I Put The O'Neill Epic Back Zip Wetsuit Up Against Its Chest Zip Version | Which One Is Better?

[@bosshossmotorcycle385bhpwi9]

A couple of game changers for me - changing poncho, finally, after years, I've bought one. Brilliant! Finally, after years of refusing to get one, I've ordered a changing mat/bag. Makes so much sense! Couple of tips - plastic bags on feet and hands = effortless sliding in to the suit NB don't forget to take the bags off. Hang loose, from a very wet UK.

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Great to hear you finally came around to the "changing poncho"! And thanks for the tip on the plastic bags. Amazing that you are surfing in the UK. You are tougher than me!

[@bosshossmotorcycle385bhpwi9]

@@FitnessFinance4u ha ha. Definitely not tougher! Long time windsurfer -used to windsurf all year round. When I learned we used to have to break the ice around the edge of the lake. The wetsuits were shyte! Then the sea - not as cold - but still cold lol. Worst part were the frozen hands. Just found out that I've got Reynaud's, so even more of an issue. Still, got to get in the water!

[@christisaari3839]

Thanks for the background on O'Neill - very interesting

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Christi...glad you liked it. I often wonder if people like it when I give the history of a company. I'm a bit of nerd that way as I love history and finding out how companies started. Always motivating!

[@krishtayable]

I like the 6/5 full hood xcel wetsuit in winter ( I live in New Zealand) and it's the warmest wetsuit I ever have but not the easiest to get out..

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Wow Christine…a 6/5, I can’t even imagine how hard that is to paddle in. So great to hear from “dedicated” surfers!

[@j.b.7525]

Just received my first chest zip coming from 2 decades of back zips. It certainly takes some contortion to get into, but feels better when on. No more irritating back zipper.

[@FitnessFinance4u]

J.B., yes there are some good upsides to the chest zip. Definitely harder to put on, but great in the water!

[@adm924s]

When you're tired and old and inflexible after a long day in the water getting the chest zip over your shoulders on thicker wetsuits is a struggle. I'll be going back zip next time.

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Agree Fred...a big decision on which one to purchase is ability to get in and out of the suit easily!

[@A_Canadian_In_Poland]

I was looking for windsurfing before ultimately buying the cheapest secondhand wetsuits in my desired thickness that I could find. I bought a used Olaian 3/2 (comfortable to 20°C), Ion 5.5/4/3 (comfortable to 15°C; I had to repair this one with neoprene glue and neoprene tape strips) and O'Neill 6/5/4 hooded (comfortable to 10°C; I did two small neoprene glue repairs at a couple nicked locations), and bought thicker neoprene due to only being able to afford secondhand. I paid the equivalent of US$130 total for all 3. Water temperature in Poland can range from 2°C to 23°C. While I was perusing the Internet looking at new offers, I saw some pricing oddities: 1. Why are chest-zip designs more expensive than back-zip designs where both exist for the same thickness? I would expect that the required material should be the same. 2. Regarding hooded wetsuits, I noticed 5/4 and 5/4/3 thicknesses are more expensive than 6/5, 6/5/4 and even 7/6 thicknesses. Why?

[@FitnessFinance4u]

A Canadian in Poland, I like your style. Super smart shopping! Also, your question about why chest zips are more expensive than back zips? I don't know...maybe they make less of them so the margins are narrower and they have to charge more to make a profit? Regarding the hooded wetsuits, interesting find that the 5/4 and 5/3 hoodeds are more expensive. Maybe somebody else knows why and can answer in the comments?

[@A_Canadian_In_Poland]

@@FitnessFinance4u I am thinking that a beginner as I am would benefit from a thicker wetsuit than what a professional would use. While I am taking up windsurfing as the regular pastime, I had a chance to try (wave) surfing when I was in the north of Poland and was issued by the surf school a worn out 4/3 wetsuit in 14.5°C water temperature, and was absolutely shivering. The instructor refused to allow the use of any thicker wetsuit than that in the lesson. I suspect that if a company made a 3/2 hooded chest-zip wetsuit with the combination of limestone neoprene, fully taped seams and infrared reflective fabric, almost every pro surfer (at least in Europe) would buy it.

[@HoStevie]

Chest zip is harder to get in/out of, but worth it for the extra warmth and flexibility!

[@FitnessFinance4u]

I have to admit Ho Stevie, the chest zip is more comfortable in the water.

[@aqualung1466]

Nice LX470 - I have the same one in the same color. But I don't take it to the beach, that's what my 4Runner is for 🙂

[@FitnessFinance4u]

It's actually my buddies. It's over 12 years old and is still a nice ride!

[@aqualung1466]

@@FitnessFinance4u Got to be at least 15 years old (last model year was '07). It is such an amazing ride. Are you in San Diego?

[@ReviewByGeorge]

This video was worth seeing just for the fact I found out the “changing poncho” is a thing! Also, I saw another video where they put plastic bags on their feet to make it slide down easier. Not sure if this would also apply but I assume if you put them on your hands, they might make the sleeves easier as well🤔

[@FitnessFinance4u]

The changing poncho is a game changer. Whoever invented it, I bow to you. Plastic bags on the sleeves? I’ll pass on that, but I like the thinking!

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Quick Note: I mistakingly said the O'Neill Epic 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit only comes in one color choice. I was wrong, as they offer two different colors for this suit!

[@rvierra7235]

I am from SoCal, but have surfed OB about 5 times since the mid 70's, yes, as in 1970's!!! I think 3 of the 5 times while out in the lineup we were chased out by sharks!! What that has to do with this I have NO idea, just remembered those times at OB when you mentioned the place!

[@FitnessFinance4u]

R Vierra...glad you made it through!

[@jezlucas3878]

Wish we could wear 3,2 in winter here . Nice comparison thank you

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Thanks jez. You must live in a very cold climate? Guessing San Francisco or North of there?

[@jezlucas3878]

@@FitnessFinance4u UK In deep colser winter 6mm hooded suits 5mm boots

[@bombsqaud558]

Great honest review!back zips last longer as your not trying to escape a boa constrictor... Just what I've found from surfing a looooonnnnngggg time! Good work mate and g,day from west Australia the new white shark capital of the world!

[@FitnessFinance4u]

BOMBSQUAD...thanks for watching and I appreciate the intel. Fyi...the great whites seem to be slowly finding their way here in SoCal, at least the baby ones. There have been more and more sightings. I guess it makes our surfing experience a little more exciting here 🤣.

[@bosshossmotorcycle385bhpwi9]

Nice vid, nice waves! Would like to see same comparison with the 5/4 Epics. I'm lean with broad shoulders (6ft 195lbs) with tight shoulders. Tried a couple of chest zip suits on, in a shop. Didn't know the technique and REALLY struggled. Have now ordered the Epic 5/4 back zip suit. Can't wait, as it should be so much more flexible than my old suit.

[@FitnessFinance4u]

I don't think I'll ever step foot in a 5/4. If I do, it means I've lost my mind as I'm probably somewhere I shouldn't be. Ha ha! Good luck with the new suit!

[@bosshossmotorcycle385bhpwi9]

@@FitnessFinance4u unfortunately that's life in the North Sea in UK.

[@persenti]

Thank you for saying it feels claustrophobic! I just got my first suit and I almost had an attack when I put it on. Hopefully, I'll get used to it :-D

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Jana, I felt the same way! I had to use it 5 times or more to get used to the feeling. All good now 👍.

[@persenti]

@@FitnessFinance4u thank you! That’s good to know. Hopefully it will be the same for me 💪🏼

[@rctrix9063]

I just purchased an Xcel wetsuit 3/2. While o'Neil wetsuits are a great fit for me so are the Xcel but the Xcel is way, way warmer for a very similar construction.

[@FitnessFinance4u]

RCTrix...thanks for sharing your experience with Xcel wetsuits. I haven't tried them, but maybe I will in the future.

[@rctrix9063]

@@FitnessFinance4u FYI I know my comments could sound like a sell but I don't have any affiliation with Xcel or any surf product companies.

[@iantincangleed4702]

Great film Kurt, cheers mate

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Thanks Iantincan...I hoped it helped out in your decision on wetsuits!

[@nickwood1852]

Back zip for me and the pros and cons about expensive suits don't last as long as cheap suits those liquid seams on oneil always come loose in about a year or less but overall I am a huge oneil fan great video by the way

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Nick...thanks for sharing your experience on the back zip and chest zip wetsuits and for checking out my video!

[@RobZen66]

Great review Curt - I too prefer the chest zip, although a bit complicated to put on at first

[@FitnessFinance4u]

🙌👊!!!

[@jokerr1391]

Hi there is the epic better then the Quicksilver Mens Everyday Sessions 3/2 chest zip ? Thanks 😊

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Joker R1, that's a good question and I don't know the answer to it unfortunately. I bought the two O'Neill wetsuits as I'm just familiar with them and have used them ever since I was a kid. These days it's pretty hard to find a "bad" wetsuit from any of the major wetsuit brands. My thought is to try the Quicksilver Mens Everyday Sessions one on in a shop and see how it compares to the O'Neill suits. Not sure if they have 30 day "return" on them or not? I know that a suit that I like may not fit you well and vice versa.

[@Crowstattoo]

…lost his left eye , on the picture right it’s covered 😎

[@FitnessFinance4u]

🤷?

[@al-dorifto1631]

I find chest zippers easier to get into, but harder to get out off, but saying that I find it easier to unzip the chest zipper after a surf on a very cold day, if I got a back zipper I'm mostly asking someone for help lol n I find the chest zipper more comfy cosy and water tight n warmer. But my chest zipper is the best quality wetsuit I got,. So that's prolly the reason

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Al-DoriftO...it seems that the chest zip might be the preferred way to go once you get used to it.

[@NeoVdV]

I tried on the Epic 5/4 mm but it takes me forever to get into it (back zip)(I can't get in the top entry model at all) It took me almost 10min to put it on and straightened out the plies. I'm 175cm, 82Kg, chest 108cm I tried on the 'L' size as that was the one in stock and 10% off sale. When looking at the chart I should take the SL but ... Question ?!? Does it stretch a bit with time or will it stay this tight and difficult to put on ?

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Neo Van de Velde, that's a thick suit! Sounds like you are going in some cold waters. The 3/2's I tried on weren't that difficult. Although, I'm sure after a little practice you'll get faster at it!

[@NeoVdV]

Yes, I don't like the cold at all, living in Belgium better winds or mostly out of summer. Till 15C I got away with a 3mm plus an sleeveless neoprene undershirt of 2mm. But now it's getting to cold. I just bought the 5/4 O'Neil Epic back zip yesterday but still find it difficult to put on. It takes me almost 10min ! to have it on without plies and air pockets :-(

[@denisebruckner3204]

so if my wetsuits take me 20 minutes to get on and 30 minutes to get off.. is it to small?

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Ha ha! Probably

[@jonathon3872]

Brilliant! So winter is over for you guys. Still prefer the chest zip?

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Thanks Jonathan. Yes, spring suit time for us. I've gotten used to getting in the chest zip, and I like it better in the water than the back zip one. Plus the zipper pull string doesn't get in my way, So yes, I'm preferring the chest zip!

[@397coney7]

Does anyone make vertical front zip? Seems like that would be the easiest in, out and zipping.

[@FitnessFinance4u]

937 Coney, I think the reason they don't make a front zip is that you'd dig the zipper into your chest while you were paddling around on your surfboard..uncomfortable and painful, and it would leave a big red mark.

[@ReviewByGeorge]

I was gonna ask the same thing, since I’m not a surfer and just wanna go snorkeling. But I never thought of the front zip hazard for a surfer. But I guess O’Neal is more marketed to surfers so, understandable.

[@KingsDaughter.]

front zipper wetsuit it's easier to put on putting left arm in first

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Thanks for the tip Sasha!

[@lpmf96]

It doesn't even take me 30 seconds to put on or take off my neoprene diving suit

[@FitnessFinance4u]

good on ya, mate

[@dgrayhoffman2198]

Wait till your arms are jello and try taking the front zip off... no thank you! The designers knew about the front zip issues 50 years ago.

[@FitnessFinance4u]

It does up the “degree of difficulty” a bit…

[@djizzah]

chest zips are crap, everyone here is stopping using them, incredibly hard to get in and out of they put a lot of strain on the zip side shoulder because of pressure and pulling down there and in some cases have damaged peoples shoulders over time, back zip only

[@FitnessFinance4u]

Damaged shoulders is something I can do without!

[@djizzah]

@@FitnessFinance4u chest zips slightly less water flush I agree, but after a while people go back to back zip, particularly us middle aged folk, teenagers and twenty something's may have a completely different point of view, enjoyed your channel Peace out ✌️

[@Zakariah1971]

Cheap

[@FitnessFinance4u]

but good! 😃