Costco Westsuits Guide
With so many different options out there, from zipper location to stitching to thickness, it can be hard to know if you’re getting a wetsuit that will work.
Even wetsuits that seem like surefire choices can have problems.
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We’ve gone through some of the top Costco wetsuits we could find to give you an easy to use list of some of our favorites. Along the way we’ll explain some of the more esoteric descriptions and features so that you can understand exactly what you’re buying.
So, if you want to avoid feeling like an ice cube the next time you’re in the water, you can follow our guide of our top wetsuits.
Our Favorite Picks
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#1 Mens - O'Neill Epic
#1 Womens - Rip Curl Dawn Patrol
#1 Kids - Rip Curl Junior Dawn Patrol
The Top 5 Costco Wetsuits
#1 Mens - O'Neill Epic
All wetsuits are a balancing act between warmth and flexibility. More neoprene gives more warmth but takes away flexibility.
The O’Neill Epic 4/3 manages to ideally balance both of these constraints in a few ways that we’ll get into.
With 4mm of neoprene in the chest area, the Epic will keep you feeling nice and toasty in the water even as the temperatures are in the 50s.
The Epic has 3mm of neoprene in the arms and legs, so you’ll still be able to move your arms and legs easily. Since your core needs the most warming anyways, you won’t feel cold with the thinner arms and legs.
The O’Neill Epic has seams are stitched and glued for maximum warmth and durability.
You won’t have to worry about your seams splitting or water seeping in through ripped seams.
A lot of people think that the ankles and wrists need to be folded back and held together with a seam to stop water from rushing in. Really, all that does is make your wetsuit harder to put on and take off. With the Epic, you’ll notice how easy it is to get your hands and feet where they need to be after only a few wears.
The double super seal neck will also help prevent flooding and keep you warm no matter what.
As a 3/2, the O’Neill Reactor is great for almost any water temperature.
Whether the water is chilly or you’re just going to be in for a long time and need something to help stay warm, the Reactor has you covered
Since the knees will take the most wear and tear out of the whole wetsuit, the Reactor comes with knee pads that will make your suit last.
You’ll be able to practice standing up while surfing and bodysurfing without having to worry about your knees tearing up.
The O’Neill Reactor's back zip gives your easy access as you take your suit on and off.
One critique of this wetsuit is that it’s made with flatloc seams meaning that different pieces are sewed together on both sides. The biggest problem with the flatloc stitching is that it can let in more water than other kinds of stitching.
Not quite sure what size to order? Head over to our Wetsuit Size Chart to help you buy the right sized wetsuit!
#1 Womens - Rip Curl Dawn Patrol
The Dawn Patrol is made with some of the best materials available so that it’s warm and easy to move around.
Even though it’s lighter than other neoprene, you lose none of the warmth.
Instead of a back zip, the Dawn Patrol has a chest zip which can make it more difficult to put on and take off if the neoprene isn’t high quality like it is on the Dawn Patrol.
The chest zipper helps keep more water out and is much warmer than a back zipper.
The Dawn Patrol is also designed with a compression fit. Paired together with the suits stretchiness, you’ll notice that the Dawn Patrol fits awesome.
Instead of using flatlock stitching or some other kind of joint, the Dawn Patrol is constructed with blind stitch technology and has taped seams. This will keep this wetsuit warm for a long time and through many uses.
Though the Hevto Guardian lacks some features, it has all the features you’ll need.
With an all around thickness of 3mm, the Guardian will keep you warm and help you float.
This wetsuit is rated to provide warmth in water temperatures ranging from 50-67 degrees.
That’s a huge range which means you can use this wetsuit all the time.
Though if the water is 50 degrees, you may want to wear some extra gear.
With flatlock stitching, the Hevto Guardian feels comfortable without any seams pushing down on your skin.
The wetsuit also uses glue in the seams for added durability and warmth.
The Guardian is versatile and can be used for any kind of water activity. Whether you are surfing, snorkeling, or canoeing, the Guardian has the flexibility and warmth you’ll need.
For the little groms out there, the Rip Curl Junior Dawn Patrol is a solid choice that has many of the awesome features that you would find in the full size Dawn Patrol.
Since kids have less body mass, they get cold more easily than adults.
Fortunately, the Junior Dawn Patrol is so warm that any kid wearing it will have no problem staying in the longer for as long as they want.
One of the awesome features that will help keep any kid warm is the chest zip which will help keep out water since it lets the neck opening be tight.
An added bonus of the Junior Dawn Patrol is that it has 50+ UPF rating so that any kid wearing the suit won’t have to worry about burning even during a long day at the beach or lake.
FAQ
What does 3/2 or 4/3 mean?
These numbers refer to the thickness in millimeters of the wetsuit. The first number refers to the thickness of the chest and the second number refers to the thickness of the arms and legs.
What thickness should I get for my wetsuit?
It depends what the water temperature is. Typically 3/2s are good for warmer waters in the 60s. 4/3s are good for waters dropping to 52 degrees, but can get too warm if the water is in the high 60s.
How do I care for my wetsuit?
After use, rinse your wetsuit with water and hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Showers can be a great way to rinse off the salt and sand from your wetsuit after using it.
Water got in my wetsuit. Is this normal?
Absolutely! Wetsuits work by allowing a little bit of water into the suit and trapping it there so that it can be warmed up by your body heat and then keep you warm.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best balance of warmth, reliability, and comfort, the O'Neill Epic is a no brainer. With its sturdy stitching, seams, and reinforced neck line, you can keep most of the cold water out and warmth in, all while hanging on to your wetsuit for many sessions.
Whatever your activity of choice is in the water, you’ll find that the Epic is the right choice for you! Easy to put on and take off, the Epic will speed you out of the parking lot and into the lineup. It will also keep you out of the store looking for a warmer wetsuit like you would be if you go with another choice.
