Billabong

Absolute Vest - Men's

Great Summer & Fall/Spring Wetsuit Vest

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Medium

Height:

5' 10"

Weight:

185

This wetsuit vest is high-quality and warm. The ergonomics are designed for surfing and moving your arms during paddling. Regarding sizing, I was between two sizes per the sizing guide. I was over weight for the Medium (probably because I lift weights, but am lean) and under the specified chest size for the Large. What to do? I ultimately took the gamble, preferenced chest size as the determining measurement, went with the Medium, and am glad I did. My size 40” chest fits the Medium perfectly and the waist feels great too despite being technically 10# over weight per the sizing guide. Other guys on the internet said it runs slightly big, but in my opinion, if you preference the chest measurement, it fits true to size. I thought it might be too tight and found the fit is perfect and fits exactly as a wetsuit should fit. One of the descriptions I saw specified the vest as being good for 72 degrees F and up, but I believe that with compression shorts underneath your boardshorts, that this vest would be good down to 68, if not lower, especially on sunny days surfing. I’m looking forward to wearing it in the pool in the winter for training as well. This item is a unique piece and I’m glad I was able to get one at such a great price at Backcountry.