O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review: 3/2 fullsuit
Reviewed by: Duncan
Wetsuit Materials: TB3 Neoprene and taped themes
What we like: Super light and flexible, comfortable and durable
What we don’t: Nothing I don’t like. It may not be the warmest suit on the market but amazing performance
Rating: 8/10
What does O’Neill Say?:
Feels like freedom. Claimed by our test pilots to be the most comfortable, flexible wetsuits they’ve ever worn, by a mile. Featherlight pre-stretched TB3-X neoprene, combined with our hydrophobic super stretch TB3 neoprene. This exclusive technology allows you to perfrom at the highest level with construction so light, you’d swear you were surfing naked. Featuring minimal seam design, unfinished cuffs, and durable Krypto Knee Padz, the lightweight, quality construction and attention to detail make this another team inspired favorite.
- TB3-X / TB3 Neoprene
- TB3X Fully Taped Seams
- XS.S.M.MS.MT.L.LS.XL.XLS.XXL
- Minimal Seam Design
- CHEST ZIP
- AQUA ALPHA GLUE
- Double Seal Collar
Key Features:
I think the key feature of the suit is the flexibility of the neoprene, it’s ridiculously stretchy whilst retaining its true shape. So the suit doesn’t feel restrictive when you paddle (noticeable more range of movement than other suits). The chest zip combined with flexibility makes it a breeze to jump in and out of suit. I tend to be suited up before my mates. Just as a design feature I got a Navy Blue suit with the stripes running vertically which I feel subtly stands out a bit more than your classic black suit but without being in your face in the same way as fluoro.
How Warm is It?
The suit is pretty warm, the water isn’t cold where I surf particularly (surfed it in West Aus , northern nsw and gold coast regions). If it’s crisp early morning and westerly in the deepest winter you might feel it if the waves are slow, but with the suit being so flexible it encourages paddling which warns you up also. It definitely has lost some warmth as it wore but still wouldn’t want to go any thicker for Australia winter in my opinion.
Comfort / Flexibility and sizing?
Comfort and flexibility I think are off the charts, probably the best feature of the suit , all the panel’s work together , the material is thinner than your traditional 3/2 and there’s the elasticity of the suit so I’ve never had an issue with comfort unlike other suits where I’ve had chafe due to restrictive panels.
I wear a medium small at 73kg and 180cm with relatively long reach.
What do you think of its construction quality?
The quality is up there , I saw this suit in the line up before I first got it and then went into the store to check suits and the O Neil stood out at the time. It just seems to be a lot more functionally constructed, in that everything is done for a purpose and efficiently whilst being a performance suit rather than just adding super thick panels for warm which restrict performance.
How has it held up over time?
I’ve owned the suit for about 18 months now and it’s been chucked in and out of bags, not washed after every surf, left in the high sun to dry etc and hasn’t colour faded or got any holes yet. None of the seams have peeled which I had previously with the high end C Skins suit.
How does it compare with any wetsuits you have used in the past?
Previous wetsuits I’ve had from Hurley, C Skins and RipCurl have only lasted one season and this has just completed its second winter with no signs of trouble.
Your thoughts on the price and value of the O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit?
I think the suit cost me 300 AUD when I bought it , with a 10% discount as I knew the shop owners. The suits probably done close to 300 surf’s now which would work out roughly a dollar per surf and it’s holding up super well. So I’m happy with the price for the value you get great performance and longevity.
Final Thoughts and Rating
I would rate this suit as 8/10.
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another when the time comes.
Overall I rate it over my previous suits, however it depends what you’re chasing as the main factor, it probably isn’t the warmest suit on the market as a 3/2 wetsuit but I think if you’re looking at ease of movement then the elasticity of the suit is it’s main strength. This makes it easy to paddle in which leads to less fatigue , allowing you to go for more waves and more time in the water, which ultimately let’s you enjoy surfing more.
Hope you enjoyed our O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review. Do you have one yourself? We’d love to hear your feedback so please leave us a comment below.
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