Every year wetsuit technology develops within each brand to increase the quality of their wetsuits and help their customers make the most out of their investments.

Therefore, this blog is here to help breakdown the wetsuit terminology of O'Neill as many people can be left lost wondering which suit is best for them.

Something to keep in mind when picking the perfect suit for you is to note that O'Neill wetsuits generally come up small to the UK size labelled and so we recommend if you are near the top end of one size category or between two; always go for the next size up. Double check your appropriate wetsuit size for O'neill in this link: O'Neill Wetsuit Size Charts, as every brand sizing is slightly different.

WETSUIT ENTRIES:

What Poole Harbour Watersports say:

F.U.Z.E. closure wetsuits are primarily advantageous for those participating in watersports that require extra stretch in the shoulders and upper body, such as surfing,etc. 

Z.E.N. closure or back zip wetsuits are the easiest entries to get in and out of and so are more appropriate for those beginning watersports.

The modular entry system is really beneficial for wetsuits with a hood due to versatility. 

The Zipless option reduces penetration of water into suit further, and uses a stretchier neoprene as entry is all though the neck.

Most wetsuits within O'Neills' range come in either Z.E.N. closure or F.U.Z.E. closure. 

MATERIALS:  

Each wetsuit features a combination of different materials so that every wetsuit is suited to a condition and purpose. 

These images help display the progressions made between O'Neill wetsuit series in the more top end technology due to the combination of different materials and neoprene quality.  

SEAM CONSTRUCTION: 

FLATLOC STITCHING - 

The stitch uses 4 needles and 6 threads, and works by overlapping the panels and sewing them together. It is a strong stitch and is comfortable, but not sealed so it is not intended for extremely cold conditions.

What Poole Harbour Watersports say: 

Flatloc seams are super breathable and good for a summer suit or watersports such as paddleboarding or kayaking, in which less time is spent submerged in water and breathable attire is desired. 

GBS SEAMS - 

.	Blind stitched and triple-glued to create a watertight seam, for increased durability. O’Neill’s blindstitch is the Flexloc Stitch which is stronger and more flexible than the traditional blindstitch and eliminates unraveling of the seam. If the thread breaks, the seam will not leak

SUPER SEAM WELD - 

Stitchless, 4mm silicone-based urethane seal applied to both the sides of a triple-glued seam. Lightweight, non-chafing, waterproof and flexible.

 What Poole Harbour Watersports say: 

Super welded seams are seen as a top end seam as they are 100% watertight as there is no stitching to this seam. Unlike all other seams, GBS seams are not used to join the neoprene (and glue is used instead) because the use of the needle penetrates the neoprene and affects how watertight the seam is. Super welded seams can be seen on the top end series wetsuits due to the added flexibility and watertight ability. 

FLUID SEAM WELD - 

8mm silicone-based urethane sealed exterior with a triple-glued and blind stitched interior. Watertight, durable, and ultra flexible seam.

TB3X: FULLY TAPED SEAM - 

The lightest, stretchiest neoprene seam tape ever. 0.5mm split-neoprene applied to triple-glued seams with water-based glue to keep you dry and loose. (used on wetsuits with TechnoButter 3 neoprene)

 What Poole Harbour Watersports say:

TB3X seams are super stretchy and flexible and a perfect match to the Technobutter 3 neoprene wetsuits as you can be reassured that your taped seam will be as durable as your wetsuit because the neoprene seam is as stretchy and light as the main wetsuit body. 

ULTRAFLEX: FULLY TAPED SEAMS -

Soft and durable neoprene seam tape. 0.5 mm split-neoprene applied to triple-glued seams to seal out water, keeping you dry and loose.

What Poole Harbour Watersports say: 

If considering a purchase of a winter suit we would recommend choosing a suit that at least has GBS seams due to the increased heat retention for those colder months. Welded seam technology are also highly recommended for winter suits due to added flexibility and watertight seams, although suits with these seams are at a higher cost. 

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY:

 What Poole Harbour Waterports say;

These features and technological aspects are included in every wetsuit and allow O'Neill to compete in the wetsuit market due to their high standard and quality in each suit.

We hope that this breakdown of O'Neill's wetsuit terminology has helped with any confusion about wetsuit materials and technology.

To further aid decision-making on the best suit to buy check out our next blog that explain each O'Neill series: Choosing the Perfect O'Neill Suit.