Mako Full Body Rash Guard Review
Last updated: July 2025
- Full coverage: Blocks sun and stings head to toe
- Comfortable fit: True-to-size material stays breathable on long dives
- Durable: Fabric and seams hold up after 20+ dives
- Easy don/doff: Smooth zipper allows solo use
- Value: Budget price with simple DIY hood vent fix
I picked up the Mako Full Body Rash Guard to deal with stingers and intense sun during tropical dives. After more than 20 dives in water over 80°F, it's proven to be an effective, comfortable, and durable solution. I wore it exclusively during a multi-day Fiji vacation and never had to think about sunblock, jellyfish, or reef rash.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent sun and sting protection | Hood balloons without vent |
| Durable after 20+ dives | No built-in hood vent |
| True to size and very comfortable | Needs minor DIY fix for hood |
| Easy to don and doff solo | |
| Budget-friendly price |
Why I Chose Mako Full Body Rash Guard
I needed a full-body layer for warm-water dives that would protect me from jellyfish and harsh sun without adding heat or bulk. I chose the Mako suit because of the price point and coverage. I didn’t have prior experience with rash guards, so I was looking for something basic but effective. The full hood and foot coverage made it stand out against short-sleeve or partial-zip options.
Verdict
This suit is now a standard part of my kit for warm-water travel. It lives in my dive bag for any trip where water temps stay above 80°F. The one design flaw was easily corrected with a single stitch, and everything else has worked as expected.
Would I buy it again? Yes - and I’d do the same hood fix sooner next time.
Who Mako Full Body Rash Guard Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers doing tropical or warm-water dives
- Anyone with sun sensitivity or burn risk
- Travelers who want compact, full-coverage protection
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers in cold or temperate water (adds no warmth)
- Those wanting a sleek hooded fit without needing a DIY vent fix
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 | Strong | 8.0 | 30% | 2.40 |
| Ease of Use | Exceptional | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | Fair | 6.0 | 15% | 0.90 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Strong | 8.0 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Value | Exceptional | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Good | 7.0 | 10% | 0.70 |
| Total | 7.90 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 7.9 / 10 — Strong
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 8: Strong coverage and comfort. The hood flaw knocks it down slightly.
- Ease of Use – 9: Zipper works well, no struggle getting it on or off even when wet.
- Versatility – 6: Excellent in warm water but not useful outside that niche.
- Durability & Build Quality – 8: No fraying or weak spots after 20+ dives. Material feels solid.
- Value – 9: Excellent quality for the price. Worth the purchase even with the small hood issue.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 7: Mako is consistent but doesn’t provide extensive product detail or sizing help online.
My Custom Setup or Configuration
The only modification I made was to the hood. After the first dive, I noticed air pooling in the top, giving it a “cone head” shape underwater. My wife added a small stitched buttonhole vent at the top of the hood, which eliminated the problem without compromising protection.
- Custom Hood Vent: Simple buttonhole sewn at crown to allow trapped air to escape
The fix took just a few minutes and turned a frustrating design flaw into a non-issue.
Performance in the Water
- Sun Protection: Outstanding. No exposed skin other than face and hands.
- Stinger Protection: No jellyfish contact during use, but peace of mind was real.
- Buoyancy/Drag: No noticeable drag. Neutral effect on buoyancy.
- Thermal Comfort: Just right for 80°F+. Would not recommend below that.