Patagonia Men's R2 Yulex Regulator 3.5/3mm Front-Zip Wetsuit – Black

The Patagonia Men's R2 Yulex Regulator Front-Zip Wetsuit is a high-performance, neoprene-free 3.5/3mm surfing wetsuit designed for warmth, flexibility and durability in cooler water. Made using Yulex natural rubber and recycled materials, the R2 combines serious cold-water surf performance with Patagonia's focus on reducing reliance on conventional neoprene.

Designed for water temperatures of approximately 13–16°C, the R2 is an excellent option for cooler New Zealand surf conditions when you need more warmth than a conventional 3/2mm steamer without moving into a substantially heavier winter suit.

Neoprene-Free Yulex Natural Rubber

At the heart of the R2 is Patagonia's Yulex natural rubber construction.

The wetsuit is made from 85% Yulex natural rubber and 15% synthetic rubber by polymer content. The natural rubber comes from sources certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® through Preferred by Nature™.

For surfers looking for an alternative to traditional neoprene wetsuits, Yulex is one of the R2's major points of difference.

3.5/3mm Cold-Water Performance

Patagonia uses 3.5mm material through the torso and thighs and 3mm through the arms and legs, concentrating additional insulation around the core while maintaining flexibility through the areas where surfers need greater freedom of movement.

The torso and thighs feature a fast-drying thermal lining made from recycled nylon, recycled polyester and recycled spandex, designed to provide warmth while retaining stretch.

The arms and legs use high-stretch 100% recycled nylon lining, helping the wetsuit maintain flexibility through paddling and surfing.

Front-Zip Entry

The R2 uses an asymmetrical front-zip entry with a corrosion-proof Riri® zipper.

Importantly, Patagonia has designed the zipper to be replaceable, helping extend the useful lifespan of the wetsuit rather than requiring the entire suit to be replaced if the zipper eventually fails. The design also provides an effective seal while maintaining a streamlined chest-entry system.

An easy-access internal key loop provides secure storage for a key while you're in the water.

Warm, Stretchy & Fast Drying

Patagonia has engineered the R2 around the balance surfers need between thermal performance and flexibility.

The thermal lining through the torso and thighs provides additional warmth around the core, while high-stretch recycled nylon lining through the arms and legs allows greater freedom through paddling and manoeuvres.

The linings are also solution dyed and laminated using water-based, solvent-free AquaA® glue.

Durable Without Restricting Movement

The R2 features Supratex kneepads and cuffs designed to provide durability and a secure fit without unnecessarily restricting movement.

Patagonia has also revised seam placement on this generation of the R2, with its design and repair teams working together on placements intended to improve entry, stretch, comfort and longevity while reducing potential leakage points.

Features

• Men's full-length surfing wetsuit
• Patagonia R2 Yulex Regulator
• 3.5mm torso and thighs / 3mm arms and legs
• Designed for approximately 13–16°C water
• Neoprene-free construction
• 85% Yulex natural rubber / 15% synthetic rubber by polymer content
• FSC®-certified natural rubber
• Fast-drying thermal torso and thigh lining
• High-stretch recycled nylon arm and leg lining
• Asymmetrical front-zip entry
• Replaceable corrosion-proof Riri® zipper
• Supratex kneepads and cuffs
• Internal key loop
• AquaA® water-based, solvent-free glue
• Formfitting construction
• Black colourway
• Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory

Perfect For

• Cooler New Zealand surf conditions
• Approximately 13–16°C water
• Autumn, winter and spring surfing depending on location
• Surfers wanting a neoprene-free wetsuit
• Surfers looking for Yulex natural rubber
• Longer cold-water sessions
• Surfers wanting front-zip performance
• Anyone prioritising durability and repairability

Why You'll Love It

The Patagonia R2 Yulex Regulator has a particularly clear point of difference from many conventional performance wetsuits: it's built around natural rubber rather than neoprene while still delivering the warmth, stretch and fit required for serious surfing.

The 3.5/3mm configuration also gives it an interesting position for New Zealand conditions. Patagonia rates the R2 for approximately 13–16°C water, with extra thickness and thermal lining concentrated around the torso and thighs and greater flexibility maintained through the arms and legs.

Details such as the replaceable corrosion-proof Riri zipper, revised seam placement, recycled linings and durable Supratex reinforcement also make longevity a meaningful part of the design rather than focusing solely on performance when the wetsuit is new.

For surfers looking for a premium neoprene-free men's wetsuit that balances cold-water warmth, flexibility and a more considered material choice, the Patagonia R2 Yulex Regulator is a standout option