How it surfs
Retailer specifications list this as the flagship of the Furnace line rather than a mid-tier suit, and the AUD 749.99 price reflects that. Buyers comparing on cost alone will find plenty of capable 4/3 options nearer the AUD 400 mark, including the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3.
The trade-off with welded seams is repairability. A stitched seam can be reglued and restitched by most wetsuit repairers; a welded seam usually needs a specialist. Anyone putting 200 sessions a year through a suit should weigh that against the warmer, drier first two winters.
If you are still deciding between 3/2 and 4/3, the Surfex wetsuit thickness guide sets out the water temperature bands, and washing the suit properly extends the life of any recycled jersey.
Volume & sizing chart
Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.
| Size | Volume | Rider weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 4/3 mm | 61 to 68 kg, 5'6" to 5'8" | All levels |
| M | 4/3 mm | 70 to 77 kg, 5'9" to 5'11" | All levels |
| L | 4/3 mm | 79 to 86 kg, 5'11" to 6'1" | All levels |
| XL | 4/3 mm | 86 to 93 kg, 6'0" to 6'3" | All levels |
How it compares
| Board | Best at | Wave range | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion 4/3 | Fast-drying lining | Cold water | 9.3 |
| Xcel Drylock 4/3 | Sealed premium build | Cold water | 9.4 |
| O'Neill Psycho Tech 4/3 | Thermal lining value | Cold water | 9.2 |
Verdict
On the verified specification the Furnace Pro Series 4/3 is a genuine flagship: welded seams, natural rubber and graphene lining at AUD 749.99. The gap in independent long-form testing of this generation is the main reason to try the fit in store first.