Mako Full Body Rash Guard Review
A reliable, full-coverage rash guard for warm-water divers who need sun and sting protection without added thermal bulk. Fit is true to size, comfort is excellent, and the suit holds up well after repeated tropical use. The only real flaw is the unvented hood, which traps air and causes a cone-head effect underwater. This was easily fixed with a simple DIY vent hole. For the price, the Mako suit delivers solid value and fills a very specific niche in a tropical diver’s kit.
Overall Score: 8.0 / 10 (Strong)
Last updated: July 2025
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 liveaboard and never had to think about sunblock, jellyfish, or reef rash.
Yes. I ordered my regular size and it fit perfectly — no sagging or compression issues. Full freedom of movement.
No hot spots or chafing, even on back-to-back dives. Material stayed soft and breathable in hot climates. I never felt restricted in the shoulders or legs.
After 20 dives and rinse cycles, there’s no fading, stretching, or seam problems. Stitching and fabric still feel solid.
Yes — it goes on and off easily without assistance. The zipper works smoothly and hasn’t jammed or snagged.
Yes — the hood lacks a vent hole, which causes a ballooning “cone head” after a few minutes underwater. I fixed this by having a small buttonhole sewn into the top. That solved it completely.
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.