NEWS

Top Picks for 5/4 Hooded Wetsuits for Seattle & Washington Coast Fall/Winter 2024/25

For the cold waters of the Seattle area, Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the rugged Washington coast, a dependable 5/4 hooded wetsuit is essential for cold-water activities. With water temperatures dropping into the 40s and low 50s (°F) in fall and winter, a high-quality wetsuit can make a huge difference in comfort and performance. Here’s our updated list of top picks for 5/4 hooded wetsuits, perfect for surfing, kiteboarding, wingfoiling, and other water adventures in the Pacific Northwest. These selections also include women's versions, ensuring that everyone can find the right suit to stay warm.

1. Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded

Price Range: $$
Key Features: E5 Neoprene, Flash Lining, Taped Stress Points
Available for Women: Yes

The Dawn Patrol 5/4 is a solid wetsuit for those who want reliable performance at a great price. Made with Rip Curl’s stretchy E5 neoprene, this wetsuit offers excellent flexibility while keeping you warm. The Flash lining accelerates drying time and keeps the interior warm between sessions. Reinforced taped stress points add durability, making it a great choice for the versatile conditions found around Seattle and the Washington coast. The women’s version maintains all the same high-quality features with a cut designed for a comfortable and secure fit.

2. Xcel Infiniti 5/4 Hooded

Price Range: $$$
Key Features: ThermoLite IR Lining, Channel Flex, Triple Glued and Blind-Stitched Seams
Available for Women: Yes

The Xcel Infiniti 5/4 is a popular choice for cold-water surfers and kiteboarders. Featuring a ThermoLite IR lining and flexible Channel Flex material, the Infiniti provides both warmth and flexibility. Triple-glued and blind-stitched seams prevent water from entering the suit, keeping you warm even in the coldest conditions. The Infiniti is known for its snug hood that effectively minimizes water flushing. The women’s version offers the same advanced features, ensuring great performance and warmth tailored to fit women's bodies.

3. Xcel Comp X 4.5/3.5 Hooded

Price Range: $$$
Key Features: Japanese Limestone Neoprene, ThermoDry Celliant Lining, Minimal Seams for Flexibility

While not a full 5/4, the Xcel Comp X 4.5/3.5 offers an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, ideal for those who need maximum flexibility without compromising warmth. Made from Japanese limestone neoprene and featuring the advanced ThermoDry Celliant lining, this suit provides excellent insulation and flexibility. Minimal seam construction reduces bulk and increases range of motion, which is perfect for dynamic activities like surfing and wingfoiling. Though we do not stock the womens specific version, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a flexible cold-water suit and can be special ordered.

4. O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded

Price Range: $$$
Key Features: TechnoButter 3 Neoprene, Fluid Seam Weld, F.U.Z.E. Closure System
Available for Women: Yes

The O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ is celebrated for its incredible flexibility, making it a top choice for surfers and foilers. The TechnoButter 3 neoprene is exceptionally lightweight and stretchy, providing comfort without sacrificing warmth. Fluid Seam Weld technology keeps water out, and the F.U.Z.E. (Front Upper Zip Entry) closure system makes getting in and out of the suit a breeze. The "plus" in the 5/4+ indicates extra thickness in the core areas, boosting warmth for those colder days. The women's version offers the same flexible and warm materials with a fit tailored specifically for women.

5. Rip Curl Flash Bomb 5/4 Hooded

Price Range: $$$$$
Key Features: E7 Neoprene, Flash Lining, Sealed & Taped Seams

For those who demand top-tier performance, the Rip Curl Flash Bomb 5/4 is an excellent choice. Featuring E7 neoprene, Rip Curl’s warmest and most flexible material, this wetsuit offers the best in comfort and insulation. The Flash lining adds extra warmth and dries quickly between sessions, and the sealed and taped seams make it exceptionally water-tight. This wetsuit is designed for hardcore cold-water enthusiasts who want to stay warm and flexible during long sessions. Though we do not stock a women-specific version for this model, it’s known for its durability and warmth in extreme conditions and can be special ordered.

6. O'Neill Psychotech 5/4+ Hooded

Price Range: $$$$$
Key Features: TechnoButter 4 (TB4) Neoprene, TB4 Firewall with Graphene, Double Super Seal Neck
Available for Women: Yes

The updated O'Neill Psychotech 5/4+ now includes TechnoButter 4 (TB4) neoprene and a TB4 Firewall enhanced with graphene, making it one of the warmest and lightest wetsuits on the market. The new graphene-infused lining enhances heat retention and durability, perfect for the coldest days in the Pacific Northwest. The suit’s double super seal neck keeps water out, and its flexibility makes it suitable for all cold-water activities, from surfing to kiteboarding. The women’s version features the same advanced materials and cutting-edge technology, ensuring warmth and performance without compromising fit.

Choosing the Right Suit for Your Needs

1. Flexibility vs. Warmth: If flexibility is a priority (e.g., for kiteboarding or wingfoiling), the O'Neill Hyperfreak or Xcel Comp X are great options. For maximum warmth, especially for winter surfing, look at the Rip Curl Flash Bomb or the updated O'Neill Psychotech.

2. Value for Money: The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise quality, while the Xcel Infiniti offers mid-range performance with high-end features.

3. Durability: For those who are hard on their gear, the O'Neill Psychotech and Rip Curl Flash Bomb provide exceptional durability with top-of-the-line warmth for repeated cold-water sessions.

Final Thoughts

These wetsuits are all excellent choices for tackling the Pacific Northwest's chilly waters. Your selection should depend on your activity, how often you’re in the water, and the temperature you expect to face. It is also extremely important to get the right fit. Investing in a quality 5/4 hooded wetsuit, especially with a women’s option for those who need it, ensures you’ll stay warm, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every wave and breeze throughout the fall and winter.

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