O'NEILL WETSUIT GUIDE
Our 2025 range of wetsuits cater for every surf and ocean enthusiast. Whether you're chasing the warmest and stretchiest steamer available or just need leading brand quality on a budget… we’ve got you covered.
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
SEAM TYPES
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.
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