O’neill O’riginal Short John
Reviewed by: Ant
Wetsuit Materials: 2mm Fluidflex Neoprene, with glued and blindstitched seams
What we like: Retro styling, comfortable, durable
What we don’t: Key pocket in an awkward position, suit can flush through which can be uncomfortable in colder water
Rating: 8/10
Features
- 2mm UltraFlex neoprene
- Sleeveless spring suit for core warmth with maximum flexibility
- Zipperless, shoulder velcro
- Glued and blind stitched seams
- Modern performance with throwback styling
- Key pocket located on inside of leg without a string attachment
How Warm is It?
This is a spring suit so it’s designed to take the edge off but not extremely cold conditions. I have several times layered this with a wetsuit top (1mm Matuse Philo) which has worked really well when it’s a touch to cold to use by itself.
The benefit to me of a short john suit is that you won’t get too hot if it warms up with all the benefits of a suit (eg comfort, protection against chaffing).
Comfort / Flexibility and sizing?
The O’neill O’riginal Short John is very comfortable. The Ultraflex neoprene is soft and very smooth to the skin.
In terms of flexibility and range of motion it’s great, that’s a big advantage of the sleeveless wetsuit.
I am 75 kg and 174 cm tall with broad shoulders – I have the size L suit, which is not extremely fitted for (it’s a touch large). This may explain why I sometimes get flushing of water through the suit but it is not a big deal for me.
What do you think of its construction quality and durability?
The O’neill O’riginal is well made for sure. It’s a tried and tested suit which has been adapted with modern wetsuit components.
I’ve had this short john for several years – I haven’t used it excessively every season but it has had consistent use. It is still in pretty good condition and I don’t intend to replace it for a while yet!
My only real complaint about this suit is the location of the key pocket (not sure if this is updated in recent years) which is located within the internal side of the leg. This is annoying to get to once the suit is on to either put the key in or take it out. Also there is no string attachment so it doesn’t always feel totally secure.
Your final thoughts on the O’neill O’riginal Short John?
I think the suit is really good value for what it is. They aren’t expensive and with the quality and durability I don’t think you can go wrong.
I would rate this suit as 8/10.
Hope you got something out of the O’neill O’riginal wetsuit review. If you’ve got any questions or feedback on this or anything wetsuit in the O’neill range we’d love to hear your feedback.
Get Foamie will be reviewing more surf wetsuits so stay tuned!