How to choose your Orca surf wetsuit: Key differences between the Tango, Bossa and Kabuki suits

What kind of wetsuit do you need?

If you’re looking for Orca’s best surf wetsuit, the best option for you depends on your priorities in the water and water temperature:

 

• Choose the Tango range if you’re looking for our warmest, longest-lasting and fastest drying suit, available for every temperature (with winter options from a hooded 5:4 to shorter summer models).
• Choose the Bossa range (available in 4:3 and 3:2) if your priority is maximum elasticity and the feeling of wearing a “second skin” for highly active surf sessions.
• Choose the exclusive Kabuki model if you’re looking for the peak of absolute performance: an aspirational 5:3mm suit handmade in Japan with the most advanced materials.

 

Our ranges use top class Yamamoto neoprene and include exclusive men’s and women’s patterns for the perfect fit. Below, you’ll find a detailed analysis of each wetsuit family.

 

The leading technology behind Orca

In order for you to understand how our wetsuits perform at top level, we’ve made a list of the key technologies that we apply to our surf collection:

 

• Yamamoto Neoprene: The industry’s gold standard. It provides maximum elasticity, superior thermal insulation and is extremely lightweight and durable.
• Vift Technology: At Orca we don’t make unisex suits. Vift is our exclusive patterning system with specific designs for both men’s and women’s anatomies, ensuring the perfect fit, preventing water pockets and improving insulation.
• 0.88 Technology: A pioneering innovation of Orca’s in the surfing world after 10 years of success in triathlon, which consists of ultra fine and extremely elastic panels that protect you from the wind and sun while offering you total freedom while paddling.
• Supreme Seal & U Zip: Advanced seal and closure systems that effectively prevent water entry in our premium models. 

 

1. TANGO family: Heat, durability and maximum versatility

The Tango family is designed to be our warmest range, ideal for surfers who spend hours in the water and need maximum thermal retention without losing out on flexibility. Its design incorporates a high-seal pattern in order to prevent cold water from entering the suit.

 

Key specifications:

• Actual thickness: We measure the actual thickness of the neoprene panel, without counting the inner or outer fabrics. If you buy a 4:3, you get true 4:3 insulation.
• Construction: Suits that are completely sealed on the inside with ultra fast drying thermal fabrics and neoprene Yamamoto. 

 

Models available in the Tango range:

In order cover all your thermal needs, the Tango family offers the widest range of suits:

• For winter and very cold water: Tango 5:4 Hooded (3mm hood) and Tango 5:4.
• For cold water: Tango 4:3 Hooded (3mm hood) and Tango 4:3.
• For warm water and wind: Tango 3:2 Hooded (2mm hood for wind protection) and Tango 3:2.
• For warm water (summer): Tango 2:2 Short Sleeve 
• Summer models with 0.88 Technology: Tango Short Leg and Tango Swimskin.

 

 

2. BOSSA Family: Extreme elasticity (Second Skin Effect)

If you have a very active surf style, you paddle constantly and you prioritise freedom in your movements above all, the Bossa range is for you.

Key specifications:

• Superior elasticity: Just like the Tango, the Bossa is made with Yamamoto neoprene, but specifically constructed with highly flexible materials in order to guarantee total elasticity and comfort.
• The ideal user: Surfers who perform quick manoeuvres and are very active in the water, as well as those who want to avoid shoulder fatigue at all costs. 

Models available in the Bossa range:

• Bossa 4:3
• Bossa 3:2

 

 

 

3. KABUKI: Exclusivity and technological superiority

Kabuki is our aspirational wetsuit; a sample of what we are capable of doing when we combine the world’s most exclusive materials, whatever it takes.

• Handcrafted: Handmade in Japan, one by one, with individual quality control.
• Thermal Configuration (5/3mm): Includes 5mm in the torso for all-round warmth and 3mm in the shoulders and arms for total flexibility.
• Premium and Smoothskin materials: Includes premium smooth Japanese neoprene (Smoothskin) in the arms for maximum elasticity and in the chest/back that serves as a windblock.
• Unique technology: Combines the original U Zip seal, Supreme Seal system, seamless seal in the legs and thermal, fast drying inner fabrics.

 

 

Quick Comparative Table

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Orca Wetsuits

Is it normal for my Yamamoto wetsuit to fit so tightly when I try it on?

Yes, it’s completely normal. Wetsuits made with Yamamoto need a couple of surf sessions to loosen up and mold to your specific body shape. Your new suit should feel a little tight at the start. We suggest trying it on several times and moving around in it at home to initiate the stretching process. After your first few sessions in the water, it should fit perfectly.

 

Why does the Tango model have such a tight fit?

 

The Tango range is designed with a high-seal pattern in order to guarantee a snug fit that prevents sudden gushes of water (flushes) from entering the suits. Because of this, the suits must be put on and taken off with great care. We recommend rereading the user instructions on our blog before trying it on; this will help you to get in and out of your suit more easily while ensuring the suit stays in perfect condition.

 

How thick is the hood in the Tango Hooded models?

 

Hood thickness varies depending on the model. In the winter suits (Tango 5:4 Hooded and 4:3 Hooded), the integrated hood is 3mm thick in order to protect you from extreme cold. By contrast, the hood in the Tango 3:2 Hooded model is 2mm thick; this suit is specifically designed to offer protection against the wind when the water isn’t too cold.

 

What are the advantages of the Smoothskin finish and are there any specific care requirements?

 

The Smoothskin (smooth outer neoprene) present in models such as Kabuki or in certain areas of the Tango Hooded provides unbeatable elasticity and insulation, acting as an impeccable windblock. However, without an outer protective fabric, the material is more fragile and less durable when it comes into contact with rough surfaces or fingernails, meaning you should take extra care when putting the suit on and taking it off.

 

What is Vift technology?

 

It’s our exclusive patterning system. We develop patterns with a specific and distinct cut for men’s and women’s anatomies in order to achieve a figure-hugging fit that maximises heat retention and minimises water entry.