O'NEILLMen's O'riginal 2mm Full Zip Vest

Perfect for the summer or late spring. Fits a little long but the front zipper is comfortable. Easy to put on and get off

There is a seam that is under the arm near the lat muscle. I had rub marks on both sides for a couple days when I first started using it but they have since gone away and now I love it. I bought it small to make sure it stayed tight on me so I'm sure that accounts for the rubbing. I'm 155 pounds and 5'9 and I got the medium I think.

I own an XCEL Mens Axis Pullover 2/1mm wetsuit vest and wanted another vest for summer surf sessions with smoothskin fabric to better protect me from wind, and I also find the firmer fabric offers more support for sore ribs. As an older surfer, I find the newer epoxy boards irritate my ribs and are less forgiving than a polyester construction, causing inflammation of the cartilage on my ribs and sternum.I was surprised how much I like this O'Neill Men's O'riginal 2mm Full Zip Vest compared to the XCEL vest. The O'Neill is a bit tighter and not as long as the Xcel in the same size (Large), however, the O'Neill fits me perfectly. Each company has its own sizing, and with O'Neill I take a size L (I am 5'11/180cm tall, 170lbs/77kg, with a 32" waist and 40" chest).Pros:Smoothskin offers more protection for the ribs and from wind chill.The zipper front is easy to take off and put on.The cut is very form-fitting -- use the guide on the O'Neill website (or above) for sizing info.Plenty of room around the neck and arms for a full range of motion.Cons:Since it is form-fitting, the zipper is a bit difficult to start -- a simple slip-on design might be better.Not as stretchy as the Xcel wetsuit material.No waist loop to tie to your boardshorts (though the snug fit should stop it from riding up).When zipped, the zipper doesn't always lock properly and it unzips a bit in the surf -- I am thinking of sewing or gluing a velcro tab at the top to keep it secured.

I'm 5' 9", 162 lbs, 35" measured waist and 41" chest. I ordered an XL size that fit pretty tight over just a rash guard top. I then added a NRS 1.0 hydroskin top over the rash guard with the vest over both. The vest stretched nicely and still zipped up well ( a little tight...just as you want it). Great mobility with either combo. The only minus is a small air pocket right behind the neck. No big deal. Looking forward to using while whitewater kayaking and also snorkeling. Versatile piece of gear.

The provided sizing chart is totally inaccurate. I ordered a large based on their size chart, I’m 5’10” and 170lbs, waist 32”. When the large arrived it wasn’t close to a fit. I exchanged for an Xl- it barely fits. Be careful and order a lot larger than you need.

ONeille is pretty much a perfect fit for my body. I bought a S and had to exchange it. I went to an L, but may go to a M. Easy zipper. Nice change of fabric on the sides. Overall good product, quality, holds up in the water. whenever possible I buy O'Neill. I was looking for women's wetsuit pants in 1.5 or 2mm. They don't make 'em!

I purchased an XL (men's). It fits like a men's small or medium. I've had other wetsuit vests and they were much more typically sized. By the time I finally tried it on the return window had closed. So, no recourse and stuck with something I'll never be able to use.

This vest is ideal for swimming in tropical waters. The water temperature in the Lesser Antilles is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This feels pleasantly cool upon first entering the water, but quickly becomes unpleasantly chilly. Wearing this vest under my rashguard has improved my comfort and extended my swim times considerably, which is just what I had hoped. For cooler water, you will want a thicker vest.