The O’Riginal is O’Neill’s value-driven series of wetsuits, focused on those who are looking for a good-looking and affordable piece of garment. There is a wide range of different types and sizes to choose from, so, check out the variation down below.
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ABOUT THE BRAND: O’Neill is the oldest wetsuit manufacturer in the surfing business – well known for its wide range of sizes and models at an affordable price tag. As the O’Riginal series is originally designed for such high activity-sport as surfing, many people also use it on other water-related activities such as snorkeling, swimming, white-water rafting, wakeboarding, kayaking, freediving, sailing, and so on.
Related Reviews:
O’Neill Reactor 2 – Entry-level surf wetsuits. All models with sizes
O’Neill Epic – 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 O’Riginal Review
It’s always Summer on the inside
O’Riginal by O’Neill is based on the wetsuit Jack O’Neill made himself 60 years ago.
- 2/1 | 2 | 3 | 3/2 | 4/3 | 5/4
- Back-Zip | Front-Zip | Chest Zip
- Pull-Over Vest | Jacket | Sleeveless Shorty | Shorty | Fullsuit
- PRICE: from $80 to $240
SPECIFICATIONS
100% UltraFlex DS neoprene
High-performance super-stretch neoprene with a durable outer skin that resists velcro pulls and snags. Stretch factor: 150%
Glued, Blindstitched & taped seams
Soft and durable neoprene seam tape. 0.5mm split-neoprene applied to triple-glued seams to seal out water keeping you dry and loose.
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 their patented Z.E.N. ZIP closure. The F.U.Z.E. closure keeps you dry and allows unrestricted flexibility.
Single super seal neck
A fully adjustable closure featuring a 360˚ smooth skin interior, chafe-free unfinished edge, and minimal bulk design.
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.
Krypto Knee Padz
Abrasion-resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability. The flexible and unique design utilizes an extended knee pad for added durability.
External key pocket with loop
Abrasion-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
O’Neill O’Riginal Con’s: Some users claimed that the wetsuit sizing chart might be off, but really doubt the fact as 90% of reviews suggested the exact opposite. Some occasional users were unpleased by the uncomfortable neoprene but that might be from getting an older model or using it on dry skin at home. Wetsuit takes the best shape after some use. Always go for the weight before the height, if you have to choose between two sizes!
CONCLUSIONS:
Price: 5/5
Technology: 5/5
Flexibility 5/5
Design: 3/5
Sizes: 4/5
Types: 2/5
Total Score: 4/5
What I personally like about the O’Riginal is the sort of limited edition layout. There are only a handful of models from such a large and well-known brand. It’s hard to overlook the original 5/4 Back Zip wetsuit which comes in only one color code, that Jack used to have back in the day!
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 O’Riginal for Men
2/1 back zip Jacket
2mm Full-Zip Vest
2mm back-zip Shorty
2mm back-zip Long Sleeve Shorty
2mm back-zip Sleeveless Shorty
3mm back-zip Long John
3/2 back-zip Springsuit
3/2 chest-zip Full Wetsuit
5/4 Fullsuit Back Zip – THE ORIGINAL JACK’s DESIGN!
Men’s O’Neill Epic Size Guide
from 168cm to 193cm / 5’6″ to 6’4″
from 52kg to 122kg / 115 lbs to 270lbs
O’Neill O’Riginal for Women
Women’s O’Neill Reactor 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.
