Akona Tropic Fit and Style
The Akona Tropic wetsuit is all about style, with bold colors and a tropical foliage pattern gracing the shoulders and upper arms. I’d never seen another wetsuit like it, and I was pleased to find out it looked as good on my body as it did on the website. The cut was flattering and the Quantum Stretch neoprene was cozy without being constricting.
Well-sealed wrists and ankles kept the water inside the suit to a minimum, though the front-zip design does mean more will seep in and you won’t stay as warm as in a similar thickness suit with a back zip.
I wore it in Tonga while snorkeling with humpback whales, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for the occasion, as I was in and out of the water constantly. The extended front-zip made it easy to hop out of the suit for a bathroom break, though it did take a buddy’s assistance to shrug out of the shoulders.
Also, as a shorter diver, I did find the suit bunched in the forearms and behind my knees—a petite option would be great for those of us under 5’4”. The suit comes in a range of sizes from 5/6 to 15/16, and the 9/10 I ordered did run a bit large, so it would be best to try this one on before buying.
Front-Zip Freedom
Warm-water divers can’t go wrong with a front-zip wetsuit like this one or the similar Cressi Bahia Flex, also a 3/2 mm. Losing the warmth from a tight neck seal and a back zip is a worthwhile trade-off (at least for me) for the ease of donning and doffing a front-zip suit.
When it comes to flexibility, the “Quantum Stretch” neoprene offers plenty of mobility in and out of the water. I never felt constricted or stuffed into the suit like a sausage. The material also tends to be a good choice for divers with curves and larger chests because the material is not as rigid as other wetsuits.
Durability and Construction
The Akona Tropic wetsuit is made of “earth-friendly neoprene,” as per the Akona website, and uses limestone that is made mostly of calcium as opposed to a petroleum-based product. Further, the website states that 45 plastic bottles are recycled into each suit, but there’s no further information about that anywhere on the site. The suit also uses Aqua-X water-based glue.
In terms of durability, I found the Akona Tropic held up well to the task of 10 days in and out of the water all day. The sturdy, saltwater-resistant zipper never gave me any trouble; all the seams held up just fine; and the abrasion-resistant knee pads never showed any wear and tear despite kneeling entries back onto the boat all week.
The only thing I did notice was that the light green parts of the sleeves did show quite a bit of dirt after the week, but after a spot cleaning, that may wash right out.
Price/Quality Ratio
At around $250, the Akona Tropic women’s wetsuit offers good value for money. The reinforced knees, extended, sturdy front zip, and durable seams make it well worth the money. I found it to be a fun, reliable suit for warm waters and it’ll likely be my new go-to for tropical dive trips.
Do we recommend the Akona Tropic?
We do recommend the Akona Tropic women’s wetsuit for all divers, especially those with curves, bigger chests, or those who just like the convenience of a front-zip.
It’s easy to put on and take off; you’ll stand out on the boat and underwater, and you’ll stay plenty warm on your next dive trip.
If you’re not sure about the Akona Tropic women’s wetsuit, check out our full guide for comparisons and further recommendations on the right wetsuit for you, along with any other dive gear you may need.
Specs & Features
| Material | Non-petroleum-based neoprene |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 3/2 mm |
| Zip | Saltwater-resistant front-zip |
| Seams | Glued and blind-stitched |
| Sizes | Available in 5/6 to 15/16 |
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