Waterproof W1 Wetsuit

At a glance

Waterproof W1 Wetsuit is a wetsuit from Waterproof, rated 4.4 out of 5 and placed 16 of 26 in our exposure suits shortlist. Its defining number is neoprene thickness: 5mm. It scores hardest on build quality (89/100) and softest on value for money (50/100). The clearest advantage divers report: excellent thermal insulation in cold water.

What the wetsuit actually gives you

Where it wins and where it costs you

Full review: Waterproof W1 Wetsuit

The Waterproof W1 is a purpose-built scuba diving wetsuit crafted for divers who demand reliable thermal protection without sacrificing mobility beneath the surface. Constructed from high-density neoprene, this suit is engineered to trap a thin layer of water against the skin, which your body heat warms to create an insulating barrier against cold currents and shifting thermoclines. The panel construction follows the natural contours of the body, reducing bulk at the joints while reinforcing high-wear zones like the knees, elbows, and shoulders, so divers can move through fin kicks, buoyancy adjustments, and equipment checks with minimal drag or restriction.

What sets the Waterproof W1 apart is its attention to seam integrity and flexibility, two factors that matter most once you're descending past the first few meters. The suit uses glued and blind-stitched seams, which are further taped internally to prevent water infiltration at pressure-sensitive points, keeping cold flushes to a minimum during extended dives. The neoprene itself is a limestone-based compound, chosen for its superior stretch recovery and resistance to compression at depth, meaning the suit retains its insulating loft even when subjected to the pressures found in deeper scuba profiles. A smooth-skin chest panel cuts wind chill during surface intervals, while the interior lining wicks moisture and speeds up the process of pulling the suit on and off after a long day of multiple tank dives.

Beyond the technical construction, the Waterproof W1 is designed with the practical realities of dive travel and boat operations in mind. Reinforced knee pads stand up to repeated boarding maneuvers and rocky shore entries, while the color-blocked panel design improves underwater visibility among a dive group, a small but valuable safety feature in low-light or silty conditions. The zipper backing is treated to resist salt corrosion, extending the suit's working life across seasons of saltwater exposure, and the cut is tailored specifically for the range of motion divers need when reaching for a console, deploying an SMB, or adjusting a mask mid-dive. Altogether, the Waterproof W1 reflects a design philosophy centered on durability, warmth retention, and freedom of movement, making it a dependable choice for scuba divers who log serious hours underwater.