INTRODUCTION
JACK O'NEILL
Did you know that our founder, Jack O'Neill invented the wetsuit?
What started as one man's vision to stay out in the water longer, gave birth to the first wetsuit and the surf industry as we know it. For over 70 years now, O'Neill has been at the forefront of wetsuit innovation, pushing the boundaries to help us all surf for longer.
WETSUIT THICKNESS
Relates to the thickness of the wetsuit material. A 3/2 mm wetsuit will have a 3mm thickness in the body, and 2mm thickness in the shoulders and arms for easier paddling. The thickness of a wetsuit is usually printed on the left hand cuff of any wetsuit. A typical Sydney surfer will wear a 3/2mm Steamer in winter, where as a Victorian and most New Zealanders would typically wear a 4/3mm Steamer in winter. But there are many factors and rules are meant to be broken.
WETSUIT FOAM
The foam between the interior and exterior jerseys of the wetsuit material that provides you great insulation against the cold external elements. It comes in different thicknesses depending on how warm you want the wetsuit to be. As a general rule, neoprene gets warmer as it gets thicker, but it also adds weight and reduces stretch.
WETSUIT JERSEY
The jersey is the thin layers of fabric that are laminated onto the internal and external sides of the neoprene foam. The jersey finishes off the neoprene to add more comfort, durability and warmth
FIREWALL LINER
A Firewall Liner, is an enhanced internal jersey to maximise the warmth of a wetsuit. Usually only applied inside the torso and top of the legs of the wetsuit to keep vital organs warm. The firewall wicks water away from the bodyand further increases the thermal insulation of the wetsuit.
ENTRY SYSTEMS
BACK ZIP
Back zips are the traditional entry system for wetsuits. They make it really easy to get in and out of the wetsuit, particularly for surfers with more irregular body shapes, or those who are not as mobile / flexible. Some people with broader or wider necks may also prefer back zips, as the neck area is a little more adjustable than a chest zip.
BACK ZIP (ZEN ZIP)
The ZEN ZIP is our premium back entry system with free floating zipper panel and anti-flush barrier-2 with drain hole, keeps you warm and unrestricted. Featured on all HyperFreak, HyperFire and HyperFire X Back Zip Wetsuits. U.S. Patent #5,898,934
CHEST ZIP
Chest zips are the preferred option among the majority of more experienced surfers as they provide the most amount of flexibility through the body. Chest zips can also reduce water leakage into the suit. Often beginners, less flexible or older surfers will find them more difficult to get in and out of, but the remainder of surfers usually find it easy once they have learnt the correct technique.
ZIPPERLESS
Designed for surfers's who would typically use a chest zip, however want to further improve the stretch and/or simplicity in their wetsuit by having no zip at all. Zipless offers a lightweight closure system that is usually reserved for intermediate through to professional surfers.
SEAM TYPES
FLATLOCK SEAMS
Flatlock stitching involves laying one panel edge over the other, then stitching though the neoprene. The resulting seam is flexible and strong.
GBS SEAMS
GBS stands for Glued and Blind Stitched Seam and this creates a sealed seam which keeps you much warmer in the surf. The glue bonds the panels together while the stitch increases the strength of the seam but does not go all of the way through the panels to keep the suit sealed.
GBS & TAPED SEAMS
The same process as GBS Seams, however we apply taping to the inside of the seam which increases the water resistance and durability. Taping can be applied in the critical seams only, or throughout the entire suit. This seam system is the standard in our mid to high end wetsuits.
FLUID SEAM WELD
External seams are sealed with fluid weld, a liquid rubber that greatly reduces water penetration through the seems. Beneath the fluid seam weld the neoprene is glued and blind stitched, and then internally we apply recycled taping to all the critical seems. This is our most water resistant seam system.
OUR STEAMER COLLECTIONS
PINNACLE TECHNOLOGY IN OUR WARMEST PERFORMANCE WETSUITS
Xtreme Performance, Xtreme Warmth, Xtreme Comfort, Xtreme Confidence. The HyperFire X is the absolute pinnacle in design. Combining the very best O’Neill wetsuit innovations, rolled up into a collection of suits that will perform at the highest level, no matter the conditions.
THE ULTIMATE BLEND OF FLEXIBILITY AND WARMTH
The HyperFire is a collection of suits that are unrivalled in both flexibility and warmth. Featuring Technobutter TB4, TB4X and TB4 Firewall Materials, the HyperFire will keep you surfing better… for longer.
FREAKISHLY FLEXIBLE PERFORMANCE WETSUITS
The HyperFreak is next level in performance, stretch and comfort. Featuring the ridiculously light and flexible qualities of TB3X. A range of suits that are not only performance based, but feature recycled and sustainable materials. HyperFreak truly Feels Like Freedom.
WHERE FASHION MEETS FUNCTION
The Bahia Series ticks all the boxes whilst packing chic style. A PolarFlex Firewall liner throughout the torso, along with GBS and knee-to-collar taped seams keep this suit toasty warm.These steamers now feature Yulex, a natural plant-based rubber sourced from a responsible supply chain, reducing the carbon footprint of these wetsuits - perfect for the environmentally-conscious surfer.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND NOTHING YOU DON'T
With a PolarFlex liner in the chest and back, the Defender feels like summer on the inside. Featuring our full stretch, buttery soft UltraFlex Neoprene and GBS knee-to-collar sealed seams, this all-round performer is flexible, warm, durable and incredible value for money.
PERFECT COMBINATION OF STRETCH, DURABILITY AND VALUE
Our updated Reactor wetsuits have new styling, with the same great value, quality and durability. Featuring stretchy UltraFlex neoprene through the arms for greater paddling freedom, seamless paddle zones for comfort, and a back zip entry system to make it easy getting on and off. The flatlock stitching & key pocket round out this great value wetsuit.
EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED TO GET OUT AMONGST THE ELEMENTS
Our Core range of wetsuits leverages O’Neill’s 60+ years of experience in designing wetsuits that are fit for purpose. Featuring the essential features needed to get you out there - such as O’Neill’s tried and tested fits, durability and good warmth. All delivered in a value-driven package, so you can be in the water for longer.
LEARN MORE
Wetsuit Basics
Chest Zip or Back Zip?
Types of Seams
Wetsuit Care
HYPER SERIES GUIDE
The Hyper Series is like no other - giving every surfer, anywhere, the very best in wetsuit technology, comfort and performance. Click here to learn more about HyperFreak, HyperFire and HyperFire X
TB3X - LEARN MORE
TB3X is our super stretch wetsuit material. Click here to learn more...
TB4 LEARN MORE
TB4 builds on the legendary TB3 wetsuit material. TB4 introduces recycled yarns infused with graphene for increased heat distribution. Click here to learn more...
SUSTAINABILITY
O'neill Blue is our global program to protect the ocean. Learn more about how our Hyper Series Wetsuits have taken a huge step forwards with more sustainability. Click here to learn more...
SHOP WETSUITS
