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Wearing a suitable wetsuit is recommended for diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and many other water sports. Wearing a wetsuit protects you from the seasonal wind chill and cold water temperatures so you can focus on enjoying your experience in the water rather than suffer the cold weather consequences.
Yet even during the summer months wetsuits are recommended and provide a protective barrier to the chilly water. In the world of wetsuits, we start the hunt for the top wetsuit choice by quality and price and begin our review of the Mares Flexa wetsuit for reliable protection and full coverage.
What Is the Mares Flexa Wetsuit?
The Mares Flexa wetsuit is a full body coverage wetsuit intended for use in warm water diving. The manufacturer Mares promises convenience, comfort, and easy movement when putting on and wearing this wetsuit. When looking for a wetsuit, finding the suitable type of wetsuit for the season and the type of water sport is paramount. The Maras Flexa wetsuit is a Fullsuit, or Long Arm Steamer, intended for warm water diving. It is intended to keep you comfortable, stylish, and adequately warm.
Product Specs
The thickness of this wetsuit is 3mm/2mm/2mm. It boasts features like the ultra stretchable “Trilastic material design” and varying material thickness throughout different parts of the body, which enhances protection. The Thermo Plush internal layer keeps the upper body warm and dries quickly. The materials are comfortable and durable.
The smooth closure zipper is ergonomic, and on the front there is a neoprene material flap “for added fit and isolation.” To enhance the protection and comfort of the back and shoulders, the Mares Flexa wetsuit also features an additional layer of neoprene so the diver’s back and diving tank is cushioned and protected. The diver’s hood is complete with a functional retaining ring. The custom, tailor-made panels increase the stylish look of this wetsuit. Style, fit, and design make this wetsuit an excellent and standout diving wetsuit choice.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare to the Mares Flexa wetsuit:
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare to the Mares Flexa wetsuit:
Long John Wetsuit
Wetsuit Jacket
Shorty Wetsuit
Mares Flexa Wetsuit
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This wetsuit has varying thicknesses, which makes it easy to duff and don. The use of properly placed elastic material enhances the range of movement thus making this wetsuit functional and easy to wear. The zipper is in the back, but it features a pull-tab leash, making it easy to put on and off.
Durability
The thicknesses of this ultra-stretch neoprene is 8-6-5mm. It is high-quality material made to endure the lifestyle of diving and watersports. The Thermo Plush construction is an internal layer that is soft and keeps the body warm, all the while drying quickly and maintaining durability.
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Design Quality
The Back Protection System features thicker neoprene made for increased back comfort and protection between back and scuba tank. The Trilastic concept focuses on using minimal wetsuit material thickness to avoid buoyancy, but still cushioning the skin and creating optimal warmth. The thinner the neoprene everywhere except the back, the greater the comfort, making this design concept “overwhelmingly accepted.”
Warranty
There is no explicitly stated warranty policy online on either the Mares website or online at the Amazon Marketplace. Instead, the Amazon Marketplace suggests contacting the manufacturer for its warranty policy.
Pros
- Stretchy material is comfortable, protective, and warm
- Can be found on sale at the Amazon Marketplace
- Durable construction made to last
Cons
- No warranty guaranteed from Mares
- Zipper on back
- Limited product reviews online
Long John Wetsuit
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This wetsuit provides full body coverage with the exception of the arms, making it perfect for slightly warmer air temps and chillier water. This neoprene and rubber Long John wetsuit is ideal for paddling, triathlons, swimming, or any activity where you need your arms to have free and full range of motion without the resistance of stretch material.
Ease of Use
The Long John wetsuit is ideal for novices and first timers who are looking for an entry level triathlon wetsuit or something to test the waters with. There is a buoyancy panel in the center with a thickness of 5mm to improve swimming during open water swimming. Mobility is easy and not restricted with the material being neoprene which is flexible. Being easy enough to use for a beginner and also mobility friendly, we are rating the Ease of Use highly for this model.
Durability
The Long John wetsuit is composed of neoprene and rubber which are flexible with movement and range of motion. They also last a long time in the sun and water. Being super stretchy and with long lasting material, the Long John wetsuit earns high marks for Durability.
Design Quality
This wetsuit comes equipped with a central buoyancy panel with added thickness to aid in swimming and protects the wearer down to 50 degrees water temperature, which is chilly. The chilly water is prevented from trickling in with sealed seams, and the wetsuit is designed to glide through the water with a special coating that prevents friction.
Warranty
This comes with no specific warranty; however, the company is known for working well with customers who experience an issue with their suits.
Pros
- Free arms increasing range of motion
- Super flexible and stretchy material
- Low price
Cons
- No warranty guaranteed from NeoSport
- Style is effective but bland
- Zip on back
Wetsuit Jacket
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The Wetsuit Jacket along with a Wetsuit Vest offer minimal chest and core protection, providing warmth to the top half of the body. It offers your pelvis and legs full range of motion. It is made out of 3mm neoprene insulation, and the outer shell is made from nylon fabric.
Ease of Use
Easy to take on and off, the placement of the zipper in the front makes this wetsuit jacket practical to wear. The stretchy and flexible neoprene insulation and nylon fabric outer shell cover the upper body fully but still allow for easy and smooth body movement. Because this wetsuit jacket is so simple and easy yet still super warm and flexible, we are rating the Ease of Use top marks.
Durability
With smooth surfaces thanks to the flatlock seams and spot tape construction of this wetsuit jacket, it is both comfortable and durable. The exterior is made from nylon fabric which is durable and highly elastic, and the interior is constructed from neoprene, which is flexible, waterproof, and heat insulated. The craftsmanship of this wetsuit jacket is high quality.
Design Quality
The heavy duty zipper is on the front, which may cause discomfort to surfers who are paddling in the water on their boards. However, the wetsuit jacket has a crewneck design, so there is protection to the neck from scrapes from the zipper. This wetsuit jacket is designed for athletes doing water sports and can be worn by itself or complementing a wetsuit for optimal warmth and protection. This is a great quality and well-designed wetsuit jacket.
Warranty
There is no warranty listed as such, but the company will replace any defective suit.
Pros
- Low to mid price range
- Nylon fabric and neoprene material
- Worn by itself or complementing a wetsuit
Cons
- Zipper on front
- No warranty guarantee from Lemorecn
- Watersport athletes only
Shorty Wetsuit
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Also known as the Springsuit, this wetsuit type has short legs and either long or short arms. Perfect for summer surfing, you get protection from the sun and an increased core body temperature. The U.S. Divers Adult Shorty Wetsuit for Men or the U.S. Divers Women’s Shorty Wetsuit looks stylish and performs professionally without breaking the bank.
Ease of Use
The shorty wetsuit has a heavy duty zipper on the back with an attached pull cord for simplified and easy on and off. The partially free limbs allow for a greater range of movement. This wetsuit is made with 2mm neoprene in the arms, legs, and torso, and is flexible, stretchy, and easy to put on and take off.
Durability
The zipper in the back is intended to be corrosion free, which is great for durability in both fresh and salt water. The shorty wetsuit is put together with flatlock stitching which is heavy-duty stitching that is durable enough to endure wear and tear. The 2mm of neoprene flexes with body movements and is durable, heat insulated, and entirely waterproof. It receives outstanding marks for the Durability category.
Design Quality
The 2mm of neoprene on the sides and chest panels are designed to be snug but not extremely or uncomfortably tight. On the arms and legs there are Neoskin seals so that the maximum amount of heat stays in. The attention to detail of construction is significant with this suit which is why it earns high marks or Design Quality.
Warranty
The U.S. Divers Adult Shorty Wetsuit has good ratings from customer reviews online. It does not have a guaranteed product warranty but may have a product return policy should the item be defective or unwanted. It is best to contact the company directly if you have any questions or issues with your suit.
Pros
- Stylish and functional
- Zipper with pull cord in back
- Affordable price range
Cons
- No specific warranty guarantee from U.S. Divers
- Some low customer reviews
- Does not cover the whole body
Conclusion
The Mares Flexa wetsuit is intended for diving in warm water. It is a rather expensive wetsuit for a niche water sport. It offers full body coverage and is made from super stretchy and flexible neoprene for comfort, protection, and warmth. The Mares Flexa wetsuit is stylish and has the zipper in the front for extra ease getting in and out of the suit.
The other types of wetsuits that we have reviewed are just as viable, and some are even the more affordable option. However, they do not have full body coverage, which may pose a problem in cold weather or water. For extra warmth and protection, try your next dive with a full body wetsuit such as the Mares Flexa wetsuit. Your investment of the proper attire and accessories for diving will prove an effective choice.
