Quiksilver Syncro+ Wetsuit Review

Have you blown all your money on a new surfboard only to realise you’re going to need a decent wetsuit to combat the dark depths of winter? It’s ok. I’ve been there myself. Because let’s face it, there really is nothing better than coming home with a perfectly shaped thruster buster, that hasn’t been smothered with wax - yet. It’s like when you purchase a new iPhone and don’t want to peel back that plastic cover it comes with. Anyway, the fact is, you’ve sacrificed your wellbeing for a surfboard. But don’t stress, because the Quiksilver Syncro+ combines high-end features of a cold-water wetsuit at the best possible value. So, if you’re thinking of filling Mick Fanning’s post-Bells spot on tour, this is the wetsuit you’re going to want to be practicing in.

Warmth

If you read the first review on the Quiksilver Highline+ you’ll know that infrared heat technology is used for the inner lining of the wetsuit. This means your body heat is transformed into infrared energy which then generates warmth within your wetty. It’s a little scientific, but it’s basically revolutionizing the time you can spend in the water. The Syncro+ doesn’t have the exact inner lining the Highline+ has, however it does have a step-down version of the infrared technology, which Quiksilver call Warmflight X1. What’s unique about this inner lining is that it insulates and retains body heat for longer, whilst repelling water so you can stay warmer and have your wetsuit drying faster after a long day getting barrelled.

Quiksilver know how good their F’N Lite neoprene is. The Highline Series wetsuit can attest to that. Hence, they’ve implemented the same cell-rich limestone into the Syncro+. It literally would have been a no-brainer for Quiksilver. Less water absorption for increased warmth which results in decreased weight. Paddling will never be so easy. Which means there’s no excuse for making that 8ft bomb if you’re wearing a Syncro+. Oh, and if you don’t happen to make the wave of your life, don’t try and blame it on a devil wind, because Quiksilver have thought of a way to fight that too. It’s called Thermal Smoothie and it’s a durable texture neoprene that’s designed to repel wind and water whilst you’re in the line-up. So yeah, you’re making that drop.

Structure

You either pay attention to seam technology, or you don’t. And to be fair, it’s not high on my check list. But then again, we don’t always have to wear wetsuits in Australia. However, here in the UK, if you’re not embracing neoprene, you’re crazier than those dudes tackling Nazaré. Thus, you should want to know what the durability is like. Luckily, the Syncro+ has a combined triple glue and blind stich seam (GBS), as well as a liquid flex seal (LFS). But Sam, what does that even mean? Well, GBS partially penetrates the wetsuit, which reduces water-entry keeping you warmer for much longer. And as for the LFS, well that bad boy is made from a stretchy, flexible liquid tape that seals GBS stitched seams. It’s tough as well, for it refuses to leak, whilst remaining extremely comfortable. A match made in heaven some say.

Watertight

Getting into a wetsuit for the most part sucks. The waves are firing and all you want to do is be out there ripping with your pals. So, when it comes to zip systems on a wetsuit, there really isn’t one that’s going to get you shacked before everyone else. Which means it’s all about personal preference. If you’re old school, go rock a back zip. If you’re new school, wear a zipperless wetsuit. Or if you’re somewhere in between, wear a chest zip, which just so happens to be the entry-system the Syncro+ has. Its main function? To increase waterproofing and flexibility. ‘Nuff said.

The above graphic shows the standard issued from Quiksilver for the Syncro+. This particular wetsuit rates just shy of technical perfection in all three areas: stretch, dryness and warmth. 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 Syncro+ in 5/4/3mm and a 4/3mm chest zip - which come in Jet Black and Jet Black / Yellow colourways. If you're going to be surfing in water temperatures ranging between 9ºC - 13ºC, then you'll need at 5/4/3mm. If the water temperature climbs between 11ºC - 14ºC, then a 4/3mm will be more ideal.

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Written by Sam Quennell

@wetsuitoutlet