As long as I live here on the Oregon Coast, I hope to always have a Psycho Tech! 

Over the last five years, I’ve used two O’Neill Psycho Tech wetsuits from Moment Surf Co and I couldn’t be happier with their quality. For most of these five years, I’ve had a second lesser-quality suit that I rotate in whenever surfing many days in a row, which I’m sure has helped the Psycho Techs last as long as they did. That and I do generally take good care of my wetsuits - I always rinse with fresh water unless I’m on a camping trip, turn right side out after a day of drying, etc. But I’m definitely guilty of sometimes leaving them in the sun to dry.

Compared to the other wetsuits I’ve tried over the years, the Psycho Tech is not only warmer but also more flexible. Paddling feels unrestricted! Getting the wetsuit on and off does not feel like a major battle. I will say that I haven’t lived anywhere else since I started surfing, nor have I taken extensive surf trips to warm water spots, so wearing a 5/4 suit is just totally normal in my experience. For someone new to cold water surfing, this wetsuit might still feel like a burden. But I can say that compared to other wetsuits of similar thickness, the Psycho Tech is amazing and there’s no question that I will get it again when the need arises. Obviously it’s pricey compared to some other brands, but it lasts so much longer that it more than covers the price difference of having to buy a new suit every year. And then of course there’s the important bonus of creating less waste.

In general I’m someone who tends to be more sensitive to cold than those around me, but if anything I’ve had the opposite experience with this suit. It’s lovely to just put the hood down to cool off and refresh. Speaking of the hood, I have a lot of hair and it somehow all gets under there no problem.

One of the two Psycho Techs I’ve had, I sent in for a warranty repair and that went smoothly. I don’t remember now how long it took but O’Neill replaced both arms completely, as my elbows had worn the suit super thin. 

Sizing

As far as sizing goes, I’m 5’6 and weigh around 140lbs, and both the 8 and 8T fit me well. Fun fact: when I was pregnant a couple of years ago, I wore a Psycho Tech surfing into my 7th month of pregnancy. The suit was able to stretch no problem. 

Manufacturer Specs:

• F.U.Z.E. Closure (Chest Zip)
• Redzone Water Resistant Zipper
• 360 degree Barrier With Drainholes (F.U.Z.E.)
• Super Seal Cuffs with Plasma Wrist and Ankle Seals
• Recycled Oyster Shells and Eco Carbon Black Infused Neoprene
• Recycled Dope-Dyed Yarn Jersey
• Aqua Alpha Solvent Free Neoprene Lamination
• Key Pocket with Loop
• Stitchless Exterior Fluid Seam Weld Technology with Interior Recycled TBX Tape
• Chest / Back: TB4 Duraskin Air Firewall
• Thigh / Butt / Shins / Calf: TB4 Firewall
• Arms / Shoulders: TechnoButter 4
• Entry: TechnoButter 4X
• PLUS (+) = 0.5mm Extra thickness for even more warmth

Pros:

• Super warm
• Flexible
• Lasts a long time

Cons:

• Cost 
• I can’t think of anything else!

Takeaway:

I would recommend this suit in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a good suit and able to put up the initial investment for a suit that will last longer than others.

You can view the O'Neill Women's Psycho Tech 5.5/4 Here

Check out the Men's Psycho Tech Wetsuits Here