oneill technobutter

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

looking for a new wetsuit this year, mine got burgled (what a gross thing to steal). Anyway, wore the NPX Assassin 4/3 for a trip last year, thought it was head and shoulders more comfy and lighter weight than the Quicksilver 4/3 suit i picked up at Gorge Performance a billion years ago when i first got into the sport. Anyway, I've heard the Oneill TechnoButter is really killer, just askin' if anyone can back the stuff I've seen on the internet.

I would probably just get the Assassin, but NPX rebranded into Neil Pryde Surf or something like that this year and Im not sure what the Assassin became and Big Winds didn't have them yet when i stopped by.

Wore this 6mm suit I've had in my garage for a couple years this week. Phuk!!! I could barely breathe in that thing. Need a new suit really quick so i can get out there, your comments are appreciated.

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

Patagonia.

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

I have an Oneill 4/3 Mutant and it has lasted me a couple seasons. Its not "technobutter" but I would recommend the 5/4 or 4/3 Mutant. The warmth, flexibility, and durability of the Mutant is great for the $$. Their pricier suits sometimes fall apart. I have friends that have had bad experiences with the Psycho II's.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2622 Posts The 503 METAL

I like the Oneil brand because they seem fit me well and seem the easiest to get in and out of. I've had my Psyco II for a while and there are some failure points but better than my Rip Curl F-Bomb.

I tried the new Psyco II and it has the best design I have seen. It's got the pull over head and shoulder piece like the Fbomb, but they put the zipper on the inside...so your not killing your cold fingers trying to thread it.

I've heard good things about the Patagonia as far as warmth vs. thickness but not sure about the durability. Plus I can't stand the idea of wool against my skin.

Blaine · Since 06 Aug 2010 96 Posts

Patagonia

Sella · Thu May 09, 13 11:24 am

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

I have a Patagonia, going on 3 seasons of moderate surfing use (3 days/week average). The first season was great - it kept me warm. Second season it developed some pinhole leaks near the armpits so I sent it in, they repaired it, and it was fine. Now it is kinda leaky, but if I'm moving it keeps me warm. The wool doesn't bother me at all and the suit is pretty durable. My only complaint is that its not the most flexible. But if you're wearing it for kiting, flexibility isn't as important (you're not paddling).

As for the extra expense, I picked up the suit at the 40% off sale at the Cardiff store in San Diego. Got one for my wife too. She loves it.

I wouldn't pay full price, but at $320, it was on par with other suits. And Patagonia's warranty is awesome. They really stand behind their product.

Patagonia & Oneill fit similarly.

I've also had ripcurl suits and hated them. Xcel suits don't fit me right and they flush easily, IMO.

Check out the Great Unbiased Wetsuit Thread... my buddy started this a couple years ago... people weigh in on everything wetsuit related!

http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB4&Number=2487313&Searchpage=1&Main=1263846&Words=+VaB&topic=&Search=true

jeremy · Since 18 Aug 2006 276 Posts Manzo & HR Obsessed

Best thing to do is try them on, how the suit fits is really important.

I had a Promotion for many years, love their suits. I surfed with ONeil long ago, suits last a long time. Switched over to NP last 5 years, using the 3000s. They are a bit looser fit, but I like them (easy to get in/out, loose arms, etc). Rubber isn't as heavy/warm as Promotion, but it's very stretchy and comfortable. NP is switching over to a new line of suits for 2013, some of the 2012 ones with XLT sizes are being discontinued (my size), lots of sales on the 2012s. The XLT size discontinued thing got me looking at them, and I just bought a NP 5000 for myself, heard they are great, just not as durable as the 3000 (told to expect about 3 yrs). I heard NPX has same sizing as Neil Pryde.

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 453 Posts Obsessed

I second the O neill Mutant...bought the 5/4 and love it, feels almost the same as my 4/3 Ripcurl

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

just to add some detail to this (sorry i didn't in the first place), i was in Big Winds and asked about the NPX stuff and the change over to 'Neil Pryde....'. Guy that works there, can't remember his name but has been there for a while/is cool/im sure everyone knows him, says that he's been on the NPX stuff for a while and that he's now on the technobutter and it is a significantly better. Since Big Winds sells both NPX and Oneil and the NPX im interested in and the Psycho w/ technobutter are similar in price, Im thinking this is credible info.

Oneil claims that the 'technobutter' rubber they will/are using in their latest suits is much lighter than the rubber they previously used (also strongly suggested that its much lighter than competing brands), retains a lot less water, is warmer (claims that you can drop down a thickness).

Im just wanting to know if anyone can back any of this up with experience. I appreciate all the feedback on the other suits. I did read some previous discussions about suits. As of now, I have been effectively marketed to and am super interested in the new Oneil stuff, specifically the Psychos, with the technobutter rubber and am looking for feedback on this stuff.

Phuk! Im glad the season is back.

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

Promotion
Local
6/4 great for the beach
they will fix them with quick local turn around but rarely needed 2x total in 10 years over a few suits.
Watch for the deals online...

If you want cool better get patagucci....

Dont pee in your new one.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Not retardly expensive

http://www.cleanlinesurf.com/products/Patagonia-R4-Hooded-Chest-Zip-Wetsuit.html

I use the r4 pattagucci winter time dec - apr -
Really really nice for those 28 degree morning surf sess - got 3 seasons and just one gash where I got nailed by a fin

I use a cheap billabong 5/4/3 for coast kiting the rest of the year

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Billabong-Foil-Steamer-Wetsuit/dp/B000V7N42I/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

NARDS · Since 07 Sep 2008 63 Posts Sunset Beach

Different company's have different patterns that fit different body types. Try them all. Patagonia's suits are more expensive because of the rubber they are using. they are derived from plants for the most part with less petroleum products so they are better for our environment to produce BUT also cost more to make. That's why you pay more. Billabong suits are also epic!! A former designer or Billabong, who invented the Zipper-less wetsuit, designs Neil Prides wetsuits......It doesn't matter the "Brand", it matters the fit....and if you want to help the environment, spend a few more bucks and get a Patagonia..............O'neill, Billabong, Excell, and others are all made in Thailand in the same manufacturing block using the same materials so buy what fits.

C Johnson · Since 17 Apr 2009 854 Posts Seattle Opinionated

I just got the 4/3 Psycho 3 zen zip with technobutter.

Haven't tried it yet although I have tried it on.

i'm just over 6ft tall, 34/36 waist, 205lbs and the XL is a good snug fit. Prior to this suit I was using the NPX Zealot 5/4. Seems like The O'Neill XL is about the same size as the L Zealot if not maybe a little smaller.

Can't wait to try this out!

My biggest concern is how the technobutter material will hold up against my harness rubbing on the suit since it wasn't really designed for kiting. Hopefully there won't be any issues but I'll report back after I've got a few sessions in mine.