O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ CZ Hooded Wetsuit-Blk/Blk
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As a Great Lakes surfer, a good wetsuit is arguably the most important piece of equipment especially in the winter. I have explored many different wetsuit brands and thicknesses to tackle the frigid water of Lake Michigan. When I first got the Hyperfreak 5/4+ and tried it on, I thought there was no way it would be warm enough because of how comfortable and stretchy it felt. After using it through this past winter, I can say it is just as warm as any other 5/4 wetsuit I have owned. I have loved using this suit because of how comfortable it is. The suit fits me very well, and the TechnoButter material is very stretchy and beyond comfortable. I have noticed that since the seams are not glued on the outside, there is occasionally a loose thread that I have to cut off. However this has not caused any issues yet in terms of construction. I am 5’8 and about 165 lbs and I have a size LS.
If you are looking for a suit with the warmth you need to charge frigid conditions while also maintaining an insane amount of flexibility, than look no further. The entire Hyperfreak line pushes the limits on what flexibility can mean in a wetsuit. And, while you may think the TB3 technology would only shine in thinner suits (2m spring suit, 3/2 full, etc.) it works in the same way at the 5/4+ thickness as well. I have owned 3/2's from other brands over the years that are substantially less flexible than the 5/4+ Hyperfreak and feel much more cumbersome, even though there is less rubber. The only drawback to this suit and the Hyperfreak line in general, is that you have to be very careful around velcro and you do really need to "take care of it" (rinse with freshwater, etc.). The TB3 material, which is the heart of what makes this suit so flexible, can catch on velcro very easily, and start to "pill", and pull away from the neoprene, leading to premature tears/loss in warmth. Bottom line--don't throw an uncuffed leash, un "velcroed" booties, etc. into a pile with your suit, and you will be just fine. My first Hyperfreak is still going strong after 3 seasons, so if you take care of it, it will last. Even if you aren't in the market for a 5/4+, I would still highly recommend trying one of the suits from the line and you will be blown away by how comfortable, flexible and warm it is.
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