Bare Reactive 7 mm Cold Weather Wetsuits Review

Understanding BARE’s wetsuit hierarchy helps explain the Reactive 7 mm’s positioning. BARE offers three distinct approaches to thermal protection, each targeting different diving needs and budgets.

The entry-level Revel series provides basic thermal protection for warm-water diving and budget-conscious divers. The mid-range Velocity Ultra 2.0 places Omnired Infrared technology in key heat-loss areas—the torso and hood—providing thermal enhancement at a moderate price point.

The Reactive series uses full graphene Omnired lining throughout the entire suit. This comprehensive approach addresses heat loss from the entire body rather than just core areas. Graphene Omnired combines graphene’s heat-conductivity properties with Omnired’s infrared heat-reflection capabilities, creating a thermal system that retains and redistributes body heat more effectively than standard neoprene.

This full-body thermal approach becomes particularly relevant during extended dives where heat loss in the extremities can impact comfort and dive duration.

The difference between strategic thermal placement and full-body coverage becomes apparent in cold-water diving conditions. While the Velocity Ultra 2.0’s targeted approach works adequately for moderate cold-water diving, the Reactive’s comprehensive thermal system performs better in more challenging conditions.

During testing in 55 F (13 C) water, the Reactive 7 mm maintained warmth in areas where other wetsuits—including those with partial thermal enhancement—showed limitations. The graphene Omnired lining in the arms and legs definitely helped prevent the progressive cooling that typically starts in the extremities.

Additional zippered wrists and ankle sections covering gaskets provide even more protection.

This full-body-warmth approach is most useful during technical dives, underwater photography sessions, or extended bottom times. When focused on decompression stops or underwater work, thermal discomfort can become a safety consideration rather than just a comfort issue.

The enhanced thermal coverage also made surface intervals warmer. While divers in conventional wetsuits often experience cooling between dives, the Reactive helps maintain thermal comfort during multiple-dive days.

The BARE Reactive 7 mm combines thermal technology with practical construction details. BARE uses limestone-based neoprene foam with their Elastek full-stretch construction, creating a wetsuit that maintains flexibility while providing thermal performance.

The suit features an extra-long G-Lock2 back zipper with offset tooth design and skin-to-skin double internal sealing zipper flap for water protection. The full-length puller includes silicone print for grip, with a grip tab at the base for operation with thick gloves.

The extra-long 11-inch heavy-duty ankle zippers make donning and doffing easier—helpful when dealing with the tight fit necessary for thermal efficiency. The seamless underarm construction reduces pressure points while improving mobility during diving.

The suit also includes Armor Flex 2.0 knee pads, which provide flexible-yet-durable abrasion resistance in high-wear areas. These 3D kneepads maintain the suit’s flexibility while protecting against wear from regular diving.

The Reactive 7 mm performs well when diving conditions become challenging. During testing in water temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 F (10 to 15 C), the suit delivered thermal performance that extended dive times compared to conventional wetsuits.

In 52 F (11 C) water during a 60-minute dive, the Reactive maintained core warmth while keeping extremities comfortable—something that wasn’t the case with suits lacking comprehensive thermal technology. During decompression stops where reduced activity means you get cold faster, the suit’s thermal system maintains warmth throughout the shallow phase.

The suit’s performance during repetitive diving proved consistent. Second and third dives of the day remained comfortable, without the progressive cooling that typically affects later dives when using conventional wetsuits. This sustained warmth also translated into longer diving sessions throughout the day.

For underwater photographers and videographers, the Reactive’s thermal advantages become particularly relevant. The ability to remain motionless for extended periods while setting up shots becomes more doable when trying to stay warm isn’t a constant distraction.

The BARE Reactive 7 mm competes among premium cold-water wetsuits that prioritize thermal performance over price considerations. Comparing it to other options reveals its strengths and specific applications.

Against premium wetsuits from other manufacturers, the Reactive’s graphene Omnired technology provides thermal advantages that become more noticeable as water temperatures drop and dive durations extend. While other suits may match the Reactive’s construction quality, fewer offer its comprehensive thermal coverage.

When compared to BARE’s own Velocity Ultra 2.0, the thermal difference may justify the increased price for serious cold-water divers. The Velocity Ultra’s strategic thermal approach works well for recreational diving in moderate conditions, but the Reactive’s full-body coverage becomes more relevant when diving conditions become demanding.

The Reactive 7 mm’s construction affects its fit characteristics, which balance thermal efficiency with comfort and mobility. The anatomical 3D pattern design provides a close fit that maximizes warmth while allowing necessary flexibility for diving.

A front collar zipper makes donning and doffing easy, as do zippers on the double seals at the ankles and wrists.

BARE’s sizing generally runs true to its published charts, though the suit’s construction allows for a more precise fit than entry-level options. The neoprene stretches predictably and maintains its shape over time, ensuring consistent fit characteristics throughout the suit’s lifespan.

For divers between sizes, typical diving conditions should guide sizing decisions. If you’re primarily diving in water below 55 F (13 C) or doing extended dives, a slightly snugger fit will maximize thermal efficiency. For moderate conditions or shorter dives, sizing up slightly may provide additional comfort without significantly compromising thermal performance.