The Great Unbiased Wetsuit Review Thread

rowjimmytour

Tom Curren status
Feb 7, 2009
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Anyone got experience with the fit differences between the O'Neill Hyperfreak and the O'Neill Hyperfreak Fire on the shoulders? I've read the Fire is more restrictive on the shoulders. I'm a lanky build with wide shoulders and shoulder mobility is usually a problematic point on the wetsuit fit for me. Volcom Modulator fits almost like a glove in MT but i need a 5/4 without a hood. And is warmth and durability really that much worse on the normal Hyperfreak?
My 3mm hyperfreak comp fit exactly same as my 3/2 hyperfreak fire MS 5'8" 170#. The only difference is my comp hyperfreak had no inside liner :shrug:
 
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rowjimmytour

Tom Curren status
Feb 7, 2009
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I just LOL at the branding genius of “HYPER FREAK FIRE
It’s perfect for an XXXtreme sport like sarfing! :ROFLMAO:
I believe O'neil followed "copied" firewire after seeing the profits from adult learners and how they eat up the word fire and ibolic. Next the psych -ibolic -freak with built in hood, booties, and extra layer of trunks on outside:monkey:
 
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menobrah

Gerry Lopez status
Feb 28, 2021
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late 80s backzip bodyglove chafe machines I grew up on didnt have no techno butter
 
Jan 10, 2014
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What are the favorite wetsuit tops? I have an old rip curl one that’s falling apart and will need to replace. Anyone try the yamato ones like feral, Isurus?
 

Havoc

Rabbitt Bartholomew status
May 23, 2016
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in da hood next to paradise
quick update on hyperfreak fire

defly warm suit. with booties and thin 1.5mm hood, 4/3 has been good in 54 degree water. never got cold. shoulders still a bit tight but doesn't seem to affect paddling. would def'ly purchase again. that new lining is dry when i take the suit off. only drawback was a pinhole leak in the lower back area.

jimmy saying we are all pansys for wearing 4/3 in 50 degree water in 3,2,1...
 

ChaseTMP

Michael Peterson status
Apr 6, 2014
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S. Redondo
What are the favorite wetsuit tops? I have an old rip curl one that’s falling apart and will need to replace. Anyone try the yamato ones like feral, Isurus?
I don't think yamo tops would be worth the extra coin. The water is obviously warm enough that you're not too concerned with insulation if you're wearing just a top and personally, I don't mind putting on a semi-damp one, so the quicker drying aspect isn't a big selling point.

Coincidentally, I'll be grabbing an Isurus top in a day or two, but I'm getting hooked-up by them and probably won't have a chance to wear it until early June.