Psychofreak FSW 4.5 / 3.5 Review

 Psychofreak FSW 4.5 / 3.5



 O’Neills new XDS-Air Firewall is more insulating and water wicking than ever. For Fall 2011 we have put this state-of-the-art insulation in the chest, back and in the lower core panels. Along with the all-new XXXDS in the arms, shoulders, and lower leg add flex and durability to the right places. Psychofreak takes you beyond flexible and beyond your imagination.

Features:
Double Superseam Weld (watertight stichless Technology)
60% Thinner and lighter
Lighter pullover barrier
2 patented ZEN zip closure system with drainhole
Double super seal neck
Handcuff wrist seal / Super seal hand cuffs
External key pocket with loop

KiteShake Test Team Review:
There has been much talk of this winter suit arriving in the office. For one thing it’s starting to get a little bit cooler out there now so most of the test team are scratching around for warm kit. But also, most of the team have been clad in ION kit for the last two seasons so the arrival of a much talked about O’Neill suit was going to cause some interest.
  
First impressions on arrival were just how light the suit feels.  O’Neill have put stacks of R&D in to this suit making it allegedly one of the most advanced winter suits on the market. The build quality is amazing, attention to detail is superb and for me, well it’s the ‘Savile Row’ of winter wetsuits. If you are after fancy graphics and bling then this suit isn’t for you. It’s a black technical masterpiece; if James Bond kitesurfed then I’d suspect this would be exactly the kind of suit that Q would have developed in his gadget lab.

Slipping in to the suit and heading out on to the water the first thing you notice is the flex, you don’t feel restricted in any way and movement is easy. After 10mins on the water, I’m starting to get a little warm, this suit is really warm and ok, the water temp is still up at 12degrees but even so, I just know this suit will keep you toastie in the coldest UK conditions.

To conclude the test, I thought I should maybe throw in the dunk and drag test. I throw myself in to an F-16 (cocking it up on purpose) and take a nice hard and fast dunking, any water in… marginal, and the little bit that did make it in through the neck seal was actually quite refreshing.

KITESHAKE VERDICT: 9/10 (SOLID, SUPER QUALITY & INCREDIBLY WARM)




Click here to read all about and purchase the O'Neill Psychofreak FSW Wetsuit 2012