I have just heard that Rip Curl have released the Flash bomb wetsuit in Australia which is apparently a step up from the eBomb, but no doubt costs more. Just want to know; is it warmer for the equivalent thickness, is it worth it and what are the differences from the eBomb. I am a big fan of the eBomb but always looking for the best wetsuit. (Not even interested in the H-bomb, I think Rip Curl went too far with that one )

had the f-bomb 3/2 last winter - definitely warmer than e-bomb, but not quite as flexi but that only really matters if you are surfing - fine for wavesailing
The latest one apparently dries in minutes as its star attraction - different lining material, and more liberal use of liquid seams than e-bomb
my one has not shown the shoulder wear that kills the e-bomb - you should get at least a couple of years
definitely warm enough for any conditions we sail in NSW

Got a 3/2 & a 5/3, both e-bombs...have hardly used the 5/3 as the 3/2 gets me through the coldest Vic winters! After 4 years of use & abuse, the zipper's getting replaced as we speak. Highly recommend the e-bomb.

Lipsmakin said...

Sailhack, To get through a Vic winter in a 3/2, you must be hardcore

My research is backed up with the comments on this topic (Seabreeze users have cred) in that the Flash bomb is warmer than the eBomb but is slightly more restrictive. The next question is how do I manage to get my hands on one of these before winter without forking out $500+?

Dunno about the 'Hardcore" comment...my mates would disagree!. In the coldest conditions I have started to feel the cold, which is why I got the 5/3. The 3/2 is warmer than my previous 4/3 cheapy (that lasted 2 years, then turfed) & heaps more flexible also.

I just got my 3/2 back last night - $29 for a full zip replacement...no postage cost, just dropped it in to local surf shop (mailed 300kms to repairer), new zipper glued, stitched & back within a week! That's the other thing I like about Ripcurl - the repairs, about 2 years ago I wore through the seam stitching on a leg & arm due to climbing on to coarse-grip windsurfer over the course of a couple of years and pushed toes/fingers through the glue making the holes bigger over time (my fault - impatient w/surfer), again - dropped in to local shop. A week later got it back, both holes glued & seams re-stitched...cost $15 total and now that I'm not climbing on the board as much, still looks as good as new.

Try the 'factory outlet' store in Torquay - (Baines?) Mine was around $300 a few years ago from memory?

Hey Lipsmakin,

How about supporting a local brand that's even designed by a fellow South Australian (Ben Severne)?

Our range of Flying Objects wetsuits are specifically designed for Windsurfing and Kitesurfing. Many people may think that there is no real difference in suits for surfing verses our sports but this is not really true.

We pay a lot of attention to the stretch areas required for windsurfing and this is reflected in the panel layout and seam placement. Our suits also use the same high end stretch materials that are used by all the major brands and are manufactured in the same market leading factory. Many of the features like widestyle forearms, ankle straps, heated chest panels, debossed knees are what make our suit specific to windsurfing.

Check out our website www.flyingobjects.com.au for more info or see the Flux details below. We have current stock of winter suits and another big shipment arriving next week. You can go and see the guys at Onboard and they can order the suit for you.

Cheers,
Marco

Hi Lipsmakin,

Fully understand, my comments where based on the post being in the Windsurf general forum and that we are a local brand specific to these sports.

Cheers,
Marco

Marco,

I need a new steamer this winter, what's a Flux 3x2 worth

we have some great deals on the rip curl flash-bomb, however we only have limited quantities remaining as we sold most of our stock on our first release day of the flash-bomb yesterday ... we have a few sizes left at $399.95 incl express postage but more will be arriving every week

http://dextersurf.com.au/

our prelim comments on the flash-bomb comparing to the e-bomb and f-bomb are:

- warmth - whilst the flash-bomb is marketed as the 'fast-drying' suit, it is also seriously warm with the flash-lining. plus the neck seal collar on the flash-bomb is taller and tighter than the e-bomb. our initial feeling is that the 3/2 flashbomb would be a similar warmth to the 4/3 e-bomb. the 3/2 flash-bomb may also be even slightly warmer than an f-bomb. but this will require some more use over the winter months.

- flexibility - the arm flexibility on the flash-bomb feels acceptable, but in general, the flash-bomb is less flexible than the e-bomb, and similar flexibility to the f-bomb.

- durability - with full external liquid taping plus the internal neoprene taping, the seams on the flash-bomb would be more durable compared to the e-bomb or e-bomb pro.

hope that helps

Be a man and wear a guys beach vest www.ripcurl.com.au/mens/wetsuits/jackets.html