ONeill O’Neill Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Steamer

O’Neill’s Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Steamer is a ‘basic’ wetsuit that still offers everything you need to stay comfortable in the surf. One key feature that makes this wettie work so well is the neoprene it uses – Ultraflex/Fluidfoam Neoprene. It’s not bad in terms of flexibility, though stiffer than their technobutter wetsuits, but it’s also more durable so depending on what you’re looking for the trade-off can be well worth it especially when price is a big factor.

This style of wetsuit is perfect for winter conditions in Eastern Aus, especially with meshskin panels that help to fight off wind chill. Because water is such an effective conductor of heat, it’s able to draw heat from your body quickly when it’s windy. Meshskin is hydrophobic so water runs off you quickly and doesn’t soak into your neoprene jersey. For those living around southern NSW and further south you might opt for a 4/3mm wettie.

To get the most out of your O’Neill Mens Reactor 3/2mm Steamer we recommend washing it with Wetsuit Wash & reading our maintenance guide.  

O’Neill Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Steamer Features:

• Ultraflex/Fluidfoam Neoprene: Highly durable neoprene materials that resist abrasion and compression with a supple feel and good stretch
• Flatlock Seams: A durable seam design but it may not keep you as warm as a GBS or taped/welded seams. This is because the sewing process creates pinholes that penetrate through the neoprene allowing minimal amounts of water to seep through. Read more about the flatlock seams on our Wetsuit Seams Blog.
• Back Zip Entry: This design is easy to get in and out of, but the downside is you do lose some flexibility. This is because the zipper divides the back panel of neoprene, something a chest zip or zipperless design avoid. Learn more about back zip entry systems
• MeshSkin Chest & Back Panels: If you’ve heard of smoothskin material this is the same stuff but textured essentially. It’s a hydrophobic material (won’t absorb water), and because water amplifies wind chill it helps considerably with staying warm
• Seamless Paddle Zones: O’Neill have drawn on decades of experience and anatomical knowledge to minimise seam lengths and avoid placing them in high-strain zones. This leaves the wetsuit less prone to stitching failures, improves its flexibility and reduces the opportunity for abrasion in paddle zones
• Krypto Knee Padz: Your wetties neoprene cops a beating around the knees, so O’Neill have kitted out the Reactor II line with Krypto abrasion-resistant knee pads. They’re durable yet still flexible with an ergonomic shape to ensure they don’t work against arguably your most important set of joints in the surf