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Bare Reactive II 7mm Wetsuit Review

Last updated: July 2025

Reactive II (7mm)

  • Extreme warmth: Comfortable in frigid Midwest quarries
  • Dialed XLT fit: Excellent seal with no flushing
  • Backup role: Stays in kit for drysuit issues
  • Too hot for summer: Overkill once water warms up
  • High cost: Premium price without lasting value
Overall Score: 7.8 / 10 (Strong)

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Was my first wetsuit and served me well for cold quarry dives, though it was sometimes too warm in summer. It fits perfectly and is extremely warm, but I no longer use it often now that I dive in a drysuit. I keep it as a backup, but I wouldn’t pay the premium for the Reactive line again.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Extremely warm for local cold water divesToo warm for summer quarry use
Excellent fit and seal with XLT sizingHigh price for what it offers
Still usable as a drysuit backupBulky and slower to dry than thinner suits

Why I Chose Bare Reactive II 7mm

This was the first wetsuit I ever bought. I wanted something that would keep me warm in Midwest quarry diving, and the 7mm Reactive II line was marketed as one of the top thermal options Bare offered. Since I already knew Bare's XLT sizing worked for me, I felt confident in the fit. It did its job well, but over time I found it to be overkill for summer dives and eventually shifted to a drysuit for colder dives instead.

Verdict

For its original purpose, this suit worked well. It kept me warm and got me through my early cold water dives without issue. But the price premium for the Reactive II line wasn’t really worth it, in hindsight. I wouldn’t pay extra for this version again, but I still keep it around as a just-in-case backup.

Would I buy it again? No. Not at full price. I’d look for a lower-cost 7mm option or go straight to a drysuit.


Who Bare Reactive II 7mm Wetsuit Is Best For

This item is best suited for:

It may not be ideal for:


Deep Dive into the Score

Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.

Category Score Raw Score Weight Weighted
Function & Performance Exceptional 9.0 30% 2.70
Ease of Use Good 7.0 20% 1.40
Versatility Fair 6.0 15% 0.90
Durability & Build Quality Exceptional 9.0 15% 1.35
Value Fair 6.0 10% 0.60
Brand Trust & Transparency Strong 8.0 10% 0.80
Total 7.75 / 10

Rounded Display Score: 7.8 / 10 — Strong

Deep Dive Score Explanations


Performance in the Water


Written by Tyler Allison • Last updated September 14, 2025