O'Neill Hyperfreak Comp Wetsuit Review

The Hyperfreak Comp is O’Neill’s most flexible wetsuit model and one of our favorite zipless wetsuits. Originally designed with the competitive surfer in mind, the Hyperfreak Comp takes O’Neill’s best materials and removes any extra features that add weight or restrict flexibility. What’s left is one of the lightest and stretchiest wetsuits out there.

The Hyperfreak has been out for a few years now, and since its release, it's quickly become a go-to for surfers needing a flexible zipless 3/2mm or 4/3mm. While O’Neill originally designed this around young competitive surfers, the Hyperfreak Comp is for anyone who needs an ultra-high-performance wetsuit.

“The Hyperfreak Comp is a surfer’s cheat code to paddle faster for longer. Get maximum flexibility and performance capabilities while also staying warm and comfortable.”

So if you value flexibility over all else, read on for our full review of the Hyperfreak Comp.

O’Neill Hyperfreak Comp

Neoprene and Liners

To make the Hyperfreak Comp as pliable as possible, O’Neill uses their most flexible rubber, TechnoButter 3X (TB3X), throughout most of the wetsuit. TechnoButter 3X is special because it offers even more flex than the beloved TechnoButter 3 rubber found on O’Neill’s priciest suits like the Mutant Legend. TechnoButter 3X is also pre-stretched, which helps the neoprene last longer since it doesn’t stretch out as quickly.

The inside jersey and the “paddling zone” ( arms/shoulders) on the outside of the suit are built with TechnoButter 3X, while Technobutter 3 is used from the chest down on the outside. You can easily pick out which sections are made with TB3X rubber, as it has a unique corduroy appearance to it.

Seams and Stitching

If you take a closer look at the seams on the Hyperfreak Comp, you’ll see they are all triple-glued & blindstitched and, on the inside, fully sealed with internal tape. Internal tape is a popular feature with high-end wetsuits because it not only fortifies the seam’s strength and extends the lifespan of the suit but also prevents water from leaking in through the stitching.

O’Neill has their own special strain of internal tape that they use on the Hyperfreak called “TechnoButter 3X Tape. This TB3X tape is the lightest and most flexible tape O'Neill makes. So while internal tape can sometimes stiffen up a wetsuit, this material stretches with the rest of the suit. Like TB3X neoprene, it’s easy to pick this material out as it has a corduroy-like look to it as well.

Another cool feature of the Hyperfreak Comp is its cut with large panels of neoprene and minimal seams. With fewer seams and more space in between the panels, the suit can flex more, and it’s also lighter without all the extra stitching.

Fit and Cut

The Hyperfreak Comp fits true to size, and like all of O’Neill’s wetsuits, it’s a good pick for surfers with broader shoulders or a bigger chest in particular. As far as comfort goes, this is one of the best-feeling wetsuits to wear. The rubber is soft and light, and between the larger panels of rubber and zipless entry, the Hyperfreak Comp is super comfortable.

Depending on where your dimensions are on the size chart, it is usually best to size down. The better fit you have, the less likely flushing will happen and the more likely you will be satisfied with the performance of the suit. With this in mind, don’t hesitate to ask the Cleanline staff any sizing questions.

Entry and Zipper

Zipless entry systems include added flexibility for entry and exit, but still, they have a common complaint for it being challenging to get on and off. That being said, O’Neill nailed it with their version as the design, and this entry is easier to get in and out of than most zipless suits. If you’re new to this entry system, it works the same way a chest zip does, except you pull the chest panel of neoprene open extra wide (instead of unzipping a zipper) to reveal the entrance hole.

From there, you put it on as normal and seal it back up with the help of a cinch cord.

Since there’s no zipper fixture running through the chest or back, you will experience more flexibility and comfort in those areas while simultaneously reducing weight. So if you don’t mind a little extra work, it’s an overall win-win-win.

Performance

In terms of flexibility, you couldn’t ask for a better-performing wetsuit. Marketed as O’Neill’s number one flexible suit offered, this high-performance rubber will help you charge your biggest waves. If you’re not used to wearing wetsuits, this model would be a good introduction because of its unrestricted feel.
For cold water surfers, warmth is important. Since O’Neill nixes a full internal liner and an exterior seam weld, the Hyperfreak Comp isn’t known to have sweaterlike warmth similar to some of its competitors. The suit certainly holds its own with GBS seams and full internal taping to help prevent flushing. Comparing this wetsuit to other models, I wouldn't say it is as warm, but I can guarantee you it is just as, if not more, flexible.

Each Hyperfreak Comp is rated for different water temperatures depending on its thickness. The 4/3 is rated for 55-60 F, and the 3/2 is rated for 60-65 F.

Value and Durability

With a price tag starting at $349.95, the Hyperfreak Comp is a bargain. The TB3X internal taping included in this suit is usually only offered in premier suits that are in the $450-$550 range. That said, you can save a couple of hundred dollars and still perform like the highest-paid pros in the industry.

Durability is key when purchasing a wetsuit. With new technology, wetsuits are getting more expensive, so it is important to purchase something that will last. These suits are pretty tough, but I wouldn't expect them to have the longevity of some of O'Neill's more expensive suits. These are high-performance wetsuits designed to be as stretchy as possible, even if it means sacrificing some overall durability. To beef up the durability factor in the Hyperfreak Comp, O’Neil focused on minimal seams and paneling, GBS seams, and TBX3 Internal Taping. These three characteristics help prolong the life of the wetsuit. It is also important to take care of your wetsuit by cleaning it and drying it properly.

Customer Feedback

“The fit is perfect and feels like a second skin and, I don't feel the cold at all while i'm out either paddle boarding or open water swimming in the lakes in Wales.”

-Mike

“Bought one last year and bought another this year. Warm, light, flexible, and a good fit. Zipless closure could be better and cuffs are not sealed. Good buy for the price.”

-Hyperfreak Fan

“Amazing wetsuit!! Fits perfectly, like a sock. Very warm, and incredibly soft. The perfect wetsuit. I wish O'Neill had also an M/L measure (not M tall, I'm short 5'9" but huge neck and shoulder). As of now, the best wetsuit I have ever had.”

-RGui79

Other O’Neill Wetsuit Reviews

• O’Neill Blueprint Wetsuit
• O’Neill Psycho Tech Wetsuit
• O'Neill Mutant Legend Wetsuit
• O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire Wetsuit
• O’Neill Hyperfreak Chest Zip Wetsuit
• O’Neill Ninja Wetsuit

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the in’s and out’s of one of O’Neill’s highest-performing wetsuits. The Hyperfreak Comp is a surfer’s cheat code to paddle faster for longer. Get maximum flexibility and performance capabilities while also staying warm and comfortable. Surfers can choose between a 4/3 and 3/2 zipperless model depending on their needs, both of which are outfitted with TechnoButter 3X (TB3X) rubber throughout. The zipless entry system adds flexibility for easy entry and exit without sacrificing either weight or performance capabilities.

As alluded to earlier, the Hyperfreak Comp will let you smack the lip and get pitted like you’re surfing in your birthday suit. For just over $300, you can score either the 3/2mm or 4/3mm version, which makes it a good pick for surfers focused on having the stretchiest rubber. So, is the Hyperfreak Comp the top choice for you? Test it out for yourself and see why it's one of O'Neill's favorite zipless models!

If you have any questions about the Hyperfreak Comp or any O’Neill suit we sell, leave a comment, shoot an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com, or give us a call at 1-888-546-6176. See you in the water!

James

James grew up as a snowboarder in the Wasatch Mountain range, with an admiration of the sea. After catching his first wave and soaking up the sea breeze, he gained an eternal love for surfing. Nowadays, he lives to ride sideways and is stoked to share his passions with others while writing blogs and working on the Customer Service team. If you don’t see him at the surf break, he’ll be pumping a bowl or ripping down a mountain.