As lowwall stated, back zip is actually easier to put on. Also, the always have a lanyard on the zipper, so it's easy to reach back, grab the end of the lanyard and use it to pull the zipper up or down.
Respectfully,
James
3mm Amazon/Low Cost Options
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Respectfully,
James
Rob9876
Contributor
I have not used a front zip wetsuit, but I have also heard they can be harder to get into than a back-zip. I can say that after you do it for about 10 dives or so getting into a back-zip wetsuit is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. The suits have long lanyards on the zipper that you use, and lean back a bit. If the zipper is being fussy you can often pull the lanyard up over one shoulder and kind of apply leverage to it. A bit hard to explain in writing, but easy to learn.
OTF
Coney Island Whitefish Biologist
When you're talking about $40 wetsuits you have to wonder how they're doing it so cheap. Part of the answer is that these companies aren't spending anything on marketing or R&D, and the fact that these suits are just lower quality with corner-cutting all around (which you might accept).
But the other part of the answer is that they're externalizing costs to workers and the environment in ways that more reputable companies do not; these suits are likely made in unregulated, unethical factories. Neoprene is not a very environmentally-friendly material to manufacture even when done "right". It is contrary to the basis of our sport - going to explore amazing underwater places - to do so using equipment manufactured with the lowest environmental standards.
Personally if I were looking for a cheap wetsuit I'd look for used ones. They depreciate A LOT because people are afraid of the peepee. Old wetsuits work great unless obviously worn out. Wash it and you're fine. Tons of deals to be found from people who bought the wrong size or whatever. Used suits will be higher quality - warmer, more comfortable, easier to don, and the f***ing cheap zipper won't bust on your 3rd dive. Reduce reuse recycle.
Any wetsuit will be awkward to get into the first couple times you use it, then easy once you figure out the method for that individual suit. Back or front zip suits are both fine.
But the other part of the answer is that they're externalizing costs to workers and the environment in ways that more reputable companies do not; these suits are likely made in unregulated, unethical factories. Neoprene is not a very environmentally-friendly material to manufacture even when done "right". It is contrary to the basis of our sport - going to explore amazing underwater places - to do so using equipment manufactured with the lowest environmental standards.
Personally if I were looking for a cheap wetsuit I'd look for used ones. They depreciate A LOT because people are afraid of the peepee. Old wetsuits work great unless obviously worn out. Wash it and you're fine. Tons of deals to be found from people who bought the wrong size or whatever. Used suits will be higher quality - warmer, more comfortable, easier to don, and the f***ing cheap zipper won't bust on your 3rd dive. Reduce reuse recycle.
Any wetsuit will be awkward to get into the first couple times you use it, then easy once you figure out the method for that individual suit. Back or front zip suits are both fine.
One advantage of front zips is they tend to have a lower neck which may be more comfortable for those with shorter necks.
I have a 5mm with hood and front zip and a 3mm no hood and back zip.
Both bought at Decathlon some years ago, so quite "el cheapo". 89 eur for the 5mm, 69 eur for the 3mm. The latter is stretchier, of course.
I do not find that the back zip is easier to get in and out, but it is definitely more difficult to close or open the zip.
The front one has the advantage that you can open the zip while diving, being fully equipped.
The 3mm is quite evidently more designed for surf or windsurf than for diving.
Both bought at Decathlon some years ago, so quite "el cheapo". 89 eur for the 5mm, 69 eur for the 3mm. The latter is stretchier, of course.
I do not find that the back zip is easier to get in and out, but it is definitely more difficult to close or open the zip.
The front one has the advantage that you can open the zip while diving, being fully equipped.
The 3mm is quite evidently more designed for surf or windsurf than for diving.
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