O'Neill Psycho 1

Surf Centre manager John Scheepers (aka Carpark John) has been raving about his new O'Neill Psycho 1 so much I decided to do a quick Gear Guide interview with him about the new love of his (wetsuit) life.

First impressions?

Sooo comfortable. And really, really light. Even when it's wet. If you feel the weight of it, it's a joke!

So why do you dig your O'Neill Psycho 1 so much?

It doesn't feel like I'm wearing a wetsuit. It's like surfing in boardshorts. There's absolutely no restriction when you paddle. And it's really warm. And soooo stretchy!

And the fit?

Such a snug fit, hey....like the skin on a sausage! 

You don't need to mission to get it on and off cos the neoprene is so flexible. There's zero leakage through the neck because of the batwing collar that fits over your head. That can maybe feel a bit tight on the neck when you first put it on, but once you're in the water you don't notice it at all.

I've had maybe one little trickle of water down my neck, and that was after a hectic duckdive at Sards when I got totally smashed. But that's one of the reasons the O'Neill suits keep you so warm - no water gets into them at all. The neck, cuff and ankle seals are so effective.

Is the hype about the Technobutter material true?

Absolutely, that stuff is insane. The tag says "20% lighter & 30% less water absorption". No advertising gimmick at all - it is really light and weighs the same after your surf as before. Even after you've rinsed it out in the shower and it's soaking inside and out - still almost as light as when it's dry.

And turn-around time? How quick does it dry?

I reckon it's dry within an hour or so. Not bone dry, but definitely dry enough to easily use it for another surf.

Other things to like about the O'Neill Psycho 1?

The O'Neill warranties are really good. If there's an issue with your suit they'll sort it out quickly. That's important if you're spending decent money on a suit, you want to know there's good after sales service. I deal with customers who have the odd hassle with their suits and if it's an O'Neill it's always sorted out properly by them. 

I think they're really reliable suits. You know you're getting good materials and good performance.

What's the damage to the piggy bank?

A 3/2 retails at R3400 and a 4/3 costs R3850

Where can you buy' em?

We stock the full range of O'Neill suits here at Surf Centre Humewood.

So there you have it....Carpark John gives the new O'Neill Psycho 1 a double thumbs up. Just ask him if you see him in the line-up, he'll convert you in no time.