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Three Things to Know
- Versatile Multi-Sport Design - The Active-Flex Wetsuit is engineered for a wide range of water activities, including open water swimming, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and sailing
- Enhanced Comfort and Flexibility - Crafted with a combination of 3mm Yulex® Natural Rubber for core insulation and high-stretch 3mm and 2mm neoprene, the wetsuit offers superior flexibility and warmth
- User-Friendly Features - Reinforced panels on the knees is a useful feature for surfing and paddleboarding
Our rating:
Design & Fit
Warmth & Insulation
Comfort & Performance
Durability & Materials
Ease of Use
Check availability at Zone3.
Neoprene open-water swimming and triathlon wetsuits have long been targeted at front crawl swimmers, but this rare and refreshing design is targeted at breaststrokers due to its lower levels of buoyancy in the legs and shoulder panel design. And it works, with the Active-Flex proving far more enjoyable for breaststroke’s lateral arm and leg movements. What’s more, front crawlers and paddle sport fans will find much to enjoy as well.
For both pro athletes and age-groupers, British brand Zone3 have long been a major force in triathlon wetsuits. That expertise has fed into this breaststroke-specific option. It might lack some of the multisport features (see the ultra-lean 1mm panels and titanium lining on their £699 Vanquish X) of Zone3’s higher-priced suits, but there are few compromises when it comes to the flexibility thanks to slimline and stretchy 2mm panels in the shoulder region.
- RRP: £189.00
- Activities: Beginner open water swimmers and water-sport enthusiasts, including surfing, kayaking, canoeing, SUP, sailing, and water skiing
- Thickness: A 3mm Yulex® Natural Rubber chest panel provides core insulation, while the high-stretch 3mm and 2mm neoprene blend
Design & Fit
There’s less buoyancy in the leg panels of the Active-Flex (3mm and 3.5mm compared to 5mm on their triathlon/front-crawl suits), which keeps the feet submerged in the water for a more efficient, lateral breaststroke leg kick but front crawlers and triathletes may well want more lift for endurance swimming.
The 3mm core and legs also make it a thinner overall suit than most triathlon and especially surfing wetsuits, which means it doesn’t keep you as warm for extended periods submerged in the water. I tested it in circa 19C lake waters and it was fine, but anything longer in cooler waters around 15C away from midsummer and I’d want something thicker or I’d dig out my booties, thermal hat and neoprene swim gloves.
Warmth & Insulation
Water ingress down the arm and leg sleeves is minimal, though, and the quality internal seam construction also stopped seepage. The relatively high neckline also felt secure around the neck and prevented water gushing in and, while comfortable, I’ll definitely be applying anti-chafing lube for longer swims in the Active-Flex.
The thinner design also feels cooler for largely above-water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking. It also stashes down smaller into a swim bag.
Comfort & Performance
Despite that breaststroke billing, the suit’s upper body posed no problems for me when I switched to front crawl in the open water. I would want more buoyancy in the leg panels, however, for anything longer than a sprint triathlon or open-water swimming events. For anyone looking for increased speed, Speedflo-coated panels are included in a bid to increase hydrodynamics in the water, but the effect of these wasn’t something I was able to judge.
From painful past experience, ideally get someone to tidy the zipper area at the back before swimming or ensure it’s clean at the back before you enter the water if you’re swimming alone.
Durability & Materials
A welcome feature for anyone who has tried paddleboarding in a conventional open-water swimming or triathlon wetsuit are the reinforced panels on the knees. These add a touch of comfort but more importantly increase the durability on rougher surfaces; their abrasion-resistant design certainly giving me more confidence about the suit’s longevity when I’ve been kneeling on my paddleboard.
The versatility is impressive and durability comes from the internal flatlock seams, which are glued and blind-stitched, and the chunky rear zipper feels long-lasting, also staying secure and proving easy enough to do up and down.
Ease of Use
As for post-swim removal, the suit is incredibly easy to take off without any embarrassing wrestling and on-beach cursing thanks to the suppleness of the materials and the not excessively tight arm and leg cuffs. This is also handy if you’re dabbling in triathlon events where the swim-to-bike transition is timed.
The visual design is low key but, overall, it’s a flattering suit, helped by how it gently hugs the body yet doesn’t have baggy areas like some open-water wetsuits at the entry-level price point (see the Zoggs Scout Tour) with the inclusion of nylon in the material mix.
Value for Money
The UK price of £189 puts it at the top end of the budget wetsuit category, but I’d argue it’s worth the extra spend over £100 suits if you can spare the cash.
Sustainability
In terms of sustainability, Zone3’s linings are made from recycled polyester and they’ve also teamed up with Circular Flow to improve the recycling journey once the wetsuits are no longer usable. The Active-Flex’s chest panel is constructed with Yulex, which is a plant-based alternative to the neoprene used elsewhere on the suit. It did arrive wrapped in a little more plastic than I would’ve liked, however.
Should You Buy It
If you can afford the price tag this is a high performing, versatile wetsuit.
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