ONeill Mens Reactor BZ 2mm SS Steamer Wetsuit
The O’Neill Mens Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Short Sleeve Steamer Wetsuit is the perfect companion for those who want to dominate the waves and not their bank account. Sure, Reactors don’t come with the best neoprene, but having 1/3 of the neoprene on your arm (compared to a steamer) means that you’re paddling isn’t effected by stiff rubber anywhere near as much as a steamer. With a thickness of 3/2mm, this wetsuit provides ideal insulation for Queensland and Northern NSW winters. However, it is important to consider that in Victoria, where the standard is 4/3mm, it may not provide the same level of warmth.
Crafted with O’Neill’s UltraFlex neoprene, this wetsuit prioritizes warmth and performance, making it one of the best value options in the market. The flatlock seam/stitch ensures incredible durability and cost-effectiveness while allowing some water entry. Featuring a convenient back zip, this wetsuit guarantees easy entry and exit. Additionally, the strategic seamless paddle zones reduce the number of seams, enhancing flexibility and comfort. The innovative Meshskin panel on the outside of the suit repels water and eliminates wind-chill, ensuring optimal heat retention. Lastly, the Krypto Knee Pads provide an extra layer of protection for your knees, safeguarding them from any potential damage. Conquer the waves with confidence in the O’Neill Mens Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Short Sleeve Steamer Wetsuit.
To get the most out of your O’Neill Mens Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Short Sleeve Steamer Wetsuit we recommend washing it with the Australian made Wetsuit Wash, reading our Wetsuit Maintenance Guide and hanging it on a Wetsuit Hanger.
O’Neill Mens Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Short Sleeve Steamer Wetsuit
- Thickness – 3/2mm: 3mm in the torso and most of the legs, 2mm in the arms and major stretch panels. 3/2s are the go to wetsuit thickness QLD and Northern NSW winters but questionable in Victoria, where 4/3s are the standard.
- Neoprene – O’Neill’s UltraFlex/Fluidflex: are their midrange rubbers, prioritising warmth and easily one of the better performing neoprenes in the mid-range market.
- Seam/Stitch – Flatlock: I’d bet there’d be enough flatlock stitch laid in the history of wetsuits to cover the distance of here to the moon and back, and for good reason. It’s extremely durable, almost 2D and is the most cost-effective seam out there. But bear in mind the many pinholes created in the stitching process creates plenty of passages for cold water to enter the suit.
- Zip – Back Zip: it’s a zip and its on your back, but to elaborate (because that’s my job) the backzip has spanned the entire history of wetsuits and is the easiest system to use in terms of entry/exit. The downside to back zips is that it inhibits expansion of the back panel because the zip itself doesn’t stretch – back panel stretch is vital when standing up on a surfboard as there is a great deal of back stretch when tucking your knees under.
- Strategic Seamless Paddle zones: seams are bad, well, less seams are good and thankfully this can be done by intuitive design and consideration of human movements.
- Meshskin: a tacky rubber is laid on the outside of the suit. This panel is hydrophobic and beads water off the wetsuit, this means those panels are not subject to wind-chill. A wet panel is 25x more susceptible to heat wicking compared to a dry one.
- Krypto Knee Pads: a durable woven external layer to help protect those knees – which are damaged mostly from kneeling etc.
Not sure what these terms mean? We’ve gone into great detail about the crucial aspects of a wetsuit, watch or read about them at the following links: Seams, Zips and Styles.
