Bare Velocity 5mm Wetsuit Review
My go-to wetsuit for dives that are too cold for my 3mm but don’t require a drysuit. I bought it used in near-new condition, and it fits perfectly thanks to Bare’s XLT sizing. It’s warm, reliable, and fills an important middle role in my dive kit. I’d absolutely buy it again if I needed to replace it.
Overall Score: 8.6 / 10 (Strong)
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent fit and thermal comfort | Heavier and slower drying than 3mm |
| Great mid-range thermal option | Requires more effort to don and doff |
| Bought used in near-new condition | Too warm for some quarry dives |
Why I Chose Bare Velocity 5mm
I found this suit used through a local dive shop owner who had only worn it a couple of times. Since I already knew that Bare’s XLT sizing fit me perfectly, picking up this 5mm version was a no-brainer. It fills the exact gap between my 3mm warm-water suit and full drysuit. When the quarry is too cold for the 3mm but not worth the hassle of a drysuit, this is the wetsuit I reach for.
Performance in the Water
- Fit: Just like the 3mm version, the XLT sizing is spot-on for my frame. Snug, warm, and no flushing.
- Warmth: Great for shoulder season quarry dives and cooler days when 3mm isn’t enough. Never been cold in it.
- Donning/Doffing: A little more effort compared to the 3mm, as expected, but not frustrating.
- Condition: Despite being used, it was in near-new shape and has held up well through several dive seasons.
Verdict
This wetsuit fills an important role in my kit. It’s not glamorous, but it’s reliable, comfortable, and versatile for in-between conditions. I didn’t pay full retail, but even if I had, it would have been a solid investment.
Would I buy it again? Yes. Especially if I found it used in great condition like this one.
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 (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 9 | 30% | 2.7 |
| Ease of Use | 8 | 20% | 1.6 |
| Versatility | 9 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 8 | 15% | 1.2 |
| Value | 9 | 10% | 0.9 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | 8 | 10% | 0.8 |
| Total | 8.55 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 8.6
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9: Delivers exactly what I need for moderate temps. If it were easier to manage on shore, it might be a 10.
- Ease of Use – 8: Not as slick to get on or off as the 3mm, but that’s expected with thicker neoprene.
- Versatility – 9: Bridges the temp gap between warm and cold dives. A go-to for midrange conditions.
- Durability & Build Quality – 8: Solid seams and good shape even after prior use. No current issues.
- Value – 9: High value given I bought it used, but I’d rate it well even at retail based on its performance.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 8: Another example of Bare’s consistent sizing and dependable build quality.