Quiksilver Highline+ Wetsuit Review

To be on top of your surf game, you need a wetsuit that isn’t going to hold you back. Quiksilver Highline+ wetsuits are developed to meet the uppermost demands in warmth, weight, flexibility, and all-round surfing.

Specifically, the Highline+ is the most technically advanced wetsuit available from Quiksilver. So, if you’re comfortable surfing in all conditions, and embrace winter swells, this is the wetsuit best equipped for you.

Warmth

Being one of only two surf brands in the world to use infrared technology for the inner lining of a wetsuit, Quiksilver offer three versions that are incorporated through the Highline, Syncro and Original designs. The Highline+ wetsuit uses Warmflight X2 inner lining. It’s Quiksilver’s warmest, fastest drying coating which has mineral-enriched fibres to retain body heat whilst its Diamond Deluxe material maximises stretch and traps air against the skin for added warmth. In layman’s terms, your body heat is transformed into infrared energy which generates warmth within in your wetsuit, thus making it perfect for cold conditions.

Structure

When it comes to structure, seams are the skeleton of a wetsuit. They determine the strength, flexibility and water tightness of its construction. Therefore, when selecting a wetsuit, it is very important the seams are manufactured to a high quality. The Highline+ uses a Hydrolock seam. It’s the thinnest, lightest and most flexible seal available from Quiksilver. Additionally, an F’N Lite Taped seam is used which is a thin and ultralight sealant that gives extra watertight reinforcement without sacrificing flexibility and weight. And as a surfer, having a flexible seam which keeps water out is crucial for a wetsuit. Because without paddling freedom, the session becomes exhausting, and you’ll find you won’t be able to stay in the water for an extended period. Similar, if a wetsuit allows water seepage, you’ll find yourself constantly battling to find momentum. Plus, you’ll be forever cold.

Material

All wetsuits are made from neoprene, but great wetsuits are made from great neoprene. Quiksilver embrace the latter. For the higher the quality, the lighter, warmer and more flexible your wetsuit is going to be. The Highline+ has an F’N Lite X2 neoprene. Basically, its main function is to minimalize drying times between sessions. Thus, allowing you to surf comfortably, and more frequently. Because there’s nothing worse than putting on a damp wetsuit in the middle of winter. Additionally, Quiksilver implement what they call a Thermal Smoothie, which is a durable textured neoprene that acts as a wind and water repellent, keeping your body protected from the elements.

Watertight

Knowing you’re going to be warm is an important factor when selecting a wetsuit. However, having the confidence in a wetsuit's protection, adjustment and locking system is just as vital. Quiksilver use a flush locking system, which has strategically placed seals to prevent water flushing through wrists and ankles. Additionally, fused edges are used to create an incredibly low profile at the end of the cuff, providing an ergonomic fitting that further prevents flushing through the neck, wrist and ankles. Take it from me, the more water kept out of a wetsuit, the better it’s going to be for you in the long run.

We stock the Highline+ in both various colourways, so you have the option of a traditional feel, or a wetsuit with a bit more colour. Both are equally stylish, so it really comes down to personal preference.

The above graphic shows the standard issued from Quiksilver for the Highline+ 4/3mm Chest Zip. This particular wetsuit rates technically perfect in the three most important areas - stretch, dry and warmth. If you look through the product information 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.

In my opinion, Quiksilver are at the forefront of simplifying the decision process, when searching for the perfect wetsuit for the conditions you're going to be surfing in.

Written by Sam Quennell

@wetsuitoutlet