How Much is a Wetsuit? Should You Buy it or Rent it?

Last Updated: July 18, 2023

You have likely worn a wetsuit on several diving occasions by borrowing from a friend or re-using an old one.

However, the time has now come to buy a new one. Shopping for a wetsuit would tell you that there is a whole plethora of price points and options to choose from.

If this turns out to be your first time as a wetsuit buyer, it may be hard to narrow down the one to choose. But I’m are here to help you with that.

Read on to find out the cost of wetsuits and options that you can consider.

General Price Points For Wetsuits

how much do wetsuits cost

The exact cost of a wetsuit can vary depending on several factors. In general, the low end for short spring suits is usually around $50. But then, full wetsuits have a base price of $75. Prices on the high end typically top out around $500.

The price is affected by a variety of factors, which includes the following among several other things:

  • Level of water tightness
  • Materials used in production
  • The flexibility freedom that comes with the wetsuit
  • Intended purpose
  • Thickness

Where To Buy a Wetsuit?

The good thing these days is that many ecommerce sites have some great quality wetsuits for sale. Most of them are manufactured in the USA and have great discounts too.

Here are some of the sites that are known for having a wide range of wetsuits on offer.

  • Amazon can be the go-to place for buying wetsuits for both men and women. Covering a wide range of options and prices, you will be spoilt for choice.
  • Wetsuit Warehouse is known for great sourcing wetsuits manufactured in the United States. Handcrafted wetsuits provide an extra layer of protection from cooler water temperatures, as well as added assurance in durability, performance, and quality.
  • Xterra Wetsuits – is dedicated to providing the best performing wetsuits at up to 70% off especially for triathletes. All their products are meticulously crafted, designed, and tested, along with a warranty period of two years.

How Much Does it Cost To Manufacture a Wetsuit?

The manufacturing costs differ from brand to brand. Typically, labor costs associated with producing these suits and the raw materials involved are two charges that influence the final price.

These are then added to determine the total production cost and the number of batches produced. After that, the process involves tailoring and sewing or assembling the suits. Trimming, finishing, and affixing necessary accessories could be the next step.

The process then finally progresses to branding and packaging, with the final retail price. Depending on the quality of materials involved and the other determining factors, the manufacturing costs could fall anywhere from $25 to $450 for different brands.

How Much Does it Cost To Rent a Wetsuit?

Wetsuit rental services are available on a daily or weekly basis, depending on your requirements. So if you feel like repairing your existing suit is not worth it or buying a new one is too expensive, you can rent one for some time and then decide for yourself later on.

The cost of renting yet again depends on the wetsuit’s quality and for how long you may want to keep it. Many online sites, such as Wetsuit Rental, provide them for rent and all associated information on the cost of doing so.

So if you are keen on renting a wetsuit, it would cost you anything from $15 to $50 for a day and $175 to $200 or even more for the whole week. However, you must make sure to return it in the same condition as when you took it, or be prepared to compensate a hefty amount.

Final Thoughts

Contrary to popular belief, wetsuits, unlike almost every scuba diving equipment, can be purchased second hand too.

This is because if a wetsuit is defective, it will not endanger your health while you are in the water. Therefore, they are frequently sold second-hand and can be found for a meagre price if you look in the right place.

Another great way to get hold of a wetsuit is by approaching a scuba instructor or a scuba company. If you are in luck, they will allow you to purchase any excess stock in their possession at a relatively low price.

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