Words by Peri Roberts
Wetsuit entry systems have come a long way, but the fundamental goal has always been the same: keep water out, maintain flexibility and make getting in and out as easy as possible. Prolimit’s new C-zip takes this idea further with a redesigned system focused on reducing openings, increasing comfort and improving overall performance for riders in all conditions. It builds on the strengths of Prolimit’s existing Freezip and Freezip X systems while presenting a cleaner, more efficient solution for modern watersports.
At its core, the C-zip solves one of the biggest challenges in wetsuit design. Traditional chest-zip systems require multiple openings around the shoulders to allow entry. Back-zips rely on long zippers that can create bulk, restrict movement and let water flush through the suit. Even advanced Freezip variations still feature arm openings due to their construction. The C-zip removes these entirely. The rider enters through a single curved entry along the upper torso without any shoulder openings, leaving only wrist and ankle entries. Fewer openings mean fewer opportunities for water to enter the suit.
How the C-Zip Improves Flexibility, Comfort and Ease of Use
While many riders assume that reducing entry points will make a suit harder to get into, the C-zip is designed to do the opposite. The diameter of the entry is similar to a traditional back-zip, which means getting in and out feels intuitive and familiar. A smaller zipper frees space across the upper body so the rider does not feel hardware while moving. Once closed, the system creates a simple, unobtrusive fit that enhances the suit’s natural shape.
Flexibility improves thanks to fewer seams and less material clutter around the shoulders. The internal layering keeps the system soft against the skin, with an additional layer of neoprene running parallel to the zipper for comfort. Although the system may feel new on first use, riders typically adjust within a session and find the movement natural and unrestricted.
Durability is also strengthened. As with the Freezip system, the zipper itself carries no tension from body movement. It acts only as a closure, not a load-bearing component. This reduces wear on the zipper and improves long-term performance.
Below is a quick comparison of how the C-zip stacks up against Prolimit’s other entry system.
Entry System Comparison
|
Feature |
C-Zip |
Freezip |
Freezip X |
Back Zip |
|
Shoulder openings |
None |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Ease of entry |
High |
High |
Medium |
High |
|
Water entry prevention |
Very high |
Moderate |
High |
Low |
|
Flexibility |
Very high |
High |
High |
Medium |
|
Zipper feel while riding |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Moderate |
Noticeable |
|
Long-term durability |
High |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
|
Target rider |
Performance focused |
All-rounders |
Performance |
Entry level |
The inspiration for the C-zip came from Prolimit drysuits, where a similar design proved exceptionally clean, watertight and user friendly. Once the team tested it in wetsuit construction, the benefits became clear. The Freezip and Freezip X systems will remain important options in the range, but the C-zip represents the next step in wetsuit entry design.
Some riders may initially overthink the placement of the zipper across the shoulder, but once the suit is used in real conditions, the advantages speak for themselves.
The C-zip is now available in select Prolimit wetsuits. Explore the collection and experience the future of wetsuit entry systems for yourself.
