Return policy comparison · 2026
MacGregor vs O'Neill
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
MacGregor
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
O'Neill
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
MacGregor has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against O'Neill's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
MacGregorO'Neill
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| MacGregor | O'Neill | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (new and unused) | 30 days (unused, tags attached) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (MacGregor's fault only) | No - $6.99 fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | 20% on used or damaged wetsuits (rips, tears, creases, wrinkles); none on other items |
| Return shipping | If MacGregor shipped the wrong item or the product is faulty, they cover return shipping entirely. For change-of-mind returns or ordering the wrong item (e.g. wrong hand orientation), the cost is split: MacGregor covers the initial outbound shipping and the customer pays return postage. | $6.99 return handling fee deducted from the refund; original shipping costs are never refunded. |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom fit or custom-built items | Items purchased from third-party retailers (only purchases made on us.oneill.com are eligible for return) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
MacGregor tip
Double-check hand orientation (right vs left-handed clubs) before ordering - it's specifically called out as a customer-fault return, meaning you'll eat the return shipping cost if you get it wrong.
O'Neill tip
O'Neill doesn't do direct exchanges — you return for a refund and place a brand-new order — but exchanges skip the $6.99 return fee entirely, so swapping sizes is cheaper than a plain return.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, MacGregor or O'Neill?
MacGregor has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B+ (3.4/5.0) against O'Neill's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is MacGregor's return window?
MacGregor's return window is 30 days (new and unused).
What is O'Neill's return window?
O'Neill's return window is 30 days (unused, tags attached).
Does MacGregor or O'Neill offer free returns?
MacGregor: Yes (MacGregor's fault only). O'Neill: No - $6.99 fee deducted.