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Active-Flex Wetsuit
A woman wearing the Zone3 Active-Flex wetsuit on a white background.
A woman wearing the Zone3 Active-Flex wetsuit on a white background.
A woman wearing the Zone3 Active-Flex wetsuit on a white background.
Active-Flex Wetsuit

16 reviews

Active-Flex Wetsuit

The Active-Flex is Zone3's multi-sport open water wetsuit, for people whose time in the water is not only swimming. A high-stretch nylon gusset lets the legs open sideways, so breaststroke works properly rather than being tolerated. Nylon front leg panels and reinforced knees take the abrasion of kneeling on rocks, slipways and boards. A 3mm Yulex natural rubber chest panel and a higher neckline hold warmth for cold mornings.

Mens
Womens
$249.00
size- S
Active-Flex Wetsuit
Active-Flex Wetsuit
Full Description
Key Features
Tech Specs
Delivery & Refunds
Delivery & Refunds

UK

  • DPD Pick Up Service (UK mainland only) - £3.95
  • Standard: £4.25 / Free for orders over £175.
  • Next Working Day: £6.95 or £4.95 for orders over £175 (order by 2:45pm, Mon–Fri, excludes Weekends and Bank Holidays).
  • Guernsey, Isle of Man & Jersey: £7.95 / €9.95 (free for orders over £175 / €175).

EU

  • Shipping costs calculated at checkout (import fees apply).

Germany

  • Standard: €10.95 / Free for orders over €175. 

Ireland

  • Standard: €12.95 / Free for orders over €175. 

US

  • Free for orders over $250. Shipping costs calculated at checkout (import fees apply).

Rest of the World

  • Shipping costs calculated at checkout

Returns: Accepted within 30 days. Not applicable for Ex-Demo products.

For more information, click here.
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12 Months Warranty
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Active-Flex Wetsuit

WHO IT'S FOR 

The Active-Flex is for swimmers who swim breaststroke, and for anyone who swims front crawl and also paddles, surfs and spends half their time getting in and out of the water. Most wetsuits are built for surface swimming and will not let the legs move laterally, which is why breaststroke feels wrong in them. This suit is built the other way round, and built to take a beating while it does it. 

  • Breaststroke as your main stroke, or a regular part of your swimming 
  • Wild and coastal swimming across the year, in and out over rock and shingle 
  • SUP, surf, kayak and other board sports alongside swimming 
  • Anyone who wants one suit for everything rather than one suit per sport 

WHERE IT SITS IN THE RANGE 

The Active-Flex is the most versatile suit in the range and the slowest through the water, which is the trade it makes. If open water racing and triathlon transitions are the goal, the Glide swaps the nylon front legs for neoprene and picks up pace, and the Agile above it moves to a full smoothskin build. For swimrun specifically, the Versa is the suit. 

KEY BENEFITS 

1. You work less for the same distance. 3mm neoprene through the chest, core and upper legs gives medium core buoyancy that lifts the hips, and low buoyancy through the legs keeps them submerged, so your body sits flat whichever stroke you are swimming. 

2. You still move cleanly through the water. A Speedflo coating on the shoulder, upper arm and collar panels reduces drag across the panels that meet the most water. 

3. Breaststroke works properly. A high-stretch nylon gusset lets the legs open sideways without resistance, which is the movement most wetsuits block. 

4. The suit takes the abuse. Nylon front leg and back panels resist rock, gravel and board decks, reinforced knee panels handle kneeling and launching, and glued and blindstitch seams keep water out. 

5. You stay warmer for longer. A 3mm Yulex natural rubber chest panel adds core warmth from a plant-based rubber, and the neckline sits higher than the rest of the range for cold air and cold water. 

WHAT YOU'LL FEEL 

Warm across the chest before you have even started moving, and covered higher at the neck than you are used to. Open your legs wide and nothing resists, which is the whole point of this suit. Your hips sit up and your legs stay down rather than floating behind you. Kneeling on a board or scrambling out over rock, you stop thinking about what the suit is touching. Pulling it on is easier than a full smoothskin suit, and it goes back on wet without a fight.

Close-up of a black sleeve of a wetsuit with 'Zone3' branding on an outdoor background
Zone3 wetsuit with branding and a hand touching the material
Black wetsuit with orange accents on a white background
EFFICIENCY

Flat body, warm core Body position costs you more than anything else in open water, whichever stroke you swim. Medium core buoyancy through the chest, core and upper legs lifts your hips into line, while low buoyancy through the legs keeps them submerged where breaststroke needs them. A Yulex chest panel holds warmth over the core, so cold does not shorten the swim. Tech behind it: medium core buoyancy, low leg buoyancy, 3mm Yulex natural rubber chest panel

SPEED

Cleaner where it counts This is the most hard-wearing suit in the range rather than the fastest, and the panels are chosen accordingly. A Speedflo coating runs across the shoulder, upper arm and collar, the areas that meet the most water, keeping drag down through the stroke. Nylon takes over lower down, where abrasion resistance matters more than pace. Tech behind it: Speedflo coating, partially smoothskin build

FLEXIBILITY

The stroke wetsuits forget Most wetsuits are built for surface swimming and do not allow the lateral leg movement breaststroke needs. A high-stretch nylon gusset lets the legs open sideways without resistance and adds no buoyancy, so they stay submerged in a natural swimming position. Through the shoulders and arms, 2mm high-stretch panels keep front crawl free as well. Tech behind it: high-stretch nylon gusset panel, 2mm and 3mm high-stretch blend

Key Features

BUOYANCY AND BODY POSITION 

  • Medium core buoyancy: 3mm neoprene through the chest, core and upper legs lifts the hips for a flatter body position. 
  • Low leg buoyancy: thinner neoprene through the lower legs keeps them submerged in a natural swimming position. 

STROKE MECHANICS 

  • High-stretch nylon gusset panel: allows the lateral leg movement breaststroke requires, with no added buoyancy. 
  • 2mm and 3mm high-stretch blend: 2mm through the arms, underarm panels, gusset and lower legs, 3mm through the chest, core and upper legs. 

SPEED AND DRAG 

  • Speedflo coating: on the shoulder, upper arm and collar panels, for a smoother and more durable surface. 
  • Partially smoothskin build: lower drag than a fully lined suit, and easier to pull on than a full smoothskin suit. 

COMFORT AND LINING 

  • Laser-cut collar: sits flat against the neck without rubbing. 
  • Higher neckline: extra coverage for cold water and cold air. 
  • Nylon linings: comfort against the skin and easier entry. 

CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 

  • Glued and blindstitch seams: waterproof seam construction throughout. 
  • Nylon front leg and back panels: hard-wearing against rock, gravel and board decks. 
  • Reinforced abrasion-resistant knee panels: built for kneeling, launching and board sports. 
  • 3mm Yulex natural rubber chest panel: plant-based natural rubber with up to 80% lower CO2 than neoprene. 
  • Limestone-derived smoothskin neoprene: made from limestone and recycled tyres, saving around 200g of CO2 per suit. 
Tech Specs
Buoyancy
4
Speed
2
Flexibility
8
Endurance
4
Warmth
6
Durability
10

FIT GUIDANCE

Snug everywhere, restrictive nowhere. You should feel the suit holding your body without pinching at the shoulders or compressing your chest to the point where breathing feels laboured. If you can't take a full breath on land, size up. If there's loose material across the shoulders or chest, size down. Air pockets at the lower back usually mean you need a longer suit, such as an MT (Medium Tall), not a smaller size. 

Size down if you're racing — a tighter fit gives you more from the suit's buoyancy and reduces water flushing. Size up if you're prioritising comfort for longer open water swims or training sessions where you'll be in the suit for extended periods.

Take your time the first time. Undo the zip fully and fold the top half of the wetsuit down, zip on the back. Start at the ankles and slowly work the neoprene up your legs in sections —don't try to pull from the top. Smooth out any air pockets as you go, particularly around the lower legs and crotch, before pulling the suit up over your torso. Reaching your hands towards the sky and helps to slide the arm sleeves into place. Use the pads of your fingers throughout, never your fingernails. The Silk-X lining will make this easier than most suits, but neoprene always requires patience on the first few wears. It will get easier as the suit breaks in.

Take your time the first time. Undo the zip fully and fold the top half of the wetsuit down, zip on the back. Start at the ankles and slowly work the neoprene up your legs in sections —don't try to pull from the top. Smooth out any air pockets as you go, particularly around the lower legs and crotch, before pulling the suit up over your torso. Reaching your hands towards the sky and helps to slide the arm sleeves into place. Use the pads of your fingers throughout, never your fingernails. The Silk-X lining will make this easier than most suits, but neoprene always requires patience on the first few wears. It will get easier as the suit breaks in.

Person wearing a Zone3 wetsuit against a clear blue sky

Overall rating: 4.8125 / 5 from 16 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [delivery, fit, issues, wetsuit, swimming, suit, legs].

Review highlights

Reviews

Good quality. Good for breast

"Good quality. Good for breast swimming. i have used it by water temperatur 11 Grad. No problem for me. Thank you. Delivery by 3 days is good."

— Martin H. (5/5)

Cumple mis espectativas

"Cumple mis espectativas"

— PEDRO B. (4/5)

Fits really well and easy

"Fits really well and easy to get on and off."

— Helen G. (5/5)

First wetsuit

"This is the first wetsuit I have owned and it’s for river swimming, mainly breaststroke. I can’t believe how warm and comfy it was! The legs are so soft and easy to put on and get off. Nothing like the rigid neoprene I was expecting. Would thoroughly recommend as a first wetsuit."

— Lucy (5/5)

A comfortable swim!

"A completely different fill to a wetsuit that’s mainly neoprene!"

— Emma B. (4/5)

True to size and comfortable

"True to size and comfortable to swim in. Perfect for my first 5 km sea swim event."

— Ellen H. (5/5)

Great wetsuit

"I have just been for my first swim in my new active-flex wetsuit. Easy to put on, felt like a second skin, it was a great fit. I received fitting advice from Adam, he was spot on with his recommendation. I really enjoyed being in the water, I didn’t feel cold which has always been the barrier for me before of not trying outdoor swimming, looking forward to more swims. Thank you Zone3"

— Jackie H. (5/5)

I’ve used my new active

"I’ve used my new active flexi wetsuit for sea swimming with an improvement of comfort each time I’ve worn it. Fits true to size and the flexibility of the wetsuit makes it so much easier to put on."

— lisa b. (5/5)

Great for beginners

"As a beginner, I was looking for a wetsuit that offers sufficient freedom of movement on the arms and shoulders for various water sports. The Active Flex is also suitable for breaststroking. I am 1. 65 m tall with 55 kg and needed a different size than previously assumed due to my body stature (further rib cage). The return was easily possible via the returns portal and the new order was shipped quickly."

— Inga-Lena R. (5/5)

First Wetsuit

"I’m so glad with my first wetsuit. Fits me perfectly and comfortable to swim with."

— Riyanti K. (5/5)

Q&A

Meet the Athletes
Powered By Zone3
Casper Stornes
Katrine Græsbøll Christensen
Kieran Lindars
Rebecca Anderbury
Marta Sanchez Hernandez
Matthew Collins
Laura Addie
Eloise Du Luart
Jess Fullagar
Tom Davis
Mimi Carlton
Sarah Jane Goodwin
Joep Staps
Lukas Stahl
Russell White
Man wearing a wetsuit standing by a body of water with mountains in the background
Casper
Stornes
Person applying tape to their wrist at an event with a dark background
Katrine Græsbøll
Christensen
Kieran Lindars wearing a Zone3 wetsuit
Kieran
Lindars
ZONE3 athlete Rebecca Anderbury
Rebecca
Anderbury
Person in a wetsuit running on a beach with a crowd in the background
Marta
Sanchez Hernandez
ZONE3 athlete Matthew Collins
Matthew
Collins
A triathlete in a black ZONE3 wetsuit running out of the water onto a red carpet at the swim exit.
Laura
Addie
Woman with a bike in a scenic outdoor setting
Eloise
Du Luart
A triathlete in a black ZONE3 wetsuit and yellow swim cap standing in a transition area.
Jess
Fullagar
ZONE3 athlete Thomas Davis
Tom
Davis
Person wearing a purple cycling jersey with 'Nebula' branding in an indoor cycling track setting.
Mimi
Carlton
Woman wearing a pink sports jersey with visible branding on a gray background
Sarah Jane
Goodwin
Joep Staps pulling on a black ZONE3 wetsuit beside an outdoor pool.
Joep
Staps
ZONE3 athlete Lukas Stahl
Lukas
Stahl
Russell
White
Description
Key Features
Tech Specs
$249.00