Swimrun wetsuit showdown: I tested the Orca Aesir Flex against the Zone3 Versa

As a triathlete, you’ll likely be familiar with what makes a good triathlon wetsuit, but swimrun is a whole different ballgame. This head-to-head test compares two standout options at different price points to help you decide which features are worth investing in — the Orca Aesir Flex (£449/$659) and the Zone3 Versa (£219/$363).

The Aesir is described as Orca’s most elastic wetsuit, while the Versa aims to balance comfort and performance for both swimming and running disciplines. But which one truly delivers when tested in real swimrun conditions?

220 Triathlon tester and open-water swim coach Sarah Broadley puts both swimrun wetsuits through their paces across a range of swimrun conditions to see which one offers the best combination of performance, durability, and value for money.

Design and key features

Described as the most elastic wetsuit in their range, the Orca Aesir Flex is certainly supple. It’s lightweight, feels premium, and is really easy to get on and off. When on, it’s like a second skin.

The construction uses Yamamoto and other advanced fabrics to make it really flexible, which is perfect for swimrun, offering a fabulous fit. It’s true to size, and when zipped and Velcroed at the neck, it provides a good seal against water.

The Aesir’s clever construction includes more hardwearing fabric on the shorts, which proved durable in testing. There was no evidence of abrasion from rock encounters during testing and racing, and no sign of wear on the inner legs. The seams are reinforced in this area too, which helps with long-term durability.

My only criticism of the suit is the storage. There is only one internal pocket (on the inside of the back) which, although comfortable as the gear you stuff within sit in the small of your back, doesn’t have a zip.

It can be no easy feat designing a suit that is optimal for both swimming and running since each discipline has some discordant requirements – warmth/coolness and lightweight/buoyant – but Zone3 have done a good job with the Versa.

I love the bright orange shoulders and back – both eye-catching and great for visibility. Construction is a 50:50 ratio of Yulex Natural Rubber and Speedflo neoprene – a good balance for swim and run performance.

The seams are flatlock stitched and reinforced on the insides at the leg openings for improved comfort. Although the Yulex offers good flexibility, I did find the neoprene a little rigid and it took some wiggling to get it on.

The Versa performs well in the water, offering a good balance of buoyancy and flexibility. There’s not excessive flushing through the suit, and it helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in the water.

The extra space created by the zip design makes it quick and easy to get back over the shoulders, making transition back at the water’s edge simple, even whilst clambering over rocks!

The detachable neoprene sleeves provided additional warmth if required, although they are extremely tight to get on and off.

For shorter runs, the suit performed well, draining quickly and maintaining a comfortable temperature. However, on longer runs it did start to chafe around the armpits.

It just felt like there was too much neoprene around the armpits, and it was too tight to get off the shoulders myself, so required assistance.

The suit has great storage options with a large zip pocket on the rear, with a fabric tag making it easy to open and close while running. Additionally, there are two good-sized and useful storage pockets on the inside around the waist.

Orca Aesir Flex vs Zone3 Versa: Specs

	Orca Aesir Flex	Zone3 Versa
Price	£449/$659	£219/$362.70
Material	Yamamoto and advanced stretch fabric	50% Yulex and 50% Speedflo neoprene
Buoyancy	2mm arms / 3mm core / 2mm thighs	1mm arms and legs / 3mm torso
Fit	True to size	Slightly tight around armpits
Storage	1 internal rear pocket (no zip)	1 large rear zip pocket ; 2 internal waist pockets
Sleeves	Detachable sleeves	Detachable sleeves
Sizing	Women: XS-XL Men: 4-11 (orca sizing)	Women: XS-XL Men: S-2XL
Colours	Black and green	Black and orange

Price and value for money

The Orca Aesir Flex swimrun wetsuit sits firmly in the premium wetsuit category at £449/$659. It’s an extremely lightweight and supple offering, with excellent fit, flexibility, and durability. However, its limited storage may be a drawback for athletes needing easy access to nutrition or gear on the go.

At £219/$363, the Zone3 Versa swimrun wetsuit offers strong value for money. It’s not as flexible as the Aesir, but it’s durable, visible, and practical, with fantastic storage options that make it well-suited for training and shorter races.

For athletes wanting a balance between the two, mid-range wetsuits from brands like HUUB or HEAD as seen tested in our best swimrun wetsuits round-up could offer a middle ground between price, flexibility, and storage convenience.

Verdict

Both swimrun wetsuits performed impressively, but they cater to slightly different priorities. Choose the Zone3 Versa if you value high visibility, storage, and affordability. It’s perfect for shorter events, cooler conditions, and athletes who like to carry gels or kit on the run.

Choose the Orca Aesir if you want maximum flexibility, minimal weight, and a top-end fit that feels like a second skin. It’s ideal for longer swimruns or those prioritizing swim comfort and freedom of movement. Overall, the Aesir would be my winner.