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Brand, Wetsuits Guide
Orca Athlex and Apex: the heirs to the S7, Sonar, Equip, 3.8, Predator, and Alpha
22
May
May
Orca was founded in 1994 in New Zealand by former triathlon champion Scott Unsworth. Since then, Orca has managed the near impossible: pushing the leading edge of technology while producing consistently durable wetsuits.
With each advance, some classics have had to give way for the next generation. In 2022, Orca released the new Athlex and Apex lines. Here is a handy cheat sheet to make at least one transition easy.
| Buoyancy | Classic | Next Generation | |
| Value | High | S7 [Men] [Women] | Athlex Float [Men] [Women] |
| Medium | Sonar [Men] [Women 21 19] | Athlex Flow [Men] [Women] | |
| Low | Equip [Men] [Women] | Athlex Flex [Men] [Women] | |
| Performance | High | 3.8 [Men] [Women] | Apex Float [Men] [Women] |
| Medium | Predator [Men] [Women] | Apex Flow [Men] [Women] | |
| Low | Alpha [Men] [Women] | Apex Flex [Men] [Women] |
Sizing
The Orca size chart is both granular and consistent. With 9 sizes for men, and 7 sizes for women, there is a strong chance of finding a comfortable fit. Whether you’re taking the plunge on your first wetsuit, or allowing your old one to retire, Orca wetsuits often make the podium for the discerning athlete.
Performance and technology
While the Athlex line is a great option for most athletes, for the athlete that accepts no compromises, the Apex series delivers the extra edge. The Apex series features the latest technology, and the most aggressive hydrodynamically optimized design for the athlete that needs to shave off seconds, not finish second.
Classic versus Next Generation
If you’re ready to step into the future, this is a chance to be among the first. If you appreciate a Classic, go ahead and indulge yourself one more time while you still can.
Check out our full selection of Orca wetsuits.
