Body Glove Vapor 3/2mm Wetsuit

Accessory Reviews

by

Bob Davis

(Friday, March 19, 2010)

Editor's Choice

Overall Rating

****-

Pros

Super Flexible

Really warm for a 3/2mm

No rash

Easy to put on / take off

Cons

Outside of suit could use taped seals

Looking for maximum warmth and flexibility from a 3/2mm wetsuit? The Body Glove Vapor can deliver the performance you are looking for. I have been testing this suit for a few months and it has performed well beyond my expectations of a 3/2 (keep in mind, when it comes to cold water I'm a total wimp). The wetsuit stands up to wind and chill very well while staying totally flexible for easy paddling, minimal rash and maximum coziness. This suit can handle water as cold as about 54 degrees Fahrenheit without issue. If you're sitting in the water for extended periods waiting for waves, you may get a little chilly. But overall as long you get some movement in, the Body Glove Vapor suit will keep you warm and provide excellent performance.

Body Glove Vapor Front

The Suit

I'm a bigger guy 6'1" and about 180lbs and overall the Body Glove Vapor 3/2 (men's large) fits me really well. The only area that is a bit big is around the knees, there seems to be a little more material than needed. But the material is so friendly and comfortable that I have never had a problem with rubbing or rashes. The Body Glove Vapor suit has 100% sealed seams on the inside of the suit.

The Test

Fitting - Going Out

The Body Glove Vapor goes on super easy, unzip the back and slip right in. This is great if you are in a hurry to get into the water, the last thing you want is to fight with your wetsuit. The suit also has a little pull over that goes from the back area and up around your neck and shoulders to add a little extra protection and warmth.

Removing

As easy as the suit is to get in, it's just as easy to get out of. The stretchy material allows the suit to just peel right off. Even around the ankles, arms, and wrists, the suit can easily be peeled back for removal. You won't have to struggle in the cold while trying to get this suit off.
Body Glove Vapor Suit Back

In the Water

One of the things I love about this suit is that I don't get that cold trickle down my back when I first get in the water. Many other back zip suits seem to have that problem, but not with the Vapor suit. When talking to the folks at Body Glove, they mentioned that this was one of the key features of the suit. It also comfortably wraps around the arms, wrists, and ankles and does a good job preventing water from seeping in. A minor downside is the lack of sealed seams on the outside of the suit. It takes about 45min before I felt any water on my skin, and outer sealed seams could help to increase this time.
If you are surfing in anything below 55 degrees you are going to have to paddle around or you will feel the chill within 30 - 45 minutes. For most surfers, this suit will be comfortably warm at temperatures higher than 55 degrees. Keep in mind that this is a 3/2 millimeter suit, so it won't keep you as warm as a top of line 4/3 suit.
The stitching and craftsmanship seems to be solid, there is one small area that the stitching appears to be coming apart and I will continue to watch this area and see how long it takes for the issue to worsen. Overall after 3 months with the suit, I am pleased with almost every aspect of the suit. I have never found what I would call a "perfect wetsuit", either it's too tight but really warm, or not warm enough but really stretchy and comfortable, or worse none of the above. At least with the Body Glove Vapor 3/2 I have found some common ground that we are all looking for in a wetsuit: flex, warmth, durability and comfort.

Conclusion

The Body Glove Vapor 3/2 is one of the best 3/2 millimeter wetsuits I have ever worn. The suit is not the warmest or the most flexible/comfortable out on market but it does posses a great balance of these qualities to make it a great suit. The unrestrictive arm and shoulder area will allow you to surf longer, while still keeping you warm. If you're looking for a good spring-fall wetsuit, I recommend the Body Glove Vapor 3/2.

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