Animal Lava and Nova Wetsuits Review

It’s no coincidence Animal’s head office is based on the south coast of Dorset. It allows the brand’s team of passionate surfers to test different Animal wetsuits before putting them on the market. It's a direct connection between the manufacturing process and you as the user, so know your wetsuit will be suitable for the conditions you’re going to be surfing in.

Animal takes a lot of pride in ensuring the wetsuits they create can handle all temperatures – both cold and hot. The Lava and Nova models are two of the best entry-level wetsuits on the market currently, which is why we’ve stocked them both in Men’s, Women’s and Kids' sizes.

Lava Chest Zip & Back Zip (5/4/3MM, 4/3MM and 3/2MM)

Created for intermediate surfers who are progressively developing their skills on a consistent basis, the Lava comes in both a Front Zip and a Back Zip model, with the latter being slightly cheaper. The price also differentiates depending on the number of millimetres the wetsuit has. So, if you’re going to be surfing in cold conditions you’ll need a 5/4/3MM wetsuit, but if you surf during the spring/summer, then a 3/2MM is more suitable.

That price difference for the zip-entry-systems is more than just about convenience too. The Front Zip gives complete flexibility that allows minimum restriction for maximum performance. Whereas the Back Zip doesn’t give as much freedom when paddling, which can result in enhanced exhaustion (aka you get jiggered more quickly), as more energy is expended.

Apart from the zip-entry-systems, everything else about the Lava is the same. The use of A-Flex Pro neoprene guarantees you’re going to be getting the highest performance dynamic stretch material available, whilst the contour control seams are developed through body mapping technology, ensuring the shape of the wetsuit will fit you to perfection. Furthermore, a durable knee pad is essential for duck-ducking and paddling, and Lava use AK knee pads which will protect you from all the necessary elements – including reefs. And if you’re worried about getting a rash from the neck of the wetsuit, don’t be, as a seal skin neck is fused to allow for a softer and smoother feel.

Given the price-point on the Lava, it really is a great wetsuit for anyone who is looking to advance their surfing skills, in all conditions.

 

Nova Back Zip (3/2MM)

If you’re looking for a basic entry-level wetsuit that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but still has the necessities to keep you in the water, then the Nova is a great wetsuit which also happens to be super affordable. Plus, it incorporates some of the same features the Lava has.

Flatlock stitching is used, which results in the seam being extremely flexible and strong and is generally matched for warmer conditions. However, the same contour control seams, AK knee pads and seal skin neck as the Lava are used, although it doesn’t have the same A-Flex Pro neoprene, nor does it come with a Front Zip.

Overall, the Nova is a quality beginner level wetsuit, which is classically designed, and technically sound for the spring and summer months.

 

For more information on the Animal wetsuit range, head to our Facebook page, where ‘Wetsuit Will’ gives his thoughts on the latest edition to the Wetsuit Outlet family.

Written by Sam Quennell

@wetsuitoutlet