The salt spray stung my face, a familiar welcome as I wrestled the borrowed rescue board towards the lineup. The October swell was sloppy, messy, but still offered a chance to stretch out after weeks stuck in a conference room. My regular 4/3 was overkill, bordering on sauna-esque in these conditions. This O’Neill Reactor-2, a gift from a well-meaning but non-surfing colleague, was my only option.

Immediately, I noticed the Ultraflex neoprene. It’s the key. At 2mm, this spring suit promises flexibility, crucial for those paddle-intensive sessions. And that’s what this day demanded. The seamless paddle zones, a common feature these days, actually work—no chafing, even after a couple of hours of battling whitewater. I appreciated that design choice.

The real test came when I finally caught a wave. The superseal collar, while initially feeling a bit… constrictive (much like my post-conference-season diet), kept the water intrusion to a minimum. A welcome feature considering my tendency to get tossed around. You want a tight seal at the neck. Leaky collars are a quick path to a shivering surf session.

However, the back zip is a bit of a trade-off. It’s undeniably easier to get in and out of compared to a chest zip, but it inevitably lets in some water. It is not as effective as a chest zip for sealing out cold water. On a warmer day, this isn’t a huge problem. You simply flush out the suit a little bit when it’s hot anyway. For colder waters, the chest zip is the better option. Consider a small towel tucked in your car for drying off quickly.

Compared to the older Reactor models, the construction felt more refined. The seams are better sealed, and the overall fit is a bit trimmer, which is always nice. While not a performance suit by any means, this Reactor-2 is a solid option for warmer water sessions.

The verdict? If you’re looking for a reliable, flexible spring suit for shoulder-season surfing or watersports, this O’Neill is worth a look. Especially if ease of entry is a priority. My advice? Grab one. Get out there.