If you are going to be in colder waters in the 53 fahrenheit degree range, consider a sealed seam 4/3mm wetsuit that is thicker and has more thermal protection. When you have a wetsuit that is appropriate for your water temperature and activity, you will be able to enjoy the water for longer periods of time. You will also use less energy trying to keep your body warm. Most 4/3mm women's full wetsuits have 4mm thick neoprene in the chest, back, upper legs and 3mm thick neoprene in the arms, lower legs, and shoulders. The thinner neoprene in the arms and legs give you more flexibility for sports that require more range of motion like surfing, paddle sports, swimming, kayaking, and more. These suits typically are rated for 53 degree fahrenheit water temperatures and up. All of our 4/3 suits have sealed seams. Learn more about 4/3mm wetsuits at the bottom of the page.
If you are going to be in colder waters in the 50 degree range, consider a sealed seam 4/3mm wetsuit that is thicker and has more thermal protection. When you have a wetsuit that is appropriate for your water temperature and activity, you will be able to enjoy the water for longer periods of time. You will also use less energy trying to keep your body warm. Most 4/3mm wetsuits have 4mm thick core body (chest and back and legs) with 3mm thick arms and shoulders. What makes a 4/3mm wetsuit more or less expensive is the amount of stretch in the rubber, the seam construction, and the lamination materials. These suits keep you warmer in water for longer periods of time. Because they are thicker the rubber needs to be higher quality to get the stretch needed to maximize your mobility.
All the women's 4/3mm full wetsuit we carry have sealed seams. Sealed seamed full wetsuits are called (GBS wetsuits) or glued and blind stitched sealed seams. Sealed 4/3mm full wetsuits are made to keep you warmer in water temperatures 53 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer. 4/3mm wetsuits can come in back zip designs and chest zip designs. The chest entry systems typically cost a little more because there is more involved to manufacture the wetsuit. An advantage of (GBS) sealed seam wetsuits is that the stitching needle does not go through both pieces of neoprene, it goes halfway through so it does not create holes that water can leak through. Sealed seamed suits are first glued along the seams then stitched so you get double the seal to prevent water leaks. Sealed suits typically cost more than flatlock seam wetsuits.
Some 4/3mm wetsuits can have taped seams and or welded seams that show a rubber seal binding the neoprene or coating the side of the suit that has stitching. These suits cost more due to manufacturing. The benefit of welded or taped seams is extra durability. What else that can make these full wetsuits cost more is the material laminates on the outside and inside of the wetsuit. If the suit you are looking at cost more, it likely has a higher stretch lament on the inside and outside of the suit. other factors in the cost is the quality of rubber used in making your wetsuit. Eco friendly wetsuits are made of neoprene free materials so they typically cost more because it a specialized material. Additionally, the amount of stretch in the rubber used in your suit also can impact the price. Stretchier wetsuits typical cost more than ones that have less stretch. You can find the amount of stretch on our website on the product pages.