - our FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of what you need to look out for when shopping for wetsuit bottoms.
What are the benefits of wearing a wetsuit bottom?
The main benefit of wearing a wetsuit bottom is insulation, keeping you warm in cooler waters. Wetsuits can also provide extra protection from sharp rocks and other hazards, as well as increased maneuverability in the water.
What thickness should I choose for my wetsuits?
The thickness of your suit will depend on the climate you’re surfing in; thicker material will keep you warmer for longer, so a 3-4mm suit would be best for colder climates, while 2-3mm would be more suitable for warmer climates.
Are there any special features to look out for when shopping?
Yes, wetsuits often come with additional features like multiple layers or reinforced areas designed to protect against crushing waves and abrasive surfaces. Additionally, some suits also include extra padding around joints or velcro straps for easy adjustments during your session.
How often should I replace my wetsuit bottom?
Your wetsuit’s lifespan depends on how well you take care of it and the frequency of your sessions; generally speaking, if you take proper care of it then you could use your suit for up to three years before replacing it.
Is there anything else I should consider when buying a wetsuit bottom?
You should definitely look at reviews and ratings to ensure that the model meets safety standards before taking it out on the waves! Also check that the fit is snug but not too tight - this will help with flexibility and comfort while in the water.
What type of closure system do most wetsuits have at the waist?
Most wetsuits have either a zipper fastening system at the waist or Velcro straps that allow you to adjust them easily during your session.
Does having a thicker material increase buoyancy?
Yes, thicker materials like neoprene will provide more buoyancy which can help keep your body afloat while surfing larger waves or swell conditions.
Are there any tips to make putting on my wetsuit easier?
When putting on your wetsuit, make sure you get plenty of lube or wax so it goes on more easily and smoothly! You can also drape it over furniture like chairs instead of struggling with it while standing up - this will prevent stretching and make getting into it much easier!
Best Wetsuit Bottoms for You
Ultimately, selecting the right wetsuit bottom comes down to personal preference and budget. It's important to choose the right thickness of material for your climate and do research into special features that may help with performance. Regardless of which wetsuit bottom you ultimately choose, always check for comfort and flexibility as these are crucial aspects of ensuring your surfing experience is top-notch.
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