The brand new O'Neill Epic II 3/2MM CT Wetsuit has received a face lift from the '09 model, while still having the tech of a wetsuit that should be twice the price. "CT" stands for "critically taped," meaning all the joints and seams that need taping are strategically done so, and the lower body is made of 100% FluidFlex, adding a whole new level of comfort to the Epic II. Other features of note on the O'Neill Epic II 3/2MM CT Fullsuit include, wind resistant glideskin, kevlar knee pads with D-foam, a blacked out zipper, glued and blindstitched seams, and an external key pocket. Lumbar Seamless Design and a Fluidflex firewall were added for this 2010 model, too! The name says it all, my friends...
First SuitBy William P in huntington beach on 09/10/2009
This is my first suit, I've been looking for a suit for the past summer but just never found the one that was just right. Then I ran across the new epic II. Great suit, keeps me very comfortable and fits perfect. Give it a chance. Amazing suit!
8=DBy butthole master in ilovedickastan on 11/11/2009
very sexy wetsuit !
Awesome SuitBy Andy S in San Diego on 02/22/2010
I had 3 full body suits that were all returned after one use until I found this one. The fit is awesome and it is very comfortable and warm. For the money, best suit out there.
Best All AroundBy Stephen in Carlsbad on 08/25/2011
Having owned many wetsuits for surfing over the last 25 years, I found that they get a little better each year. There are small nuances that make this a great surfing wetsuit that are not obvious when comparing to other purpose-designed suits or from other manufacturers. First, O’Neill is based in Santa Cruz and the owner Jack O’Neill is a surfer from back in the early 60’s and lives in a cold water environment. So you know that the president of the company is focused on cold-water surfing first and foremost. The Epic II is designed with a “firewall” chest and back. This is because over 60% of the surf time is spent straddling the board with the chest being exposed to the cold wind and air. The hard neoprene chest blocks wind and retains heat around the chest and kidneys to keep the whole blood system warm. The warm blood then circulates to keep your extremities warm. There are no seams running down the Butt area so straddling the board does not put undue stress on the rear seams. Second about 30% of the time the surfer is paddling. The arms and shoulders have a thinner super-flex neoprene with no seams in the paddle areas. This is so there is little resistance when paddling. The neck has a soft and sticky neoprene that locks out the water from “flushing” through the suit when punching through waves. The fit is completely adjustable. Finally, the lower legs are a thinner and more flexible material that allow the surfer to bend the legs fully when taking off on a wave. There is also reinforced knee pads since some of my early “diving” wetsuit would wear holes in the knees from the constant scraping the board on take-off. These are all things that only a surfer would know about wetsuits. And Jack O’Neill is an expert. I have owned Body-Glove, Rip Curl, and other suits and nothing compares to the fit and function of an O’Neill suit. Other suits are designed for style and multi-purposes but if you surf and surf cold conditions, spend a little more and go with O’Neill. The newer neoprene is smoother, more durable more flexible and warmer and the seams are glued and blind stitched so that water cannot penetrate at the seams. Because of the new flexible technology, I go with a suit that is slightly smaller and tighter than before since above all, you want a snug fit. A loose suit allows water to wash through defeating the whole purpose of the suit. The new technology eliminates chaffing and rash that was common before with tighter suits. The Epic has all the right things for surfing water between 60 and 75 degrees. It is far lighter, flexier, smoother and more durable than any suit in the past. This all really matters if you are serious about surfing. If you plan on colder water (50-60 degress Fahrenheit 10-15 celsius) go with the Psycho II, or a 4mm: 3mm version of the Epic II, otherwise this is the best all-around suit made, hands down. You will be glad you did and have no regrets. Be sure to rinse the suit with fresh water after each use and hang on a wooden hanger, in the shade, until fully dry. The suit should look like new forever.
