Quiksilver Highline Series Wetsuit Review

I’m not a professional surfer. In fact, I wouldn’t even consider myself an advanced surfer. And if I’m being totally honest, I’d say I’m hovering around an intermediate level at best. That doesn’t mean I don’t know the technical benefits of a wetsuit – because I do*. I'm just a realist who knows there is someone out there who will rip much harder in a Highline+ than I ever could. Thus, I’m always looking for a slight step-down wetsuit. And Quiksilver’s Highline Series is, for me, at the top of its game for surfers who are spending serious time in the water.

Warmth & Stretch

The most appealing aspect of the Highline Series wetsuit is its ultimate stretch. That old saying ‘practice makes perfect’ is true on every level. So, if you want to become better at surfing, you’re going to have to put a lot of time and energy into the ocean. Which means you’re going to need a performance wetsuit that’s going to allow you the freedom to paddle continuously day-in, day-out. The Highline Series features what Quiksilver call F’N Lite neoprene. It’s made using cell-rich limestone that minimizes water absorption for increased warmth and decreased weight. What this means is that you’re going to remain toasty deep into the winter, without the added weight that more millimetres generally bring to a wetsuit.

The inner lining of a wetsuit is about better body temperature regulation. Quiksilver implement their revolutionary technology called Warmflight into the Highline Series. And although it’s not on an infrared level, it still excels at keeping warmth in, and water out. Plus, it repels water for a faster drying time. So, if you are surfing daily, you can be assured your wetsuit is going to dry a lot faster, which means that gross feeling of putting on a damp wetty will be all but a distant memory.

Structure

Seam technology might not be high on your priority list when picking a wetsuit, however, it is important to know the durability if you plan on getting some solid years out of your wetty. Essentially the seam of a wetsuit determines the strength, flexibility and water tightness of its construction. Three crucial elements that separate the men from the boys. The Highline Series has a Glued & Blindstitched (GBS) structure that only partially penetrates the neoprene which reduces water entry. Thus, keeping you warmer for longer. And if that wasn’t enough, Quiksilver have taken their F’N Lite Taped seam technology from the Highline+ and propelled it into the Highline Series, reinforcing its ability to deter water without sacrificing flexibility and weight. I mean, if there was ever a wetsuit designed to last, this would be it.

Watertight

Zip systems are all about personal preference. Back-in-the-day it was all about back zips. These days, surfers are rocking chest zips and zipperless wetsuits. Personally, I’m a chest zip and/or zipperless kinda guy. So luckily, the Highline Series has a zipperless design that eliminates the weight and bulk of a sewn-in zip closure whilst increasing freedom to move. Now surely you’re starting to see a theme here? There is no hiding the fact every element infused into the Highline Series is done so to increase flexibility. Which is epic.

Protection, adjustment and locking systems of the Highline Series are taken from the Highline+ so you know there’s going to be zero water creeping in whilst paddling or going over the falls. The latter being far more exhilarating – to an extent. But if I can talk technically for a second, the flush lock seals and fused edges are engineered to provide an ergonomic fitting which prevents water from flushing through the neck, wrist and ankles. Pretty important for comfort.

The above graphic shows the standard issued from Quiksilver for the Highline Series. This particular wetsuit rates technically perfect for stretch, and slightly less for warmth and dryness. If you look through the product description of the whole Quiksilver wetsuit range we have at Wetsuit Outlet, you will see that the graphic changes depending on the particular wetsuit you're looking at. Thus enabling you to instantly see the benefits of the wetsuit.

We stock the Quiksilver Highline Series in 4/3mm and 3/2mm zipperless - which come in a range of colourways. If you're going to be surfing in water temperatures ranging between 10ºC - 14ºC, then you'll need at 4/3mm. If the water temperature climbs between 14ºC - 18ºC, then a 3/2mm will be more ideal.

Written by Sam Quennell

@wetsuitoutlet

*I actually don't know every single technical aspect of every wetsuit ever made. Does anyone!?