Epic is O’Neill’s entry-level wetsuit that’s designed for surfing but is widely used among any other water-related activity as well. There is plenty of sizes and designs for anyone, so check out the guide below to find something for you. O’Neill is the oldest surf brand that started out making wetsuits, so there’s plenty of credibility and tradition to support the brand!
Table of Contents
ABOUT THE BRAND: O’Neill is the oldest wetsuit manufacturers out there – well known for its large range of sizes and models at an affordable price tag. As the Epic series is originally designed for such high activity-sport as surfing, many people also use it on all sorts of other water-related activities such as snorkeling, swimming, freediving, and so on.
RELATED WETSUITS REVIEWS
O’Neill Reactor 2 – Popular entry-level surf wetsuits. All models with sizes
O’Neill O’Riginal – Another great mid-range wetsuit by O’Neill
O’Neill Hyperfreak – Top-range performance surf wetsuit review
O’Neill Psycho – Another awesome high-tech performance-driven wetsuit
O’Neill Epic Review
The Epic shares many of the same features as their other high-end wetsuits
- 3/2 | 4/3 | 5/4
- Back-Zip | Front-Zip
- Short-Sleeve Fullsuit | Fullsuit
SPECIFICATIONS
- 100% UltraFlex DS (limestone-based Neoprene) High-performance super-stretch neoprene with a durable outer skin that resists velcro pulls and snags. Stretch factor: 150%
- Glued & Blindstitched Seam Construction – The blindstitch seam is aptly named because the stitching only goes partway through the neoprene. If a suit is blindstitched, it is also glued so there is no leakage through the seams. Glued and blind stitched construction provides a waterproof seam. A blindstitched suit is also taped in all areas of excessive stress. O’Neill’s exclusive blindstitch is the Flexloc Stitch which is stronger and more flexible than the traditional blindstitch and eliminates unraveling of the seam. O’Neill’s proven GBS-glued and blindstitched seam Is double-stitched partially through the surface and triple-glued to create a watertight seam. If the thread breaks, the seam will not leak.
- F.U.Z.E. Entry system – O’Neill’s exclusive F.U.Z.E. (Front Upper Zip Entry) system offers a fresh alternative. Using the same free-floating zipper technology as our patented Z.E.N. ZIP closure. The F.U.Z.E. closure keeps you dry and allows unrestricted flexibility.
- Double super seal neck – A toasty warm two-layer design featuring a 360˚ smooth skin interior lining, wide adjustability, and a secure lockdown. Fully adjustable and watertight.
- Strategic seamless paddle zones – An ergonomic, seamless undersleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing. Flexible and unique design that utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort.
- Sidewinder S-Curve seams
- Krypto Knee Padz – Abrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability. The flexible and unique design utilizes and extended knee pad for added durability.
- External key pocket with loopAbrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability. Located along the lower leg inseam. Constructed with Fluid Seam Weld and UltraFlex DS neoprene, this key pocket has added strength, easy access, and is completely secure.
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS: Rinse with cool water and drip dry out of direct sunlight
PRICE: from $150 to $210
O’Neill Epic Con’s: Some users claimed that the wetsuit stinks, even after washing – although many others said it smells just like any other wetsuit and the smell should go away with time.
CONCLUSIONS:
Price: 5/5
Technology: 4/5
Flexibility 4/5
Design: 4/5
Sizes: 5/5
Types: 5/5
Total Score: 4.5/5
What I personally like about the Epic is the vast amount of sizes for everyone, and obviously the price tag! Getting a cold-water wetsuit from that kind of money by one of the most trusted wetsuit manufacturers out there is just awesome! There’s plenty of technology and features in the suit.
Key Factors When Choosing A Wetsuit
- TYPE – Determine which type of wetsuit do you need: Chest/Back-Zip, short sleeve, or a full wetsuit.
- THICKNESS – Choose the right thickness for the season.
- SIZE – Make sure you get exactly the right size. When you have to choose between two sizes, weight is more important. O’Neill’s size chart is pretty spot on!
O’Neill Epic for Men
2mm Short Sleeve Fullsuit
3/2 back zip Fullsuit
3/2 chest zip Fullsuit
4/3 back-zip Fullsuit
4/3 chest-zip Fullsuit
5/4 back-zip Fullsuit
5/4 Fullsuit Chest Zip
Sizes:
from 168cm to 193cm / 5’6″ to 6’4″
from 52kg to 122kg / 115 lbs to 270lbs
Men’s O’Neill Epic Size Guide
O’Neill Epic For Women
3/2 back-zip Full Wetsuit
3/2 Full Wetsuit Chest Zip
4/3 back-zip Full Wetsuit
4/3 Full Wetsuit Chest Zip
5/4 back-zip Full Wetsuit
5/4 Full Wetsuit Chest Zip
from 155cm to 183cm / 5’1″ to 6’0″
from 40.75kg to 84kg / 90lbs to 185lbs
Women’s O’Neill Epic Size Guide
O’Neill Epic Youth Wetsuits
3/2 back-zip Full Wetsuit
4/3 back-zip Full Wetsuit
Sizes:
from 2’10.5″ to 5’7″ / 87cm to 170cm
from 25lbs to 135 lbs / 11kg to 61kg
Youth’s O’Neill Epic Size Guide:
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I created Nulltuul to share my experience, research and analysis with other surf enthusiasts out there. If I'm not surfing on my travels - I like to photograph waves, surfers, and the surf lifestyle in general.
Hi
I wonder if you could answer a query for me, please.
Can one expect a wetsuit to let in water? Obviously I understand that a ceratin amount will trickle in but what exactly is the extent of water entry that
one can expect before a wetsuit becomes redundant?
Many thanks
Joan
Hi Joan
A wetsuit has to fit snug around the body, not too tight nor too loose. There will always be some water sweeping in through the seams, which gets warmed up by the body and creates a warm ‘layer’.
Although if the wetsuit doesn’t fit correctly – it might leave some excessive water in which decreases the body temperature rapidly. Most wetsuits can be repaired if there are some minor defects to seams, although when its out of shape badly then you might want to look for a new suit!