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Three Things to Know
- Impressive Flexibility - For a wetsuit under £100.00
- Lacking in Buoyancy - But this could be an advantage for those who favour breaststroke
- Durable - The Nylon panels are more resistant to scrapes and scratches than Neoprene
Our rating:
Design & Fit
Warmth & Insulation
Comfort & Performance
Durability & Materials
Ease of Use
Check availability at Decathlon.
Spend less than £100 on a wetsuit and you’ll usually notice a swift reduction in the flexibility of the upper body. And yet, while the OWS 100 from in-house Decathlon brand Nabaiji can’t compete with pricier suits in terms of neoprene stretchiness, it’s certainly not rigid and it’s more supple than many of its rivals thanks to the thin 1.8mm panels on the arms and shoulders.
- RRP: £99.99
- Activities: Beginner open water swimming and other water sports
- Thickness: 2mm Neoprene
Design & Fit
The addition of nylon in the material mix means it doesn’t hug the body and limbs like full neoprene offerings, which can mean more water sits in the suit when swimming, something not helped by some water ingress I experienced down the neck and limbs. That slightly looser fit did make it easier to peel off after swimming, though, which is also aided by the stretchy arm cuffs.
A women’s version is also available in a wealth of sizes, check Decathlon’s size chart on the website page to hopefully find the right fit for you. As for style, it looks pretty basic but I like the orange arms for increasing visibility in the water.
Warmth & Insulation
That slimline build does mean the OWS 100 isn’t the warmest for extended stints in the UK waters away from midsummer, and I wouldn’t go for anything more than a paddle in this in anything lower than water temperatures of around 17C. Worth noting is that Nabaiji make an OWS 500 (£150) and OWS 4/2mm (£170) with slightly thicker neoprene for chillier waters.
Comfort & Performance
A welcome feature is the full-length rear zipper guard that sits between skin and zipper to reduce the chance of neck chafing from the zipper (providing you position it properly when putting the suit on) and also to reduce water ingress through the zipper. That zipper comes courtesy of the ubiquitous YKK and is confidence-inspiring and easy enough to pull up and down. There are more supple, softer and thinner necklines out there than what’s specced here, however, and I’d definitely lube up well around both the front and back of the neck.
Durability & Materials
The Glideskin coating might be welcome for anyone racing in this suit, but I couldn’t detect any noticeable differences in speed when using the OWS 100 compared to other £100 suits. It’s not the thickest suit but the nylon panels are more resistance to fingernail snags than full neoprene, and the internal flatlock stitching feels durable. There’s also a two-year warranty.
Ease of Use
The main body of the suit is 2mm, which doesn’t provide a huge amount of buoyancy for any leg sinkers, front crawlers or triathletes out there, but it does make breaststroke more enjoyable by keeping the legs submerged in the water.
Value for Money
It's an ok price for a decent quality, beginner wetsuit. Overall, then, the OWS 100 is a competitively priced suit with surprisingly flexible shoulders for the sub-£100 price tag.
Sustainability
As for sustainability, Decathlon disappointingly make no environmental claims about this made-in- Vietnam suit. They do support four Circular Economy Initiatives, however, which includes their Buy Back policy; the Second Life products that they sell; rental options; as well as the offer to repair Decathlon products.
Should You Buy It
I’ve happily used it for beach days with the kids or on my paddleboard or kayak. Year-round and more serious open-water swimmers and triathletes, however, will mostly likely demand more warmth and buoyancy from the materials.
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