Spearfishing is an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping underwater sport that requires the right gear to ensure safety, comfort, and success.

One of the essential pieces of equipment for spearfishing enthusiasts is a high-quality wetsuit. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the best spearfishing wetsuits, their features, and how to choose the perfect one for your underwater adventures.

We will also provide insights into the different types of wetsuits available, their materials, and the importance of finding the right fit.

If you're looking for a great beginner speargun feel free to check out our article on how to choose the best speargun for beginners or our spearfishing gear checklist!

Shortlist or our top recommended wetsuits for spearfishing:

1. Cressi Tokugawa Wetsuit - Best for spearfishing in mild water temperatures, with a unique camouflage design for stealthy hunting.

2. Seac Body Fit Wetsuit - Best for warm water spearfishing, offering an easy-to-wear design and a thinner chest-loading pad for easy speargun loading.

3. Riffe Digi-Tek Wetsuit - Best for versatility in various underwater environments due to its distinctive camo pattern and added warmth and protection through seals on the face, ankles, and wrists.

4. Salvimar N.A.T. Wetsuit - Best for durability during dives, offering Puff Gum reinforcements in high-wear areas and a blend of warmth and comfort.

5. MAKO Wetsuit - Best for warm water spearfishing with a balance of warmth, comfort, and durability. Plus the reinforced chest and knee pads offer added protection.

6. Cressi Apnea Wetsuit - Best for custom fit and sun protection, using thicker and stretchier neoprene and offering tailor-made suits.

7. SpearPro Wetsuit - Best for cost-effectiveness without compromising comfort and durability, a newer brand gaining popularity for longevity.

8. SEAC Black Shark Spearfishing Wetsuit - Best for flexibility and comfort in relatively cold water.

9. ZCCO Single Piece Wetsuit - Best for budget diving, while still offering many of the features of higher end wetsuits it's very affordable.

Why You Need a Spearfishing Wetsuit

A spearfishing wetsuit is crucial for several reasons:

1. Thermal protection: Wetsuits provide insulation against the cold water, allowing you to stay comfortable and warm during your dives. This is especially important in colder waters where hypothermia can be a real risk.
2. Sun protection: When you're spending long hours in the water, your skin is exposed to the sun's harmful rays. A wetsuit provides an added layer of protection against sunburn and other sun-related skin issues.
3. Physical protection: A wetsuit shields your body from potential harm caused by sharp coral, rocks, or other underwater hazards. It also offers some protection against jellyfish stings and other stinging sea creatures.
4. Camouflage: Many spearfishing wetsuits feature unique camouflage patterns that help you blend into your underwater surroundings, making it easier to approach fish without scaring them away.

Types of Wetsuits for Spearfishing

There are several types of wetsuits available for spearfishing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types include:

One-Piece Wetsuits

One-piece wetsuits, also known as full suits or steamers, cover the entire body from the neck down to the ankles. They provide maximum coverage and insulation, making them ideal for colder water temperatures. One-piece wetsuits are commonly used by surfers and scuba divers and often have a back or chest zipper for ease of putting on and taking off.

Two-Piece Wetsuits

Two-piece wetsuits consist of separate top and bottom pieces, usually a jacket with an attached hood and either high-waist pants or Farmer John-style bottoms. They are the preferred choice of most freedivers and spearfishers due to the following advantages:

• Easier to put on and take off, especially when using open-cell neoprene
• No zippers, which can reduce flexibility and allow water to seep in
• Better seal around the waist/chest where the two pieces meet
• Built-in hood for added warmth and protection
• Glued and blind-stitched seams for a chafe-free, strong, and waterproof seal
• Ability to mix and match sizes for a better fit

Dive Skins and Rash Guards

Dive skins and rash guards are made of thin, stretchy material like Lycra or Spandex and offer minimal thermal protection. They are best suited for warm water spearfishing, providing sun protection and a barrier against stinging sea creatures. Some rash guards also include a chest pad for more comfortable speargun loading.

Key Features to Look for in a Spearfishing Wetsuit

When shopping for the best wetsuits for spearfishing, consider the following essential features:

Material

Most spearfishing wetsuits are made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that offers excellent insulation and flexibility. Neoprene contains tiny nitrogen bubbles that provide insulation by trapping air, making it an ideal material for wetsuits. Different types and brands of neoprene offer varying degrees of quality, comfort, and durability.

Some of the best spearfishing wetsuits are made from premium neoprene materials like Yamamoto, Heiwa, or Daiwabo. These materials offer superior flexibility, comfort, and durability compared to cheaper, generic neoprene.

Fit and Cut

A well-fitting wetsuit is essential for effective insulation and comfort during your spearfishing dives. It's important to choose a wetsuit designed for your body shape, whether male or female. Many manufacturers offer gender-specific designs and sizing to ensure a proper fit.

Take the time to measure yourself and consult the manufacturer's size chart to find the best fit. Remember that a wetsuit that doesn't fit well will allow cold water to flush in and out, reducing its insulating properties and making you feel cold.

Open-Cell vs. Lined vs. Smooth-Skin Wetsuits

There are three main types of wetsuit interiors to consider: open-cell, lined, and smooth-skin.

Open cell wetsuits have an unlined interior, providing a better seal against the skin and improved insulation. However, they can be more delicate and require lubrication to put on and take off.

Lined wetsuits feature a nylon or other lining material on both the inside and outside of the suit, offering increased durability and ease of use at the cost of reduced insulation and sealing properties.

Smooth-skin wetsuits have an unlined, smooth exterior surface, providing excellent warmth, quick drying, and hydrodynamic performance. These wetsuits can be more fragile and prone to damage, but are popular with competitive freedivers and cold-water spearfishers.

Thickness

Wetsuit thickness is a crucial factor in determining the level of insulation and warmth it provides. Thicker wetsuits offer better cold-water protection, but may reduce maneuverability and increase buoyancy. The following is a general guideline for wetsuit thickness based on water temperature:

• Water temperature above 85°F (29°C): Lycra or Spandex dive skin
• Water temperature 80-84°F (26-28°C): 1-2mm wetsuit
• Water temperature 70-79°F (21-25°C): 3mm wetsuit
• Water temperature 61-69°F (16-20°C): 5mm wetsuit
• Water temperature 50-60°F (10-15°C): 7mm wetsuit
• Water temperature below 50°F (10°C): 9mm wetsuit

Reinforcements and Padding

Spearfishing wetsuits often include additional padding and reinforcement in high-wear areas like the chest, elbows, and knees. A chest-loading pad can make loading your speargun more comfortable, while elbow and knee reinforcements can provide extra durability and protection.

Camouflage

Camouflage patterns on a spearfishing wetsuit can help you blend into your underwater environment, making it easier to approach fish without detection. Consider the type of terrain and water conditions you'll be diving in when choosing a camouflage pattern, and remember that the effectiveness of camouflage often depends on the diver's skill and stealth in the water.

Top Picks: Best Wetsuits for Spearfishing

Based on our research and the key features outlined above, we have compiled a list of the top spearfishing wetsuits currently available. These wetsuits offer a combination of quality, comfort, protection, and value for money.

1. Cressi Tokugawa Spearfishing Wetsuit - $224.95

This open-cell neoprene wetsuit from Cressi offers excellent warmth, comfort, and flexibility, making it one of the best spearfishing wetsuit for mild water temperatures. The unique camouflage design helps you blend into your surroundings for a stealthy approach to your target fish.

2. Seac Body Fit Spearfishing Wetsuit - $179.00

‍A great option for warm water spearfishing, the Seac Body Fit is a closed-cell neoprene wetsuit with an easy-to-wear one-piece design. The suit features pre-angled arms and legs for improved fit and comfort, along with a thinner chest-loading pad for easy speargun loading.

3. Riffe Vortex Spearfishing Wetsuit - $375.00

‍This high-quality wetsuit from Riffe features a two-piece design with a hood and is made from Yamamoto open-cell neoprene. The distinctive camo pattern helps you blend into a variety of underwater environments, while the face, ankle, and wrist seals provide added warmth and protection.

4. Salvimar N.A.T. Spearfishing Wetsuit - $355.25

‍The Salvimar N.A.T. wetsuit offers a blend of warmth, comfort, and durability with its open-cell neoprene construction and unique camouflage design. The suit features Puff Gum reinforcements in high-wear areas like the elbows and knees, providing added protection during your dives.

5. MAKO Spearfishing Wetsuit - $349.95

‍This double-lined spearfishing wetsuit from MAKO offers a perfect balance of warmth, comfort, and durability for warm water spearfishing. The Hyperstretch Lycra-infused neoprene provides excellent flexibility and range of movement, while the reinforced knee and chest pads offer additional protection and comfort.

6. Cressi Apnea Spearfishing Wetsuit - $269.95

The Cressi Apnea Spearfishing Wetsuit is a high-quality, 2-piece wetsuit specifically designed for spearfishing and freediving. Made from soft, open-cell neoprene, it provides flexibility and comfort, allowing free movement for the wearer. The wetsuit features an anatomical design that offers a form-fitted feel and is reinforced in high-stress areas like the elbows and knees. The jacket includes an extensive chest support to reduce the load from the spear gun.

This wetsuit is designed in Italy by Cressi, a pioneer brand in spearfishing, freediving, and scuba diving equipment since 1946.

7. SpearPro Spearfishing Wetsuit - $319.95

‍SpearPro is a newer brand offering durable spearfishing wetsuits at a moderate cost. These suits are gaining popularity for their comfort, durability, and longevity. They are perfect for divers looking for these features at a reasonable price.

8. SEAC Black Shark Spearfishing Wetsuit - $279.00

The SEAC Black Shark is a two-piece spearfishing wetsuit, consisting of a hooded jacket and high-waisted trousers. Made of neoprene with a nylon lining outside and open cell inside, it's designed to be worn wet. The wetsuit features a "raw cut" of the neoprene on the edges of the hood, wrists, and ankles. The jacket is equipped with a "beaver tail" closure with two buttons and a sternal Melco Tape protection for spear gun loading. The high-waisted pants come with Powertex fabric protections on the knees and shins. This wetsuit is recommended for both spearfishing and free diving activities.

9. ZCCO Single Piece Wetsuit - $68.95

The ZCCO 3mm Premium Neoprene Full Sleeve Dive Skin is a versatile wetsuit for activities like spearfishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Made from 90% CR Neoprene and 10% nylon and spandex, it offers a comfortable fit. The suit features a smooth skin neoprene inner for a tight fit and minimal water entry. It includes a heavy-duty YKK zipper for easy wear. The ultra-stretch neoprene material enhances flexibility and performance. Available in various sizes, weight and height are the primary factors for size selection.

Conclusion

Finding the best wetsuits for spearfishing can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and understanding of the key features, you can make an informed decision. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced spearfisher, investing in a high-quality wetsuit is essential for your safety, comfort, and success in the water. By considering the material, thickness, style, and color of the wetsuit, as well as your specific diving conditions and needs, you can find the perfect wetsuit for your underwater adventures.