Chest Zip vs Back Zip Wetsuits – Which Is Better? | Video Guide
Chest zip or back zip – which wetsuit entry system is right for you? In this video, the Wetsuit Centre team compares the two designs, explaining how they differ in warmth, flexibility, water entry and ease of getting in and out. Discover the advantages of each so you can choose the best option for your surfing and watersports needs.
Video Transcript
Introduction – Understanding Wetsuit Entry Systems
Hi there, Jeff here from Wetsuit Centre.
Today we're going to look at the different entry systems available on modern wetsuits, explain their advantages and disadvantages, and help you decide which one might be best for you.
There are three main types of wetsuit entry system:
- Back Zip: A traditional zip running down the back of the wetsuit.
- Chest Zip: A shorter zip across the upper chest.
- Zip-Free (Zipperless): An entry system that doesn't use a zip.
We'll demonstrate how each entry system is constructed, explain the benefits and drawbacks, and discuss which types of users might find each one most suitable.
Back Zip Wetsuits – How Do They Work?
Let's start with the back-zip wetsuit.
The back zip is the longest-established entry system and is fairly self-explanatory. You have a zip running down the back of the wetsuit, typically reaching towards the lower back.
If we take a closer look, you can see how far the zip extends and how widely the back of the wetsuit opens.
Most modern wetsuit zips are specially designed to resist corrosion and the effects of salt water.
Underneath the zip, you'll often find an additional panel of neoprene. This has several different names, including a back panel or back wing.
Essentially, it's a layer of neoprene that sits underneath the zip.
Its purpose is to help prevent water that enters through the zip from flowing directly into the main body of the wetsuit.
Instead, the panel helps direct some of that water away from your body and towards the drainage points.
Some versions also have an extended panel that goes up and over your head.
This provides additional protection against water entering through the neck opening.
It can also allow manufacturers to incorporate features such as thermal lining and other insulation materials into the wetsuit.
These additional back panels are now common in many wetsuits and can be very effective.
Advantages of Back Zip Wetsuits
The biggest advantage of a back-zip wetsuit is how easy it is to get into and out of.
This is particularly important for people with reduced mobility or limited flexibility.
As we get older, we may lose some flexibility, and some people naturally find it more difficult to reach behind their shoulders or move their arms through narrow openings.
This can also be an issue for people with shoulder injuries, back problems or a broader build.
With chest-zip and zip-free wetsuits, you have to work the neoprene over your shoulders and elbows, which can be difficult if your mobility is limited.
You often see people in car parks asking for help getting their wetsuits off!
A back-zip wetsuit can make this much easier.
Because the zip extends a long way down the back, you can open the shoulders much more widely.
This creates a larger opening, making it easier to pull the wetsuit on.
It's also easier to remove because you have more room to work the neoprene over your shoulders and elbows.
Another advantage is convenience.
For example, if you're jet skiing, sailing or doing another watersport where you regularly get in and out of the water, you might want to pull your wetsuit down to your waist during a break.
A back zip makes this relatively straightforward.
It's a good option if ease of use and convenience are important to you.
Disadvantages of Back Zip Wetsuits
There are also a couple of disadvantages to consider.
The first is flexibility.
A wetsuit's freedom of movement depends partly on how its panels and seams are constructed.
A long zip running down the middle of your back creates an area that cannot stretch in the same way as the surrounding neoprene.
This can restrict some movement across the back of the wetsuit.
The second disadvantage concerns water entry around the neck.
Back-zip wetsuits generally have a neck closure made from overlapping sections of neoprene, often secured with Velcro.
The advantage is that you can adjust the closure to achieve a comfortable fit.
However, the overlapping design doesn't always create as continuous a seal as the collar on a chest-entry wetsuit.
If you're duck diving while surfing, or you fall into the water, there may be a greater chance of water flushing through the neck opening.
So, to summarise the back zip:
Its biggest advantage is ease of getting into and out of the wetsuit.
The main disadvantages are potentially reduced flexibility across the back and a greater possibility of water entering through the collar.
Chest Zip Wetsuits – How Do They Work?
Next, let's look at the chest-zip wetsuit.
Different manufacturers use slightly different versions of the chest-entry system.
Some zips open in one direction, while others open in the opposite direction, but the basic principle is very similar.
If we take a closer look at the front of the suit, one of the clever features is how the entry system is constructed.
The outer chest-entry panel sits over the main body of the wetsuit.
We can release the toggle, which helps keep the closure secure, and then open the zip.
Underneath, you can see the main opening into the wetsuit.
The neoprene panels meet around the upper body, allowing you to pull them apart to get into the suit.
The outer chest-entry panel is then pulled back over the top to close everything up.
The idea is that any water entering through the neck or the side of the opening is directed into the chest-entry compartment rather than straight into the main body of the wetsuit.
You'll often find small drainage holes around the upper arms or the back of the suit.
These holes are intentional.
They allow water that collects inside the chest-entry compartment to drain away.
So, if you notice a small hole in one of these areas, don't automatically assume the wetsuit is damaged!
Advantages of Chest Zip Wetsuits
One of the biggest advantages of a chest-zip wetsuit is flexibility.
Once the wetsuit is on, you no longer have a long zip running down your back.
This allows the neoprene across the back and lumbar region to stretch more freely.
If you're surfing or doing an activity that involves a lot of movement through your upper body and back, that additional flexibility can make a noticeable difference.
Another major advantage is the seal around the neck.
Chest-entry wetsuits generally have a more continuous collar without the same overlapping Velcro closure found on many back-zip wetsuits.
This helps create a closer seal around the neck, reducing the amount of water that can flush into the suit.
It can also improve comfort because there's no Velcro rubbing against your neck.
You avoid some of the irritation that can occur with adjustable neck closures, particularly when you're moving around in the water.
The front zip is also conveniently positioned.
You can reach it easily without having to stretch around behind your back.
In my opinion, chest-entry wetsuits are generally better at limiting water entry than traditional back-zip designs, particularly around the neck.
So the main advantages are improved flexibility across the back, a comfortable neck seal and reduced water flushing.
Disadvantages of Chest Zip Wetsuits
The biggest disadvantage is that they're more difficult to put on and take off.
With a chest-entry wetsuit, you generally start by turning the upper part of the suit inside out and folding it down towards the waist.
You then pull the lower section on like a pair of trousers before working the upper section over your arms and shoulders.
We've produced a separate video demonstrating this technique.
Compared with a back-zip wetsuit, there's considerably less room to move through the opening.
You'll often find yourself wriggling and manoeuvring to get the suit over your shoulders.
Taking it off can be even more difficult.
You need to work the neoprene back over your shoulders and elbows, which requires a reasonable degree of flexibility.
When you're young and very mobile, that might not be much of a problem.
However, as you get older, or if you have shoulder stiffness, injuries or limited mobility, it can become considerably more challenging.
If getting in and out of a wetsuit is already difficult for you, a chest zip might not be the most practical option.
However, if you're comfortable using this entry system, there are definite benefits in terms of comfort, flexibility and limiting water entry.
Zip-Free Wetsuits – How Do They Work?
Finally, let's look at the zip-free, or zipperless, wetsuit.
Zip-free entry systems have become increasingly popular, with brands such as Rip Curl helping to develop and promote the technology.
The basic design follows a similar principle to the chest-entry wetsuit, but removes the zip altogether.
If we take a closer look, you can see the upper entry panel and the opening underneath.
There's usually a toggle or adjustable closure that allows you to tighten the entry system around the shoulder area.
This helps secure the upper panel and reduce water entry.
Underneath, you have overlapping sections of neoprene that form the main opening into the wetsuit.
As with a chest-entry design, water that enters the upper compartment can be directed away from the body and through drainage points.
The main difference is that there's no zip.
That means fewer components and a more flexible entry system.
Advantages of Zip-Free Wetsuits
The primary advantage of a zip-free wetsuit is freedom of movement.
By removing the zip, you eliminate another relatively rigid component from the upper body.
You have less restriction across the chest and shoulders, allowing the neoprene to stretch more freely.
The result is excellent flexibility.
This is particularly valuable for performance-focused wetsuits, including competition and high-end surfing models.
When manufacturers design a wetsuit with maximum flexibility as the priority, a zip-free entry system can work particularly well.
It allows the upper body to move more freely without the restriction of a zip.
Another advantage is that there are fewer mechanical components that can fail.
Zips are one of the components that can eventually become damaged or stop working properly.
Removing the zip eliminates that particular potential failure point.
The simpler construction can therefore offer benefits in terms of durability, although the neoprene panels and seams still need to be looked after.
You also get a close-fitting entry system designed to help reduce water flushing into the suit.
So the main benefits are maximum flexibility, fewer mechanical components and a close seal around the upper body.
Disadvantages of Zip-Free Wetsuits
The biggest disadvantage is probably what you're already thinking: how on earth do you get into one?
Zip-free wetsuits can be considerably more difficult to put on and remove.
As with a chest-entry wetsuit, the best way to start is to turn the upper section inside out and fold it down towards the waist.
This makes the lower section look like a pair of trousers, which you can pull on first.
The difficulty comes when you start working the upper body over your arms and shoulders.
Because the entry opening is smaller and there's no zip to release, there's less room to manoeuvre.
Getting your shoulders through can take some practice.
Removing the wetsuit can be even more challenging.
That's why zip-free designs are particularly popular with surfers who are comfortable with a tighter, more restrictive entry opening.
If you have limited shoulder mobility, reduced flexibility or find it difficult to take a chest-zip wetsuit off, a zip-free model may not be the most practical choice.
However, if you're comfortable getting into and out of one, the flexibility benefits can be excellent.
Final Comparison – Back Zip vs Chest Zip vs Zip-Free
Hopefully, that's helped explain the main advantages and disadvantages of the three wetsuit entry systems.
Let's quickly summarise.
Back Zip
The biggest advantage is that it's much easier to get into and out of.
The large opening makes it particularly suitable for people who value convenience or have limited mobility.
The disadvantages are potentially reduced flexibility across the back and a greater chance of water flushing through the neck.
Chest Zip
A chest-entry wetsuit provides greater freedom of movement across the back because there's no long rear zip.
It also tends to create a better seal around the neck, improving comfort and reducing water entry.
The downside is that getting in and out of the wetsuit requires more manoeuvring, particularly around the shoulders and elbows.
Zip-Free
A zip-free wetsuit offers excellent flexibility across the chest, shoulders and back.
With no zip, there are also fewer mechanical components that can fail.
The entry system can provide a close seal that helps limit water flushing.
However, zip-free wetsuits can be the most challenging of the three designs to put on and remove.
Further Advice on Choosing a Wetsuit Entry System
Ultimately, the right entry system depends on your priorities.
If ease of use is most important, a back zip is often the most practical choice.
If you want a good balance of flexibility, comfort and reduced water entry, a chest zip is well worth considering.
If maximum freedom of movement is your priority and you're comfortable using a smaller entry opening, a zip-free wetsuit could be ideal.
If you've already purchased a chest-entry or zip-free wetsuit and are struggling to get in and out of it, take a look at our separate video guide.
We demonstrate some useful techniques that can make the process considerably easier.
Hopefully, this comparison has helped you make the right choice.
Jeff here from Wetsuit Centre. See you next time!
