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Three Things to Know
- Feels Warmer Than Its 2mm - This could be down to the secure neckline and cuffs
- Increased Durability - 5% nylon is included in the 95% Double Face neoprene mix
- Versatile Sizing - You can customise the length of the arm and leg sleeves with scissors, thanks to Zoggs’ do-it-yourself system
Our rating:
Design & Fit
Warmth & Insulation
Comfort & Performance
Durability & Materials
Ease of Use
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Pool-swimming behemoths Zoggs aim the Scout Tour FS at swimming and paddle water sports, and the Aussie aquatic giants achieve this touted versatility largely thanks to the durability of the materials.
This is how the Zoggs Scout Tour FS wetsuit held up under review.
- RRP: £149.00
- Activities: Swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc
- Thickness: 2mm Double Face neoprene
Design & Fit
Despite being just 2mm in the legs, there’s plenty of buoyancy produced by the panels in the legs – it might be a touch excessive for breaststrokers, but I felt it had just about enough lift for front crawl.
The sizing felt about right, but you can customise the length of the arm and leg sleeves with scissors, thanks to Zoggs’ do-it-yourself system.
Warmth & Insulation
The suit feels warmer than its 2mm construction would suggest, which could be down to the secure neckline and cuffs.
Comfort & Performance
This wetsuit may leave open-water swimmers and triathletes disappointed in the rigidity around the shoulders, which isn’t conducive for lengthy endurance swims, especially when performing front crawl. The neoprene thickness is billed as being 2mm throughout but whether it’s that or the panel designs, there are far suppler suits around, even at this entry-level price point.
Durability & Materials
In a bid to improve durability, 5% nylon is included in the 95% Double Face neoprene mix, a tactic often employed on sub-£200 wetsuits to increase durability and resistance to being nicked by fingernails (and keep the price down).
The downside of this design is that it doesn’t hug the body like more expensive 100% neoprene options, especially for anyone with slender arms. I had no worries about putting my fingers through it, though, and that material durability also made me feel more comfortable using the suit for paddle boarding and kayaking, as well as family beach days.
Ease of Use
The Scott Tour FS is easy enough to do up and undo thanks to a reassuringly secure and effective YKK zipper, but I did find the rigid materials harder to peel off the body than more supple suits such as the Zone3 Active-Flex. The chance of neck chafing, nonetheless, is minimised thanks to an inner guard that sits between skin and zipper.
Value for Money
It's quite pricey, and while durable enough for paddle boarding, it's too rigid in the upper body for serious swimming.
Sustainability
Disappointingly for a brand who have made great strides in using recycled material in their swimsuits, Zoggs make no environmental claims about the sustainability of the Scout Tour FS’s materials on their website. Their packaging is made from oxo-biodegradable materials, however.
Should You Buy It
Despite it's claims at being versatile, it isn't as suitable for in-water activities as others.
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