Bare Reactive II 7mm Wetsuit Review

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.

By Tyler Allison · Updated July 2025
Bare Reactive II (7mm)
Current role
Backup for drysuit diving days
Still in my kit
Yes

The Short Version

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.

What Works

  • Extremely warm for local cold water dives
  • Excellent fit and seal with XLT sizing
  • Still usable as a drysuit backup

What Doesn't

  • Too warm for summer quarry use
  • High price for what it offers
  • Bulky 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.

Who It Makes Sense For

This item is best suited for:

  • Divers facing cold quarry or inland conditions
  • Anyone needing an off-the-rack XLT fit with minimal flushing
  • As a backup when a drysuit isn't available

It may not be ideal for:

  • Warm water or summer quarry dives
  • Travelers wanting a low-bulk suit

What It Is Like to Dive

Fit
As with all my Bare suits, the XLT size fits me perfectly. Great seal, no flushing, and solid mobility for a thick wetsuit.
Warmth
It’s a very warm suit. Sometimes too warm. But it was never insufficient, even on long bottom times in the quarry.
Usage Shift
I don’t dive it much anymore. The 5mm and drysuit now cover the range better. I keep this as a backup for drysuit diving days.
Bulk
Like most 7mm suits, it’s thick and slow to dry. It’s not something I enjoy packing or wearing in the summer.

Ownership and Value

The suit has had no seam failures or material breakdown after years of use and storage. Thick neoprene makes putting it on and drying it more of a chore than my thinner suits. Bare's fit and reliability have been consistent, but I do not think the Reactive II premium paid off for the role this suit ultimately took in my kit.