At a Glance
When I first unboxed ION’s Amaze CORE 4/3 Front Zip, the very first thing I noticed was how incredibly soft it felt. It did not have that stiff, rubbery feel you sometimes get with thicker wetsuits. The colour immediately stood out too. The purple and lime green combo is bright, bold, and definitely a standout on the beach. What I really love about the Amaze CORE is that while it looks fun, it is built with some serious technical details.
It is made with neoprene-free natural rubber sourced from oyster shell powder, soybean oil, and eco carbon black. I appreciate that ION is focusing on sustainable materials, showing that high-performance wetsuits can be eco-conscious without compromising quality. Inside, the suit features Hot Stuff 3.0 made from recycled fibres for warmth and stretch. The lining on the arms and lower legs is Silk Stuff 2.0, which is soft and smooth against the skin, making the suit super comfortable to get into. The seams are glued, blind-stitched and reinforced at stress points, while the knees are flexibly taped to boost durability without sacrificing flexibility. There are plenty of thoughtful extras, like Water Defender legs to prevent waterlogging, drain holes at the chest and legs, leg straps, a key pocket with a loop, and even a replaceable drawcord. All these small details add up to a suit that feels both premium and practical.
When I finally tried it on for the first time, I understood exactly what Camille Losserand meant when she said it was like putting on a shorty. I could not agree more. Even though it is a full 4/3 wetsuit, it slipped on within seconds. There was no awkward pulling or struggling, which is rare for a full suit and an immediate win in my book!
On the Water
Once I hit the water, the first thing that struck me was how soft, stretchy, and light it felt while riding. Some wetsuits can feel heavy or stiff, especially at the shoulders or arms, but this one moved with me as if I was not wearing much at all. The seam-free shoulders and minimised panel design really do make a difference. I never felt restricted during tacks or when reaching for the bar, and paddling felt effortless.
The Hot Stuff 3.0 lining kept me warm without feeling bulky or overheating, and the Silk Stuff 2.0 panels on the arms and legs felt smooth against my skin: no rubbing or discomfort. The suit stayed snug, flexible, and comfortable, even when the wind picked up and the water got a bit rough.
I received so many compliments on the purple and lime-green design. It is nice to have a suit that performs exceptionally well, looks good, and makes you feel confident while riding.
Overall
The ION Amaze CORE 4/3 Front Zip has left a lasting impression on me. It is one of the easiest and most comfortable wetsuits I have ever worn, and it proves that high performance does not have to come at the cost of style or sustainability. The combination of natural rubber materials, smart thermal linings, minimal seams, and thoughtful details makes it a well-rounded, dependable suit for autumn and spring sessions! If you are looking for a wetsuit that is easy to put on, soft and stretchy in the water, warm without bulk, and stands out for all the right reasons, the Amaze CORE 4/3 Front Zip is an excellent choice.
This review was in Issue 113 of IKSURFMAG.
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By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.


















