Best wetsuit you can buy at this price point. Reactor 2 3/2 2XL
I tried a lot of different brands and found that nothing would really fit as I needed it to, being 63, 253lbs and way out of my normal 210lbs weight bracket. I tried in O'Niell the Epic, Excel's Axis which fit perfectly but too expensive for something I will soon not be needing as I lose weight.The Epic was good but for some reason, as with most of O'Niells the last 15 yrs, they are 2 - 3 inches too short in the legs. The 2XL Fit perfectly but was way too short in the legs. The 2XLL was the same exact length in the legs (2 inches above the ankle) and instead added several inches in torso length and arm length. Now I'm not some disportinate man at 6'3 and 210 - 220 (normally). I'm now 253 because of an injury but still the same problem I've had with O'Niell for a ... MoreI tried a lot of different brands and found that nothing would really fit as I needed it to, being 63, 253lbs and way out of my normal 210lbs weight bracket. I tried in O'Niell the Epic, Excel's Axis which fit perfectly but too expensive for something I will soon not be needing as I lose weight.The Epic was good but for some reason, as with most of O'Niells the last 15 yrs, they are 2 - 3 inches too short in the legs. The 2XL Fit perfectly but was way too short in the legs. The 2XLL was the same exact length in the legs (2 inches above the ankle) and instead added several inches in torso length and arm length. Now I'm not some disportinate man at 6'3 and 210 - 220 (normally). I'm now 253 because of an injury but still the same problem I've had with O'Niell for a long time still seems to plague my favorite company and go to wetsuit throughout the 80' and 90's. It was so precise back then that I never needed to try on suits from one year to the next because I never changed height or weight and was an XL all the time. Then one yr they cut the leg length and it has still been the same issue almost 20yrs later.Luckily this wetsuit fit me perfectly and despite being just a touch short in the legs, it was nowhere near as short as the Epic. I don't know maybe I'm just tripping out and after 42 yrs of surfing I just forget how to correctly get into a suit.But despite all the issues I had with the Epic and every suit across the line up for a long long time now. This one is almost perfect. At $124, almost perfect is actually good enough for me.I do wish that whoever is involved in the design department would take a good hard look at what these suits are doing for men of my height who have a really normal athletic build, broad shoulders and look like an athlete. Add an extra 1 1/2 inches in the legs on your regular sized XL suits and XXL suits and stop adding so much torso length and arm length in Long design. You guys are really missing the mark here and I wish it was the same go to brand I've always relied on growing up.Great job on the Reactor 2 though, I'm super stoked.... Show more
originally posted on oneill.com
Five stars for a reason; check it out.
This is my first wetsuit and it was a great choice, perfect for swimming and bodysurfing in Northern California waters, including SF Bay. I have pretty good tolerance for 60 degree water, the wet suit eliminates the shock factor (especially on the upper body) and makes for a more enjoyable experience. Very comfortable/easy for open water swimming.One learning: make sure the zipper is all the way to the top and the velcro flap engaged, otherwise you will take on more water than you care to as you swim.I'm 5'7, 150, with a 32" waist. The size MS fit perfectly; the size chart was right on. Service was terrific; I received my shipment on the West Coast just a couple of days after ordering.Looking forward to wearing it out! (In time, of course)David Jamieson... Show more
David
originally posted on wetsuitwearhouse.com
Good bargain, good in between suit
I've had it in the water about 30 times and it's working well. I use it in 70 water and 70 to 80 degree air temps and it works to keep that chill off, especially in the morning before the sun is at full strength and I don't overheat when the sun is out. For me, it will be good down to around 60s and then I'll switch over to a full suit.Fit is pretty good. I'm 6' 2", 32" inseam, and 205 with kind of a barrel chest with skinny legs and I got the XL. It does tend to ride up and jam my "boys" a little but not too bad. If you're around my same dimensions and they have a Tall version, maybe order one of each and keep the one that fits best.Durability seems good. Stitching is staying intact and zipper still works. Should get a year or two of use out of it no ... MoreI've had it in the water about 30 times and it's working well. I use it in 70 water and 70 to 80 degree air temps and it works to keep that chill off, especially in the morning before the sun is at full strength and I don't overheat when the sun is out. For me, it will be good down to around 60s and then I'll switch over to a full suit.Fit is pretty good. I'm 6' 2", 32" inseam, and 205 with kind of a barrel chest with skinny legs and I got the XL. It does tend to ride up and jam my "boys" a little but not too bad. If you're around my same dimensions and they have a Tall version, maybe order one of each and keep the one that fits best.Durability seems good. Stitching is staying intact and zipper still works. Should get a year or two of use out of it no problem.I'd buy it again.... Show more
Baja Hoo Haa
originally posted on REI
Great suit, top of legs a bit wide
I received the suit and tried it in my sit on top canoe with 17 degrees Celcius outside temperature and it was really warm. The breast piece was a good shield against the cold wind and the arms had enough stretch and room for a good paddle movement. The only thing is that the upper legs were a bit wide for my not so muscular legs, so the suit is a bit floppy there. And i would appreciate a small piece of ribbon or neoprene at the down end of the zipper to be able to hold the bottom of the zip with one hand while pulling it up with the long ribbon with the other hand. In that way there is less stress on the zipper. This could be a product improvement i think.! Otherwise great!... Show more
Gérard S.
originally posted on nl.oneill.com
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING
The description is incomplete and O'Neill customer service does not know the details of this suit. I called, they told me the entire outside of the suit is "smooth skin" and the neck edge is finished with trim. I ordered one based on this information. The suit is in fact mostly "nylon 2" neoprene, meaning there is nylon on the skin side and outside, not all "smooth skin". Only the chest and back are smooth skin neoprene or what used to be called "Nylon 1". The neck has an unfinished edge with smooth skin on the inside and nylon on the outside, no trim. The fit is amazing. But I'm sending it back and will purchase a smooth skin suit for wind sports.... Show more
John
originally posted on oneill.com
Questionable mid sizes
Have several Oneils wetsuit.I Left my 3/2? behind recently so needed an inexpensive replacement while away.Being 5?7? and very skinny in the legs and wrists, found medium to nearly fit right but not perfect, lose in some spots . Chart size didn?t quite match reality.Although not O?Neil?s fault the store had limited sizes with my normal size not quite as snug as I would like, I just tried on whatever size seemed right when held up to my body. Ended up with size 19? I don?t know if that?s children or women?s? But it fit nice on legs, ankles , wrists and hight, but very tight across shoulders, upper arms and neck.I bought it, but I was very restricted in it and tired easily because it wasn?t as stretchy and flexible as I was hoping with a newer suit. I got a little ... MoreHave several Oneils wetsuit.I Left my 3/2? behind recently so needed an inexpensive replacement while away.Being 5?7? and very skinny in the legs and wrists, found medium to nearly fit right but not perfect, lose in some spots . Chart size didn?t quite match reality.Although not O?Neil?s fault the store had limited sizes with my normal size not quite as snug as I would like, I just tried on whatever size seemed right when held up to my body. Ended up with size 19? I don?t know if that?s children or women?s? But it fit nice on legs, ankles , wrists and hight, but very tight across shoulders, upper arms and neck.I bought it, but I was very restricted in it and tired easily because it wasn?t as stretchy and flexible as I was hoping with a newer suit. I got a little cold and shivers after about an hour, (normally last longer) probably part to do with being a little-restrictive and I lost heat through energy loss, (because the water was 20c (70f) )which isn?t too cold., so it could?ve been partly I got the wrong size, or it?s partly that it?s flat stitched but not sealed and leaks minimal along stitching areas, or both,I?m not sure.I normally like Oneil?s for price and fit, but when shopping by labels for sizes, perhaps they could make clearer labeling sizes with and make more in between sizes like other companies.But overall I still recommend.... Show more
John
originally posted on leisurepro.com
Sticking with O'Neill
Bought this on the basis that my Reactor II 2mm Springsuit has been, and is, an excellent wetsuit. I haven't had occasion to use the steamer yet, but I expect it'll be every bit as good or better. The only weakness in the springsuit is the collar, which is deteriorating faster than the rest of the wetsuit, but at this price point, that is, to me, quite acceptable. All the same, I'm hoping the weakness has been addressed in this newer steamer. Also, my online purchase experience was extremely good.... Show more
Sam S.
originally posted on au.oneill.com
Super Cute, Fits Well
After trying 6 wetsuits of varying styles and sizes, this was the winner by far! It is super cute and sexy. I am 5’4”, 120 lbs (clothes size 4-6) and the size 6 was perfect. Originally ordered an 8 as the other wet suits I tried were really small, but exchanged it for the 6. Have to comment, some of the zipper lengths on other wet suits (brand starting with R) were super short, and made it impossible to pull the waist of the suit up over my hips! This wetsuit zipper opens up to just below the waist so it was easy to pull up. I’m a Live-Aboard sailor and plan on using this all winter in the Bahamas, can’t wait to go snorkeling with it. Highly recommend this suit!... Show more
Carol M
originally posted on backcountry.com
Takes on water in the legs like crazy...
I like the look and feel of the suit and it was comfortable in terms of warmth but I can’t rate it any higher than two stars because it takes in an absurd amount of water in the lower legs. So much so that it actually affects my surfing. It’s like having a 20lb weight taped to each leg. I pop up and look like I have horrible swelling from the knees down. Based on the O’Neill sizing chart I bought the right suit. I am at the lower height range for it but it should be fine. Weight, chest, waist measurements all correct. Also I have big calves and ankles so if anything the suit should be too tight in the legs, instead of too loose. Not sure if I can modify it to take on less water or release water it does take on. If not, I will have to go to another brand. I grew up ... MoreI like the look and feel of the suit and it was comfortable in terms of warmth but I can’t rate it any higher than two stars because it takes in an absurd amount of water in the lower legs. So much so that it actually affects my surfing. It’s like having a 20lb weight taped to each leg. I pop up and look like I have horrible swelling from the knees down. Based on the O’Neill sizing chart I bought the right suit. I am at the lower height range for it but it should be fine. Weight, chest, waist measurements all correct. Also I have big calves and ankles so if anything the suit should be too tight in the legs, instead of too loose. Not sure if I can modify it to take on less water or release water it does take on. If not, I will have to go to another brand. I grew up wearing O’Neill suits but this one isn’t working out. Bummer.... Show more
Dave D.
originally posted on oneill.com
Warm wetsuit w/vibrant color
Well designed O’Neill quality suit. Properly -adjusted measurements and love the front “skin” panel for added warmth/protection. Fits comfortably around the shoulders/upper body, although for some reason slightly “loose” around the abdomen/lower back, but for my purposes I prefer a bit more mobility in the upper body (for SUP/kayak) so not a big deal for me of slightly looser elsewhere. Beautiful blue lagoon color. Would buy again in their shorty model- unfortunately now out of stock- next time :-)... Show more
Isis O.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com