O'Neill Women's Hyperfreak Wetsuit Review

O'Neill Women's Hyperfreak

Neoprene and Liners

The staple Technobutter neoprene, also in O’Neill’s PsychoTech model, sets this suit apart from others. Like they say, “Once you go Technobutter, you never go back.” Even the thick 5/4 model is so lightweight and flexible that it doesn’t feel like any other 5/4 you’ve tried.

The Hyperfreak has both Technobutter and Technobutter 3X. As we alluded to in the Men’s Hyperfreak review, “the ‘X’ in TechnoButter 3X actually stands for extend, and that’s because it uses a lighter and more flexible outside jersey than the TechnoButter 3.” TB3X, which is in the shoulders and arms, has 30% less water absorption and is 20% lighter than competing neoprene. The TB3X interior jersey layer molds to your body almost like a tight base layer and makes it feel more like a second skin than a wetsuit. In addition, the TB3X exterior layer has been pre-stretched to optimize flexibility and comfort.

Due to its popularity, the Hyperfreak is on its third generation, and each year, O’Neill makes improvements, trying to gain warmth without sacrificing flexibility. There is no smooth skin on the back or chest, which might lead to some coldness if it’s windy. But they did add the PLUS (+) for .5 mm of extra neoprene for added warmth.

Seams and Stitching

The Hyperfreak is constructed with Glued and Blind Stitched Seams (GBS), contributing to its flexibility. Compared to a heavier fluid seam weld found on other suits, like the Pyschotech, these seams are more lightweight and bendable.

The inside seams are fully tapped with TB3X, which is O’Neill’s high-quality seam tape for added comfort. Overall, this seam design is outstanding, and I didn’t feel any water leaking inside through the seams throughout my sessions.

Fit and Cut

Putting on a brand new Hyperfreak for the first time can take extra effort with working the neoprene up your body and over the shoulders. The suit definitely has more of a second-skin fit, and the neoprene can feel like it’s suctioned to your skin - making it a little harder to get on/off initially. All that said, with time and use in the water, the neoprene calms down and makes for an easier entry/exit. 

As far as actually fit goes, one of the gals here is around 5’10 and 135 lbs. Finding a quality woman’s wetsuit for her height is usually a headache. The Hyperfreak size 8T fits her lengthy limbs and body better than any other brand she’s tried. When testing the suit in bigger surf with a lot of heavy moving water, the hood and wrist were both tight enough to stay sealed but not too tight that it was uncomfortable. 

At Cleanline, we often recommend the mid-range and high-end O'Neill models for taller or broad-shouldered ladies since the flexible neoprene can be forgiving in the fit. In addition, because the Technobutter is so flexible, it’s best to be in the mid-to-higher range of the weight recommendation to reduce flushing. 

Entry and Zipper

The chest entry area has a good amount of stretch, making for a standard experience climbing in and out of the suit. I was expecting a struggle to put it on but was pleasantly surprised by the easy access. 

When tightening down the chest entry and/or hood cinch cords, handle them with care since they can be pretty delicate. Because the Hyperfreak is designed as a more lightweight/comp-style suit, some features, such as the cinch cords, can be stressed easily with rough use. 

One area where O’Neill didn’t hold back on the design is the high-quality zipper. The zipper teeth are already pre-fed, meaning you don’t have to line it up to zip it shut. This small, thoughtful design feature is great when the surf is pumping and you’re amping to get out in the water. Lastly, the cut of the inner panels around the chest entry creates a water-tight seal around the upper body, which does a fantastic job of minimizing flushing.

Performance

Flexibility is truly where the Hyperfreak shines. We can’t emphasize enough how flexible this suit feels in the water. Other high-quality features, like the Technobutter neoprene, GBS seams, and form-fitting panels, allow this suit to stay snug to your body, keeping you warm. This is a perfect choice if you feel like a bulky, thick suit inhibits your performance.

If warmth is your top priority, the Psychotech model always takes the cake due to its smooth skin, outer taped seams, and Airfirewall liner. That said, we typically don’t recommend going down in thickness with the Hyperfreak. For reference, many of the Cleanline staff (both guys and gals) wear the 5/4+ Hyperfreak in Oregon’s 45-60 F degrees waters.

Value and Durability

Although it has a spendier price tag of $449.95 for the 5/4+ model, you are paying for unbeatable flexibility and high-quality features. Before owning a Hyperfreak, I had an entry-level suit closer to the $300 price range. I wasn’t sure spending more money on a suit was worth it until I took out my Hyperfreak a few times. Now, I understand the hype.

When a suit is ultra-flexible, it usually sacrifices in a different area, such as durability. Because the Hyperfreak is such a performance suit, its expected life span is about a year for the everyday surfer. Also, it’s essential to take good care of your wetsuit to prolong durability, especially with the Hyperfreak. Be sure to keep your nails trimmed and use care when getting the suit on and off since the soft exterior jersey material is prone to tears.

We’ve seen a few of the Hyperfreaks come back for warranty due to the interior seam tape glue delaminating. That said, after a few lengthy conversations with the O’Neill warranty team, they are confident with their fix should that issue happen. Simply send the suit over to O’Neill if it still falls under the one-year warranty, and they will make sure you are taken care of. 

Customer Feedback

“I’ve owned, oh, 14 million wetsuits over the years…give or take a few…and this is HANDS DOWN the best one yet. If you need a great suit that keeps you warm, fits you like a glove, regardless of your body type, look no further. The taped seams and minimal seam design mean this suit will fit pretty much conform to any body type. I love it so much, I bought 2.”

- Cindy

“I love this wetsuit so much. It feels like I am wearing a wetsuit made out of warm yoga pants. I have never been able to paddle effectively in my other wetsuits because they were so stiff. Problem solved with techno butter!!”

- Rachel

Also Featured In: 

Final Thoughts

Overall, with insanely flexible technobutter neoprene and lightweight construction, the Hyperfreak is a clear favorite for female surfers looking for a high-performance suit that feels more like a second skin. The little water absorption, buttery smooth neoprene, and quick dry time are just a few reasons this suit is definitely worth investing in.

If warmth trumps flexibility, check out the O'Neill Women's Psycho Tech line. This top-of-the-line suit is a must for those who run extra cold. Or, if you want an O’Neill but have to keep your budget in mind, try the Epic suit, which incorporates the brand's quality designs but at a lower price tag. 

If you have any questions about the Hyperfreak, drop a comment below, email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com, or call us at 1-888-546-6176. See'ya in the water!