THE SUIT
The Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/2mm Zip Free Steamer is basically the Ferrari within the Rip Curl wetsuit matrix, built for hi-fi surfing by any shredder or kook with enough money to pay for one. It’s not meant to be their warmest option (that’s the Flashbomb). It’s meant to be all flex, stretch, and comfort. Here’s the rundown of what it’s like in the real world.
E6 Neoprene
Rip Curl's premium high stretch E6 neoprene. Super stretch and lightweight with a high-quality hand feel that is smooth and comfortable against the skin
GBS Seams
Triple glued, double stitched seam that only penetrates one side of the material providing a high stretch, high strength, water sealed seam.
Stitchless Underarms
Seamless and stitchless underarm and shoulder panels maximise movement and provide ultimate flexibility.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR
This is for people who want to feel like they’re surfing in a gymnastics leotard and have the skills to do backflips at will. Also great for those who simply want to be as comfortable as a fat man in trackies when heading into the water. Surfers who live in warm areas like the Gold Coast will easily get through winter in this thing, but as you start to head into colder climates like Victoria or California you’ll want something that’s got a bit more insulation. What temp water in Celsius and Fahrenheit is that, you ask? No idea, I’m not an oceanographer. Think dolphins happily frolicking in the soup, rather than seals barking for you to stay out of their secret spot.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
STRETCH & COMFORT
9.9 out of 10. That’s right, almost perfect, but like a smart WSL judge, I’m saving that extra 0.1 just in case something drops from the sky and blows my face off. This suit is easy to put on, despite it being zip free, is stretchier than a yoga doll made from Blu Tack and nipped and tucked in all the right spots. It’s truly incredible to surf in. The only way you’re surfing freer is if you’re in boardshorts, speedos or showing off your wedding tackle. My only small concern in this area is that my car key keeps flipping out of the little pouch in the knee because the rubber is too stretchy on it. Lucky the little elastic keeper works a treat.
WARRANTY
Warranty is a big part of buying wetsuits that we generally disregard or just straight up don’t think about. But it can save you dollars down the track, hence why we’re including it in our reviews.
9/10 here – Rip Curl, as you’d expect, have a pretty solid warranty set up with a 3-year warranty on all stitching and a 12-month warranty on all materials. We had a good look at the warranties offered by other wetsuit brands and this is the best one we’ve seen, with Billabong a close second.
WARMTH
7 out of 10. Better than a short arm or boardshorts and jacket, but not quite as good as most other 3/2mm steamers that have thermo lining on the inside. You’re giving up a little in the warmth stakes to get the flex – but that’s a trade I’ve happily made and I live in West Australia. There are a few minor leaks in the seams of this suit, even when brand new. However, it’s nothing too crazy – just pinholes in the legs here and there. Again, if you’re in a colder climate start looking elsewhere. Otherwise, this is your go-to suit.
HOW TO GET ONE
If you’ve got $450 Australian ($300 USD) and a wifi connection (we’re assuming you do since you’re reading this), then hit the links below to get yourself a slice of stretchy rubber that’s epic to surf in.
Buy a Rip Curl E-Bomb via
⋅ Rip Curl Australia
⋅ Rip Curl USA
Alternatively, hit up our Winter Wetsuit Buyers Guide if you’re still a little undecided on what to buy.
VERDICT
Fucking amazing. They should call this thing the F-Bomb because you swear in astonishment when you put the thing on. For sure the stretchiest, most comfortable suit on the market right now. It’s not the warmest though, so if you’re a lizard that feels the cold, hit up something with fur on the inside instead of rocket boosters in the rubber.
For those of you chasing a bit more info on wetsuits, Tim crafted a very tight Winter Wetsuits Buyers Guide that will give you the info on 4 suits he thinks takes the cake this year.
Alternatively, if you’re going to be driving, give the Lipped Surfers Podcast a listen. Below is their Wetsuit Guide for 2018 where you’ll join Scott Boot (Billabong), Chris Branch (Quiksilver), Adam Brissendon (Rip Curl), John Hubbard (Patagonia) and Ryan Scanlon (Need) and find out exactly what’s happening in the world of wetsuits.
