The Orca Zen V2 is the top-performance freediving wetsuit in the Orca range. Originally founded in New Zealand in 1995, Orca became closely linked to Spain following a strategic agreement with Orbea. In 2008, Orbea took over the global distribution of the Orca brand and later strengthened the relationship by acquiring the operational rights for the triathlon business.
Today, headquartered in Spain, Orca is recognized worldwide as one of the leading brands for triathlon, open-water swimming, and freediving wetsuits. The quality of its products has become an international benchmark, with the company utilizing genuine Yamamoto neoprene officially certified by the Japanese manufacturer.
Within the freediving sector, the Orca Zen V2 stands out as one of the brand’s most advanced and performance-oriented wetsuits. For this reason, Apnea Passion Magazine has selected it for participation in the Best Choice 2026 awards. Let’s take a closer look at its technical solutions.
Yamamoto #39 neoprene and SCS treatment
Like the best freediving wetsuits on the market, the Orca Zen V2 is manufactured using Yamamoto #39 neoprene. The material features a smoothskin exterior and an internal lining designed to improve comfort and durability.
The external surface is treated with SCS (Super Composite Skin), a thin polyurethane coating that enhances resistance and significantly reduces friction with the water. Beyond limiting water infiltration, the SCS treatment improves hydrodynamic efficiency and glide, helping the freediver move through the water with less resistance. This is a key feature for athletes seeking maximum performance.
Internal compressive lining
One of the most interesting solutions adopted on the Orca Zen V2 is the use of compressive lining on the arms and legs. This fabric improves adherence to the body, reducing water circulation inside the wetsuit and minimizing the formation of air pockets.
In contrast, the chest and back areas utilize a less compressive lining to allow unrestricted breathing and maximum comfort during ventilation phases. This balance between compression and freedom of movement is a sophisticated detail that can significantly improve overall performance and comfort.
YKK inverted zipper
YKK zippers are widely considered the benchmark for reliability in aquatic environments, including prolonged exposure to saltwater. Orca has therefore equipped the Zen V2 with a high-quality YKK zipper designed to guarantee smooth operation, durability, and resistance to repeated stress.
An unusual feature is the inverted zipper configuration. Unlike traditional systems, the zipper closes by pulling downward and opens by pulling upward. According to Orca, this solution improves freedom of movement around the hips and upper legs, areas that play a crucial role during finning.
Advanced neck sealing system
The neck area is one of the most critical sections of any freediving wetsuit. It must remain comfortable without excessive pressure while simultaneously preventing water entry.
The Orca Zen V2 uses a double-sealing system. The inner seal consists of a very soft double-lined neoprene collar that wraps comfortably around the neck. The external section is then secured with a large Velcro closure, creating a second barrier against water infiltration.
This solution aims to minimize flushing and maintain a stable water layer inside the wetsuit, improving both comfort and hydrodynamic efficiency during pool and depth sessions.
Reinforcements and durability
On a 2 mm performance wetsuit, durability is a crucial factor. Orca has reinforced the Zen V2 by applying small circular nylon patches at the most stressed junction points, particularly where multiple neoprene panels meet.
Additional reinforcements are present on the wrists and ankles, where the neoprene experiences the greatest stress during dressing and undressing. Here, internal rubber strips strengthen the bondings and help extend the lifespan of the wetsuit.
Men and women versions
The Orca Zen V2 is available in dedicated men’s and women’s versions, with patterns specifically designed to match the different body shapes of male and female freedivers.
The overall design remains largely unchanged between the two versions. The men’s model features light blue graphics on a grey base, while the women’s version combines cyan graphics with the same grey foundation. The result is a clean, elegant, and distinctly technical appearance.
To further protect the delicate smoothskin surface during dressing, Orca includes fabric gloves with the wetsuit. This thoughtful addition is particularly useful for avoiding accidental damage caused by fingernails.
Final considerations
The Orca Zen V2 combines premium materials and advanced technical solutions into a wetsuit clearly designed with performance in mind. Yamamoto #39 neoprene, SCS coating, compressive limb lining, the inverted YKK zipper, and the sophisticated sealing systems all contribute to creating a highly specialized product for demanding freedivers.
The true measure of its effectiveness will come through in-water testing, where comfort, hydrodynamics, thermal performance, and overall efficiency can be fully evaluated. On paper, however, the Orca Zen V2 stands as one of the most technically refined 2 mm freediving wetsuits currently available on the market, and strong candidate for the Best Choice 2026 by Apnea Passion Magazine award.
