O'Neill is a favoured wetsuit manufacturer recognised for its focus on providing mens winter wetsuits. The O'Neill Epic is no different, and despite being thought of as an entry-level wetsuit range, it includes top-end features making it shine amongst its competitors.
This review discusses the highlights of the suit as well as comparing it to other O'Neill wetsuits. Time to find out what makes the O'Neill Epic genuinely epic.
The O'Neill Epic Wetsuit 2023
One of the most dependable wetsuits out there, the O'Neill Epic covers everything you need to keep you warm and comfortable in the ocean - and then some!
When it was initially produced, the O'Neill Epic was regarded as an incredible entry-level wetsuit. As the wetsuit range began to target people of all skill levels, their features advanced and developed further. Those features are what make the O'Neill Epic Wetsuit a force to be reckoned with.
FluidFlex Firewall
The FluidFlex Firewall is a thermal layer found in the body of the wetsuit; it provides an additional layer of insulation for your most vital organs and will help to keep you warmer.
UltraFlex Neoprene
UltraFlex neoprene is the critical component of this wetsuit. O'Neill does a fantastic job at retaining heat preservation without the loss of mobility. This feature is a crucial selling point, and O'Neill manages to preserve this level of flexibility through its vast range.
Glued and Blind Stitched Seams
Another feature to look for on durable wetsuits is glued and blind stitched seams. This feature is an improved version of flat-locked seams as it reduces water intake into the wetsuit. O'Neill Epic ensures that excess water will fail to access your wetsuit and provide you with the confidence to have longer-lasting water sessions.
Is the O’Neill Epic right for you?
The O'Neill Epic is an ideal choice for those who require a little something more from an entry-level wetsuit. It is the perfect first wetsuit as well as providing a slight upgrade on some entry-level models. It is an excellent choice for those who regularly go in the water, thanks to the superb quality neoprene and finishes such as the glued and blind stitched seams and Double Super Seal Collar.
O'neill Epic Price
The O'Neill Epic is priced at the top end of entry-level wetsuits because of its high-quality features, but it is still relatively affordable.
Overall, it is an excellent wetsuit for those who want to spend extra money to gain some slightly more advanced features than those you find in many entry-level wetsuits.
Where and When to Use the O'Neill Epic
Our O'Neill Epic range is available in a range of wetsuit thicknesses, meaning there is a wetsuit perfect for any time of year in UK waters. We explain more about neoprene thickness in the next section of this blog.
O’Neill Epic Wetsuit Thickness
Whether you want to enter the sea in the depths of winter or prefer fairweather surfing, the O'Neill Epic has you covered.
Here at Wetsuit Centre, we provide the O’Neill Epic range of thicknesses for every season!
Winter Thickness
5:4 - The ideal thickness for surfing in the UK throughout the coldest months from the end of November to around April, at water temperatures of near 9C.
Spring/Autumn Thickness
4:3 - If you need an all-round thickness, this is your best option. It provides warmth from the end of April to around November in waters of 12C-19C.
Summer Thickness
3:2 - The ultimate option for the summer season. You will want a 3:2 wetsuit in water temperatures of 15C or warmer. We also provide the 3:2 in a women's chest zip and a men's short-sleeved version.
Available Sizing Of The O'Neill Epic Wetsuit
Whether you need a wetsuit for men, women, or children, the O'Neill Epic series is available in various sizes to fit the whole family. The range is also available in short and tall versions in adult sizes, ensuring you get the best fit possible.
Alternatives To The O'Neill Epic Range
As a relatively entry-level wetsuit that still possesses high-quality features, the O'Neill Epic is pretty unique in its pricing.
The price is nowhere near what you would expect to pay for a more advanced wetsuit, but it is slightly more than other entry-level wetsuits. This means there are plenty of scopes if you have less money to play with and are on a tighter budget.
On the other hand, it also means that you know that by buying the O'Neill Epic, you will have a wetsuit that offers that little bit more and is worth the expense.
On a Tighter Budget?
If you are more likely to use your wetsuit in the summer months and are looking for a slightly lower price, we recommend the O'Neill Reactor. It doesn't have the same quality features, such as glued and blind stitched seams, but it is produced with UltraFlex Neoprene, so the fit is precise.
We recommend this range for days at the beach and warmer weather in the peak of UK summers if you aren't prepared to wear a shorty wetsuit.
If you want a wetsuit thickness of 4:3 or above, we would recommend the C-Skins Legend range. These wetsuits come in slightly cheaper and still offer all you need to maintain warmth in the sea.
The C-Skins Legend is nicely finished with additional features such as the Superseal Glideskin collar and glued and blindstitched seams. The suit also has an Antifreeze Polypro chest & back panel for extra warmth.
More Advanced Wetsuits
The O'Neill Epic is such a sufficient wetsuit that more advanced wetsuits tend to jump after this one.
If you have more budget to play with and are looking for something that offers even more flexibility, you will see a change in neoprene technology. The O'Neill Hyperfreak and Psycho One range are some of the best O'Neill wetsuits on the market due to the advanced Technobutter neoprene. This neoprene is created with a different structure and essentially drains excess water away, keeping the wetsuit lightweight but still incredibly warm.
If you are unsure what you require from your wetsuit yet, we recommend sticking to a good entre range such as the O'Neill Epic before investing in more expensive wetsuits.
The O'Neill Epic wetsuit range is a truly dependable wetsuit that is guaranteed to keep you warm even in the coldest of conditions. It is a perfect choice for those who are on a budget but require a warm wetsuit. The flexible neoprene means you can move without restriction in the water and ensures your wetsuit fits you like a second skin.
If you need any help choosing the most suitable size for you, why not contact our friendly team? We have over a decade of online experience providing great wetsuits that offer value for money. Give us a call today on 01202 302943 or drop us an email at [email protected].