Rip Curl FlashBomb Heatseeker Wetsuit Review 2018

A new year means new wetsuits and this year is no exception. Rip Curl has released the FlashBomb Heatseeker 5/3 wetsuit which has new technology that generates heat when the person wearing the suit moves. 

This new technology is called Flex Energy, a new type of neoprene that supposedly generates heat when stretched. The theory is, the more you move the heat is generated. The idea is the heat you create while moving is stored within the suit and is amplified in order to keep you warm while you surf.

The Flash Bomb Heatseeker keeps the heat inside the suit and the cold wind and water out

The suit also has Liquid Mesh which is a series of stretchy mesh panels that absorb heat from the sun to keep you warm and to keep the cold air out. This is not a new piece of technology but is still valuable for anyone who surfs during the winter months or in cold waters.

A Thermo Shield is located on the arms to reduce wind chill and to keep the warmth, which would usually be lost through the wind, inside the suit. Wind chill can be a killer when it comes to surfing, particularly during the winter months as the wind is known to make the air temperature on the waves and on the coast drop by 2 or more degrees.

E5 Flash Lining is an amazing piece of engineering on Ripcurl's part as it funnels the water out of the suit when it is hung up. So, in theory, the suit dries faster and keeps the wearer warmer which is a must-have when it comes to winter surfing. The lining is super warm and soft which is a bonus as it means that the wearer can continue to surf without having to think about chaffing or itchiness. It is a small pet peeve among surfers, but it is one that can make a session last longer or draw it to a close.

The main focus point of this suit is the Flex Energy neoprene but there are other points to this suit which makes it one of the warmest and comfortable suits on the market. This suit is suitable for any winter surfer, whether it is in the UK or other parts of the globe. One thing I would recommend is to make sure you get the correct size as the heat generating properties may not be as effective on an ill-fitting suit.

Ripcurl has gone all out to market this wetsuit and had brought in surfing legend Mick Fanning to put it through its paces, but the real test is when the public uses it in real life situations and in different temperatures.

To see what other winter wetsuits we have to offer, check out our Winter Wetsuits section!

O'Neill Epic & Superfreak Winter Wetsuits Review 2017

Which O'Neill Wetsuit To Buy For Winter 2017

O'Neill Epic Winter Wetsuits - Budget Up Too £150

The O'Neill Epic range of wetsuits covers Men, Women and Children and is the most cost effective way to have a very high quality and warm suit. It was always considered to be an entry level wetsuit due to the price being so good. Nowadays it could not really be considered as entry level due to the high level of construction.
Firstly it uses 100% super stretch neoprene which basically means when you move the suit stretches with your movement. This gives two major benefits in that one you will be less tired whilst in the water and the better it fits to your body the warmer you will be in the water.
They are all back zip suits which makes it very easy to get in and out off which is a bonus when it is cold. The zip is a YKK zip which is designed to keep the water out of the zip area and prevent flush through. Their is a handy zelcro piece of material at the top of the neck so you can seal the neck minimising water intake. The knee pads are duraflex material which is very hard wearing and stop you wearing through the knees through usage. It also features a polypro thermal panel on the chest which is designed to retain your body heat in the suit thus keeping you warmer. It has smooth skin othe a front panel and rear which is basically a smooth panel designed to stop the cold wind getting into the suit.
The thickness of the O'Neill Wetsuits suit is 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms, this type of thickness is designed to keep you warm in water temperatures as low as 6C. So in UK waters this is the perfect suit. A lot of people also wear the 5mm version in the summer too, if they feel the cold. It is also considered to be a multi purpose suit which can be worn for a water sports or any activity that takes you into the water in the winter months.
The O'Neill Epic suits are by far the most popular selling wetsuit that O'Neill had to offer, due to the great quality construction and use in so many water sports.
So in summary this is a really good suit to be comfortable and warm not matter what the weather.
View the range here

Our star rating out of 5 stars ----- 4.5 Stars



O'Neill Superfreak Wetsuits Range - Budget Up To £180

As with the Epic suits the Superfreak range is available for Men, Women and Children. The major difference is the these are all chest zip suits. You may ask what is the benefit of having a chest zip over a back zip wetsuit? Well there is no doubt they are much more difficult to get in and out of as effectively you are climbing in through the neck entry area. Saying that once you have got used to popping one shoulder in first then the other it comes second nature.
The major benefit of the chest zip is for one with there not being a zip at the back you have complete movement in the suit without any restriction. this also helps to keep you warmer as the back fit is so much better. The other benefit is that as the zip is far smaller than a back zip there is less chance of water entering the suit and making you cold.
Superfreak wetsuits are fast becoming one of the most popular selling suits that O'Neill has to offer and is only out sold by the Epic range. Chest zip wetsuits are most popular with surfers and surface water sports. If you get serious about being in the water then most people with to chest zip entry. It just feels so much better when you are in the water.
As with the Epic the construction is 100% super stretch neoprene and 5mm of neoprene on the body 4mm on the arms. It also features polypro thermal lining inside the suit which retains your body heat and keeps you warmer. Perfect for those very cold days it also has smooth skin panel on the front of the suit design to stop cold winds blowing through the neoprene.
To see the full range please click here

O'Neill Reactor Wetsuits For Summer 2016 Review

O'Neill Reactor Summer Wetsuits Review 2016

When people ask what is the best selling wetsuit for summer the one suit that immediately springs to mind is the O'Neill Reactor wetsuits range. 

O'Neill Reactor Full 3/2 Suits.

Let's take a look at why this suit is so popular for men, women and children. Firstly the full suit which means it has long arms and legs is pretty much the best price suit that money can buy. Not only is it well priced but for the money you really do get a lot in terms of construction and quality. All the Reactor summer full suits are 3mm of neoprene on the body and 2mm on the arms, which is more than enough to keep you warm in the UK from May to October. They are a flat lock construction which means when they put the suit together the two pieces of material are double stitch together on all the seams to minimise water intake in the wetsuit. They are all back zip suits which makes them easy to get on and off even if you are not someone that is in the water often. They are also have smooth skin panels on the chest and kidneys which prevents cool winds making you cold whilst in a wet suit. The range is available in men's, women's and kids suits and the neoprene used has good stretch mean you can move freely. The other great thing is that they can be used for pretty much all water sports so you don't need a selection of suits to have a go at different water sports. The flexibility in the suit is at the entry level meaning if you spend more money then the suits become far more flexible and more comfortable. This is a great suit for those that want to be in the water for longer and want something that will last.

O'Neill Reactor Shorties 2mm Suits.

Again these are the best selling shorty wetsuits that we stock for men, women and children. A shortie wetsuit is constructed using 2mm neoprene throughout the suit. The reason they are called shorties is that they don't have full arms or legs. The material comes as far as a tee shirt would on the arms and as lon as a pair of shorts on the legs. They are designed for warmer waters such as the height of the UK summer in July and August to keep you warm and be able to stay in the water for longer than you would normally in a swimming costume. Great for use in surfing, sailing, jet ski and wake boarding to name a few.

Wetsuit Centre Overall Rating For O'Neill Reactors

Price - 5 Stars

Quality - 5 Stars

Flex - 3 Stars

Family Choice - 5 Stars

Review Of The Billabong Furnace Carbon Pro Winter Wetsuit

Wetsuit Centre Reviews The New Billabong Carbon Zip Free Wetsuit.

Jeff takes a look at one of the most exciting wetsuits to hit the market in years. Billabong have created the new zip free Furnace wetsuit featuring carbon lining for extra warmth and the new chest entry system that uses a carbon lock to secure the wetsuit whilst you have it on.

Using Boa technology and super wicking quick dry carbon lining Billabong wetsuit continue to innovate this wetsuit is simply awesome..... The Boa tech allows you to totally seal the zip free chest entry, combined with the super warm, fluffy, quick drying carbon lining, dry max entry and Xero airlite foam

• Furnace carbon quick dry furry lining 

• Xero Stitchless seam 

• DryMax ZIP FREE Entry System 

BOA ZIP FREE entry system.

Review Of O'Neill Epic Wetsuit 2016

O'Neill Epic Winter Wetsuits Review 2016

The O'Neill Epic range is simply the best selling wetsuit that we stock. The Winter range features 100% super stretch material which is simply one of the most flexible neoprenes. This means that when you have the wetsuit on it stretches around your body so you for one do not get tired in the water and the fit is the best it can be. So what makes the Epic such a good seller you may ask? Well for one it is very well priced at sub £140 for the Men's and Women's versions. It also has a firewall lining which means body heat is reflected and retained in the suit. It is glued and blind stitched on the seams which prevents any water entering the suit. The range is made for Men, Women and Children so their is a suit for every gender which you can use in any water sport.

Why is Wetsuit Fit Important?

Given that the wetsuit is 100% super stretch this means that you can now achieve an almost perfect fit as the neoprene is designed the move with your body rather than leave gaps and empty spaces. Not only does this mean you will be less tired in the water but you stay warmer as the material will mould to your body shape. When buying a wetsuit you should ensure that you get the correct fit so the most important measurements for Men and Children is the waist and chest measurements. Once your get that correct the fit will be good. The only exception to that rule is if you are taller than 6ft 3 or shorter than 5ft 8 for men. For ladies simply go by your dress size as this is the best way to find the perfect suit. If you are a woman with a large top to bottom size then generally go for the large size as the super stretch material will shape to your body. When trying on the suit the most important area is just above your bum where your kidneys are, make sure your don't have a gap of material in this area as water can get inside the suit making your kidneys cold leading to your body cooling down faster. 

If you have any questions regarding sizing please call us at Wetsuit Centre for advice on 01202 302948

Let's take a look at the video review by Jeff at Wetsuit Centre for a in depth look.

O'Neill Psycho 1 Wetsuit Review 2016

O'Neill Psycho 1 Wetsuits Review

The O'Neill Psycho range of wetsuits has change for 2016 with the introduction of the new Psychotech range. This is the first chest zip wetsuit that O'Neill have produced and basically replaces the Psycho 3 with the addition of air light neoprene and technobutter 2 neoprene.

Looking into whats new with the Psycho one it benefits from the new Technobutter 2 neoprene which is O'Neill's neoprene that is designed not only to be super warm but is unique in terms of weight and touch. When the winter 5mm wet suit is on it it feels like wearing a summer suit in terms of flex and weight. This means you can stay in the water for longer and not get tired nut do stay warm. The neoprene has ridges on the inside designed to funnel water out of the suit rather than absorb the cold water. Psycho 1 is all about performance so it has very few panels meaning no restriction in movement. Better fit, more movement and better warmth.

This is also the first year of being chest entry again another performance enhancement in terms of movement. Being a chest entry it is without doubt more difficult to get into than a back zip suit. Once you have sussed out getting the wetsuit on you will not be disappointed as again movement is better. Getting a chest zip on is relatively straight forward once you know how. Firstly you get in through the top of the suit and get a good fit for your entire lower half then pull the suit up and pop in one shoulder which is the one away from the zip. Once this first shoulder is in then pop the second shoulder in and pull the top part over, zip and your away.

O'Neill Psycho 1 Video Review 2016

Jeff from Wetsuit Centre talks you through all the features and benefits of the new Psycho 1 wetsuit on this you tube video.

Review Of O'Neill Psychotech Winter Wetsuits

O'Neill Psychotech Wetsuit Review

O'Neill Wetsuits have produce a new wetsuit for winter 2016 in the Psychotech chest zip for Men and Women. 

We have to say it's really surprised us on how good this wetsuit is in terms of the construction and feel. For starters it uses the Technobutter which is O'Neill's light weight and fast drying neoprene. When you turn the wetsuit inside out you see the groves are in channels that are designed to filter the water out of the suit keeping you as dry as possible. It's really flexible and when you put it on it feels like you are wearing a summer suit instead of a winter. It also features air neoprene which is like hundreds of air bubbles in the chest panel, this retains body heat keeping you warmer. It also benefits from a firewall layer on the chest and kidneys and what this actual means is that a polypro thermal lining is attached to the neoprene. This lining reflects and retains heat inside the wetsuit so that you can stay warmer for longer.

How Does The Pyschotech Perform?

We took the 5mm winter wetsuit out for a test run to see how it would feel and perform. So getting the wetsuit on is always a mission and the key is getting one arm in first as it makes it easy to pop the other side over you shoulder. Bearing in mind it's September and the water is still warm, when I entered the water it felt super warm as you would expect. The entire suit is so flexible it really does feel like you are wearing a summer suit and you have complete freedom of movement. After a 3 hour surf i felt as warm as i did when i entered the water and i can say it is defiantly

one of the best suits i have ever worn. Last year i wore the Rip Curl Flash Bomb and as a comparison the O'Neill definitely felt more flexible and just as warm. I then hung the wetsut to see how long it would take to dry out and within 20 minutes it was dry. The weather was cloudy and about 15C so i would say on a winters day it would have to take more time to dry out.

In summary i give the Psychotech a big thumbs up and the first O'Neill wetsuit that i have considered to be one of the best suits money can buy. I hope this review helps.