Bare 7MM Reactive Wetsuit Review: Warm, Flexible, and Worth the Investment?

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Quick Summary Box

Product: Bare 7MM Reactive Wetsuit

Best For: Cold-water recreational scuba divers

Water Temperature: Approximately 45°F–65°F (with proper hood, gloves, and boots)

Pros

• Extremely comfortable

• Excellent flexibility

• Very warm

• High-quality construction

• Durable materials

Cons

• Premium price

• Takes time to dry

• Too warm for tropical diving

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• First Impressions

• Construction and Materials

• Fit and Comfort

• Mobility Underwater

• Warmth During Great Lakes Diving

Introduction

Finding the right cold-water wetsuit isn't easy.

Most divers quickly discover that there is a huge difference between a wetsuit that simply keeps you from getting cold and one that actually lets you enjoy the dive.

After spending years diving the Great Lakes, I've learned that comfort becomes almost as important as warmth. If your wetsuit feels stiff, restricts your movement, or constantly flushes with cold water, you'll spend more time thinking about your exposure protection than the incredible wreck or fish you're trying to enjoy.

That's exactly why I eventually chose the Bare 7MM Reactive.

After using this wetsuit on numerous dives, I can honestly say it has become one of my favorite pieces of scuba equipment.

It keeps me warm, allows excellent freedom of movement, and has held up extremely well despite repeated use in cold freshwater environments.

This isn't simply a specification review based on manufacturer claims.

Everything in this review comes from my own experience diving this wetsuit.

If you're considering purchasing a premium 7 mm wetsuit for recreational scuba diving, here's what I've learned after diving the Bare Reactive myself.

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed after taking the Bare Reactive out of the box was just how soft the neoprene felt.

Many 7 mm wetsuits almost feel like cardboard when they're new.

They're thick.

They're stiff.

They're difficult to move around in.

The Bare Reactive immediately felt different.

The neoprene was surprisingly flexible, and even before getting in the water I could tell it would move with my body much better than older wetsuits I had previously worn.

The stitching looked clean.

The seams appeared extremely well made.

Nothing about the suit felt cheap.

The zipper operated smoothly, and the wrist and ankle seals looked like they would do an excellent job reducing water circulation.

Before ever entering the water, my first impression was that this was a premium-quality wetsuit.

Fortunately, those first impressions carried over into actual diving.

Construction and Materials

Bare designed the Reactive series for divers who spend considerable time in cooler water.

One of its biggest strengths is the highly elastic neoprene.

That extra stretch doesn't just make the wetsuit more comfortable—it also makes gearing up considerably easier.

Anyone who has wrestled with a traditional 7 mm wetsuit knows how exhausting simply putting one on can be.

The Bare Reactive significantly reduces that struggle.

Once zipped up, the suit feels snug without feeling restrictive.

The glued and blind-stitched seams help minimize water intrusion while maintaining excellent durability.

The reinforced knee panels are another feature I appreciate.

Whether you're climbing back onto a dive boat, kneeling during equipment setup, or making a rocky shore entry, those extra reinforcements help protect one of the highest-wear areas of the wetsuit.

The zipper has also proven dependable during my dives.

It operates smoothly and feels substantially built rather than flimsy.

Every component gives the impression that Bare intended this wetsuit to last for years instead of just a few dive seasons.

Fit and Comfort

Fit is arguably the single most important characteristic of any wetsuit.

A wetsuit that fits poorly cannot keep you warm, regardless of how expensive it is.

Fortunately, this is one area where the Bare Reactive excels.

For me, the suit fit close enough to minimize water movement while still allowing me to breathe comfortably and move naturally.

I never felt like I was fighting against the neoprene.

That makes a tremendous difference during a long day of diving.

Walking around the boat...

Carrying a fully assembled scuba cylinder...

Climbing ladders...

Bending over to adjust fins...

Everything simply feels easier.

Instead of constantly reminding you that you're wearing a thick 7 mm wetsuit, the Bare Reactive almost disappears once you're in the water.

That level of comfort is one of the biggest reasons I've continued using it for Great Lakes diving.

Mobility Underwater

One of the biggest surprises was how natural the wetsuit felt underwater.

Thick wetsuits often reduce shoulder movement, making it more difficult to reach valves, deploy accessories, or simply swim efficiently.

The Bare Reactive minimizes those problems thanks to its extremely flexible neoprene.

I never felt like the wetsuit was limiting my movements.

Whether I was finning across a wreck, adjusting my buoyancy compensator, or simply enjoying the dive, the suit moved naturally with me rather than resisting every motion.

That flexibility also reduced fatigue over the course of longer dive days.

Rather than ending multiple dives feeling sore from fighting my wetsuit, I could simply enjoy the experience.

Warmth During Great Lakes Diving

Most of my scuba diving has been in the Great Lakes, where water temperatures can remain surprisingly cold even during the middle of summer. Surface temperatures may feel comfortable, but descend just a few feet and the temperature can drop dramatically.

This is exactly the kind of environment where a quality 7 mm wetsuit earns its reputation.

After several dives wearing the Bare 7MM Reactive, I quickly gained confidence in its ability to keep me comfortable throughout an entire recreational dive. While no wetsuit completely eliminates heat loss, this one does an excellent job minimizing the cold water that enters the suit and allowing your body to warm the thin layer of water trapped inside.

On longer dives, I noticed I was thinking far less about the temperature and far more about enjoying the dive itself. Whether I was exploring a wreck, swimming along a rock wall, or simply watching fish, I remained comfortable enough that the cold wasn't constantly distracting me.

For Great Lakes divers, that is a tremendous advantage.

Pairing It with the Right Exposure Protection

Even the best wetsuit cannot perform at its full potential if the rest of your exposure protection isn't up to the task.

I always dive my Bare 7MM Reactive with:

• H1 5/7 mm vented hood

• Aqualung 7 mm Echozip boots

• Aqualung 3 mm gloves

• Scubapro rash guard

Together, these pieces form a complete exposure system.

Your head, hands, and feet lose heat much faster than many new divers realize. Investing in a premium wetsuit while trying to save money on gloves or boots usually leads to disappointment.

I found that when all three pieces worked together, my dives became significantly more enjoyable.

Instead of ending dives because I was getting cold, I could stay focused on the dive plan and surface because my air supply dictated it—not because I was uncomfortable.

Ease of Donning and Removing

One concern many divers have with thick wetsuits is simply getting into them.

Anyone who has wrestled with an older 7 mm wetsuit knows it can almost feel like a workout before the dive even begins.

The Bare Reactive impressed me here as well.

Its highly flexible neoprene stretches much more easily than many traditional wetsuits.

While putting on any 7 mm wetsuit still requires some effort, I found the Bare Reactive noticeably easier than several other cold-water wetsuits I've tried over the years.

The flexibility also makes removing the suit after a long day of diving much less frustrating.

That may seem like a minor feature, but after two or three dives in one day, it's something you'll definitely appreciate.

Buoyancy Considerations

Like all thick neoprene wetsuits, the Bare 7MM Reactive is quite buoyant at the surface.

That means you'll likely need more weight than you would while diving a thinner wetsuit in warmer water.

During your first dive with any new exposure suit, I always recommend performing a proper buoyancy check before beginning the dive.

Once weighted correctly, I found the Bare Reactive behaved very predictably throughout the dive.

The neoprene compressed gradually with depth, just as expected, making buoyancy adjustments easy to manage.

Because the suit fits closely to the body, I also noticed it remained comfortable even as the neoprene compressed during deeper portions of the dive.

Durability After Repeated Use

One reason I continue recommending this wetsuit is that it has held up extremely well.

After repeated dives, transporting it in gear bags, climbing boat ladders, and normal recreational use, it still looks remarkably good.

The reinforced knees have proven especially valuable.

Whether kneeling during equipment setup or entering from rocky shorelines, they provide additional protection in one of the areas that typically experiences the most wear.

The seams have remained tight.

The stitching still looks excellent.

The zipper continues to operate smoothly.

Nothing about the suit gives the impression that it was built to last only a season or two.

With proper care, I expect this wetsuit to provide many years of dependable service.

Caring for the Bare Reactive

Like any premium wetsuit, taking care of it properly helps protect your investment.

After every dive, I recommend:

• Rinsing the wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water.

• Flushing the zipper to remove sand or debris.

• Hanging the suit on a wide wetsuit hanger.

• Allowing it to dry completely inside and out.

• Keeping it out of prolonged direct sunlight.

• Avoiding folding it for long periods.

These simple habits help preserve the neoprene and extend the life of the wetsuit.

I've found that spending just a few extra minutes caring for my equipment after each dive pays off in the long run.

Who Is This Wetsuit Best For?

The Bare 7MM Reactive is an excellent choice for:

• Great Lakes divers

• Cold-water recreational divers

• Quarry divers

• Spring and fall diving

• Divers who value comfort as much as warmth

• Anyone looking for a premium wetsuit that will last for years

If most of your diving takes place in tropical destinations where water temperatures remain in the upper 70s or 80s, this wetsuit will likely be much warmer than necessary.

However, for cold-water diving, I believe it's one of the best wetsuits I've personally owned.

Pros and Cons

Every piece of scuba equipment has strengths and weaknesses, and the Bare 7MM Reactive is no exception. Fortunately, I found the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

Pros

• Outstanding flexibility for a 7 mm wetsuit.

• Excellent warmth for cold-water diving.

• Comfortable enough for multiple dives in one day.

• High-quality materials and construction.

• Reinforced knees add durability.

• Reduces water flushing when properly fitted.

• Easy to move in while swimming or climbing boat ladders.

• Premium appearance and finish.

Cons

• Costs more than many entry-level wetsuits.

• Too warm for most tropical diving destinations.

• Like any 7 mm wetsuit, it requires additional weight compared to thinner exposure suits.

• Takes longer to dry than thinner wetsuits.

Despite those minor drawbacks, I believe the advantages easily justify the investment for anyone who regularly dives cold water.

Is the Bare Reactive Worth the Price?

The Bare Reactive sits in the premium category of scuba wetsuits.

That means you'll spend more upfront than you would for a budget 7 mm wetsuit.

The question becomes whether that extra cost is actually worth it.

For me, the answer is yes.

A wetsuit is something you'll wear during every dive.

If it's uncomfortable, stiff, or doesn't keep you warm, every dive becomes less enjoyable.

On the other hand, when your exposure protection works properly, you hardly think about it.

Instead, your attention stays on the wreck, the fish, your buddy, or simply enjoying being underwater.

That's exactly what happened with the Bare Reactive.

It simply became another dependable piece of equipment that I never had to worry about.

Considering how many dives you'll likely get from a quality wetsuit, the additional cost becomes relatively small when spread over years of diving.

Common Mistakes When Buying a 7 mm Wetsuit

I've seen divers make several common mistakes when purchasing their first cold-water wetsuit.

Buying the Wrong Size

A wetsuit should fit snugly.

If it's loose, cold water continuously circulates through the suit, dramatically reducing its ability to keep you warm.

Choosing Price Over Fit

A cheaper wetsuit that doesn't fit well will never perform as well as a premium wetsuit that fits correctly.

Fit should always come before price.

Ignoring the Rest of Your Exposure Protection

Even the best wetsuit cannot compensate for inadequate gloves, boots, or a hood.

Your exposure protection should always be viewed as one complete system.

Not Caring for the Wetsuit

Failing to rinse saltwater or lake residue from the suit, leaving it in direct sunlight, or storing it improperly can significantly shorten its lifespan.

Cold-Water Diving Tips

If you're new to cold-water diving, these tips can make your dives much more enjoyable:

• Perform a proper buoyancy check whenever changing exposure suits.

• Stay hydrated before diving.

• Eat a good meal before cold-water dives.

• Avoid overheating while waiting to enter the water.

• Zip your wetsuit completely before entering.

• Use quality gloves and boots that fit properly.

• Rinse all exposure gear after every dive.

• Hang your wetsuit on a wide hanger to protect the shoulders.

• Replace worn seals before they begin leaking excessively.

Small habits like these can dramatically improve both comfort and the life of your equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bare 7MM Reactive good for beginners?

Absolutely.

In fact, beginners often appreciate its flexibility even more because it makes moving around in scuba gear much easier.

Can I dive year-round with this wetsuit?

That depends on where you dive.

For much of the recreational diving season in the Great Lakes, I found it to be an excellent choice.

Extremely cold water may require a drysuit instead.

Does it feel bulky?

Not nearly as much as many older 7 mm wetsuits.

The stretch neoprene makes it feel surprisingly natural.

How long does it take to dry?

Like most thick wetsuits, expect it to require overnight drying.

Turning it inside out halfway through the drying process helps speed things up.

Would I buy it again?

Without hesitation.

Based on my own experience, it remains one of the best scuba equipment purchases I've made for cold-water diving.

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Conclusion

After diving the Bare 7MM Reactive on numerous cold-water dives, I can confidently say it's one of the best wetsuits I've ever owned.

The combination of warmth, flexibility, durability, and overall comfort makes every dive more enjoyable.

Rather than constantly thinking about being cold or fighting against a stiff wetsuit, I can focus on what really matters—exploring underwater.

No piece of scuba equipment is perfect for every diver, but if you regularly dive in cold lakes, quarries, or coastal waters, the Bare Reactive deserves a serious look.

Although it costs more than many entry-level wetsuits, I believe the comfort and performance easily justify the investment.

It's one of those pieces of gear that you'll appreciate every time you zip it up.

Call to Action

If you're looking for a premium cold-water wetsuit that combines exceptional warmth, outstanding flexibility, and long-term durability, I highly recommend taking a closer look at the Bare 7MM Reactive.

If you enjoyed this review, be sure to explore the other equipment reviews and scuba diving guides here on ScubaBlast. My goal is to help fellow divers make informed buying decisions based on real-world experience so you can spend less time wondering about your gear and more time enjoying every dive.

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