Wetsuits are an extremely hard product to understand, making it difficult to know which one you’ll need for your activity and frequency of use.
Below you will see some of the differences between our main lines in the O’Neill range of wetsuits we stock.
See our entire O’Neill range HERE.

O’Neill Reactor-2 Series of Wetsuits
Best uses
The first wetsuit in our O’Neill range is the Reactor-2 series. This wetsuit is ideal for use during the summer in warmer waters, for people who are beginners in watersports or for those who use a wetsuit relatively infrequently.
Features
• Back Zip – Easy Entry – With Zip Lanyard
• Wind-Proof Smoothskin Panels on Chest and Back
• Strategic Seam Placement
• Adjustable Single Seal Collar
• Hidden Key Pocket
• Krypto Knee Pads

What is Ultraflex and Fluid Foam Neoprene?
Ultraflex neoprene is a high performance super-stretch neoprene with a durable outer skin that resists velcro pulls and snags.
Stretch factor: 150%
Fluid Foam neoprene is a highly durable neoprene that resists abrasion and compression. It has a coarser feel and good stretch.
Stretch factor: 75%

What is Flatlock Stitching?
Flatlock stitching is the most popular method of sewn construction. The stitch uses 4 needles and 6 threads, and works by overlapping the neoprene panels and sewing them together. It is a strong stitch and is very comfortable because it is flat. It is not a sealed seam, however, so it is not intended for extremely cold conditions as it allows some water to enter the suit. This is due to the penetration from the needles going all the way through the neoprene.

O’Neill Epic Series of Wetsuits
Best uses
The epic range is available in models ranging from 3/2mm all the way up to a hooded 6/5/4mm version. The epic is ideal for use in winter and in colder waters, with increased quality and features over the reactor series. These include the construction used on the suits seams (see technology/construction section) and the availability of thicker sizes of neoprene. Additionally the epic series is available in chest zip and back zip options.
Features
• Back Zip – Easy Entry – With Zip Lanyard
• Chest Zip – F.U.Z.E System
• Wind-Proof Smoothskin Panels on Chest and Back
• Strategic Seam Placement
• Double Superseal Neck
• External Key Pocket With Loop
• Krypto Knee Padz

Technology/Construction
The entire wetsuit is made from 100% ultraflex stretch neoprene, meaning its mobility is greater than the reactor, as well as making it warmer. The ultraflex neoprene used is the same as that in the top part of the reactor suits – with the stretch factor being 150%.
It also features fluidflex firewall panels, which are windproof with a water wicking interior thermal jersey. The chest zip models have this on both interior panels on the chest and back, whereas the back zip suit only has it on the chest.
The Epic seam construction is glued and blindstitched with critical taping. This ensures it is:
• A waterproof seam
• Flat, “butted” seam and limited thread eliminates rashes.
• Extremely flexible
• Suitable for cool and cold weather

What is Fluidflex Firewall?
Fluidflex Firewall is a windproof exterior with a water wicking interior thermal jersey.

What is Glued and Blindstitched Critically Taped?
GBS critically taped – The blindstitch seam is aptly named because the stitching only penetrates the neoprene partially. If a suit is blindstitched, it is also glued so there is no leakage through the seams. Glued and blindstitched construction provides a waterproof seam. A blindstitched suit is also taped in all areas of excessive stress – i.e elbows, knees etc.

What is the F.U.Z.E. System?
F.U.Z.E. System – This is O’Neill’s exclusive Front upper Zip Entry (chest) system which offers the same free floating zipper technology as O’Neill’s Z.E.N. ZIP closure. The F.U.Z.E. closure keeps you dry and allows unrestricted flexibility.

The F.U.Z.E. system features:
• GLIDESKIN SEAL NECK – a super dry neck seal that maximises comfort and keeps water out.
• F.U.Z.E. ENTRY
• 360˚ INNER BARRIER: Blocks out water.
• DRAIN HOLES: Dual drain holes guide out any water that enters the 360˚ barrier via the back and arm.

CLICK HERE TO SEE
F.U.Z.E. SYSTEM BEING PUT ON
F.U.Z.E. SYSTEM BEING TAKEN OFF

O’Neill Hyperfreak Series of Wetsuits
Best uses
The Hyperfreak wetsuits are the choice of wetsuit when considering flexibility. This suit is for those who want maximum performance.
They are only available in chest zip options and have range from 3/2+mm to 5/4+mm thickness options. With the incredible amount of flexibility, O’Neill have managed to add 0.5mm to the neoprene for extra warmth without any substantial hindrance to the suit’s elasticity (hence the ‘+’ after the measurements).
Features
• Chest Zip – F.U.Z.E System – W/Z.E.N Zip Closure
• Technobutter 3 & TB3X Neoprene
• Double Superseal Neck
• External Key Pocket With Loop
• Krypto Knee Padz
• Strategic Seamless Paddlezones

Technology/Construction
What’s really interesting about the Hyperfreak range is that technobutter 3 and tbx3 are used. The arms are constructed using tbx3 and the rest of the suit is constructed using technobutter 3. Due to its use of these two neoprene types, there are no smooth skin panels across the chest and back, sacrificing a bit of warmth for increased flexibility.
The Hyperfreak uses GBS fully taped seam construction.

What is Technobutter 3?

  • Technobutter 3 is the one of the most advanced neoprenes ever developed.
  • The new ENVY RUBBER CORE, TB3 JERSEY on the exterior and the TB3X INTERIOR JERSEY boasts a 20% lighter formula with 30% less water absorption.
  • Quick dry properties offer rapid drying time.
  • The formula allows you to surf longer and feel lighter than ever before. 
  • Now featuring recycled nylon fabrics
  • Stretch factor: 160-180%.

What is TBX3?

  • TBX 3 is one of the gummiest gooey neoprenes ever developed.
  • ENVY FOAM RUBBER CORE, TBX3 EXTERIOR JERSEY and TBX3 INTERIOR JERSEY combine to make lightest, most flexible material available.
  • Now featuring recycled nylon fabrics.
  • Stretch factor: 180%-220%

What is Glued and Blindstitched Fully Taped?

  • GBS fully taped seam construction is a 0.5mm split neoprene tape applied to the inside of a triple glued and blindstiched seam with water-based glue to keep you dry and loose.
    • Dry
    • Light
    • Durable
    • Extremely flexible

O’Neill Psycho Tech Series of Wetsuits
Best uses
The Psycho tech range is best suited for those who are looking for both maximum performance and warmth for longer durations. This is probably O’Neill’s flagship wetsuit with all the tech thrown at it.
They are available in back and chest zip options and we have the size ranges from 3/2+mm to 5/4+mm thickness options. With the incredible amount of flexibility, O’Neill have managed to add 0.5mm to the neoprene for extra warmth without any substantial hindrance to the suit’s elasticity (hence the ‘+’ after the measurements).

Features

  • Chest Zip – F.U.Z.E System
  • Back Zip – Z.E.N Zip Closure
  • Technobutter 4, TB4 Air Firewall, TB4 Firewall
  • Double Superseal Neck
  • Superseal Hand Cuffs
  • External Key Pocket With Loop
  • Krypto Knee Padz
  • Stitchless glued seams (triple glued)
  • Exterior fluid seam weld

In terms of the suit’s sustainability and environmental friendliness, 100% of the linings materials are recycled, including some of the jersey. In addition, as previously mentioned, all glue used by O’Neill is water-based, meaning no solvents are used. All inks used are soy based, and are manufactured using dope dyeing, which is the process of injecting colours/pigment at the stage of the dope when the cellulosic material is in semi liquid stage.

What makes the Psychotech different from the Hyperfreak?
Technobutter 4 and its varying technologies is what separates the two ranges. As the name suggests, it is a fresh new take on the previous TB3. Alongside TB4, the Psychotech features the TB4 duraskin air firewall (recycled materials) across the chest and back and TB4 firewall (recycled materials) on the thigh, bum, shins and calves. The seam technology used on the Psychotech series is stitchless technology.

What is Stitchless Technology?
Exterior Fluid Seam Weld and interior TB3X Tape on either side of a stitchless seam takes wetsuit construction to the next level. The all new combination of reliable durability and low profile comfort simply can’t be beaten.
• Double sealed seam keeps you dry
• Flat smooth surface eliminates rashing
• Extremely durable, no stitch to unravel
• Unlimited flexibility
• Super strong

What is Technobutter 4?
Technobutter 4 builds on the previous TB3. This evolution of the jersey introduces recycled yarns infused with graphene for increased wear, strength and heat retention – thus making it much more durable, further extending the suit’s ‘shelf life‘.

What is Technobutter 4 Firewall?
The all new Technobutter 4 Firewall utilises the recycled graphene fibres at a thicker pile to create a fire hot feedback loop. As the body heat warms the graphene fibres, they conduct heat back to the body.

What is Technobutter 4 Air Firewall?
TB4 Air Firewall uses a special lamination process paired with a core of aerated neoprene and a graphene fibre jersey to create the toastiest conditions. Don’t let the cold weather stop you!

What is Technobutter 4 Duraskin Air Firewall?
O’Neill’s new TB4 Air Firewall paired with Duraskin takes trapped air technology to the next level. It features a recycled graphene interior with a wind-shielding and fully water repellent smoothskin exterior that is more durable and warmer than ever before.

What is the Z.E.N. ZIP System?
The Z.E.N. ZIP system is a free floating exterior mini zip, which allows for a zipperless feel and stops water from entering the wetsuit.

The F.U.Z.E. system features:
• Z.E.N. COLLAR: Below the neck zipper collar maximises comfort and minimises injury.
• THE BARRIER: Blocks out water and facilitates O’Neill’s patented floating zipper design.
• SUPER SHORT ZIP: A minimum length zipper that maximises flexibility and maintains ease of entry/exit.
• FLOATING ZIPPER PANEL: This patent-protected design features a free-floating zipper panel, providing unmatched flexibility and seat.
• DRAIN HOLE: Drain holes guide out any water that enters the zipper panel.