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!

Rip Curl Wetsuit Saves My Leg

Michelle Forsbray, Tells Her Story Of How Wetsuit Saves Her Leg.

On Ssturday 6th Dec, I went for a surf at Bournemouth, it was a lush day with great surf.

Super Duper sunny.

However it all went wrong:

I remember making a decision before I went out on which winter suit to wear. I have a Rip Curl Flash Bomb, Rip Curl 5"3 from a few years ago & a O Neill Synergy.
All purchased at my local surf shop "Sorted" :0))

I nearly went for the Synergy as its not uber cold yet & want to get the full benefit of the G Bomb when it gets colder, as it is toasty, drys quick & I can stay in the water longer.

Haha.. I went for toasty G Bomb, im a light weight I know!

Well that decision probably saved my life!

I was on my way outback & a wave was just about to crash on me, I jumped with my board at my side but the sheer power of the wave took the board out of my hands. The next thing I felt was a big wrench to my leg and suit. I instantly knew it was bad!
I grabbed my leg and asked my friend to grab my board..

I could hardly walk & just wanted to put pressure on the affected area.

 

I asked my friend if my suit was ripped. I knew it was but couldn't look. She looked and said u need to get to the van & I will call ambulance it looks pretty bad.

I got to the van where her 7 yr old son was. He was wearing his life guard hoody. Bless him I said Leo u may need to be chief lifeguard now!

Before I sat down zoe said I need to see your leg. I took down my suit, saw a glimpse of the inside of my leg & couldn't look any more.
Zoe then looked, grabbed the phone and called 999.

I just held my leg as tight as I could. I had my Rip Curl Flash Bomb wetsuit on over it, which added pressure and cover it, & also put on my Wave Project Hoody to keep warm.
I could not look at the wound and knew I had to stay in control
& not go into shock.

Zoe was finding it hard to get a good reception when talking to A&E, I was getting worried and said please get Tom from Surf Steps.

 

Zoe's son Leo knows him & Zoe asked him to get Tom, a member of the public was walking by at the time & said I will go with him.

Leo went straight to the office where and said my mums friend is injured we need Tom. Tom was in the water taking a lesson, his colleague called him in & he ran straight to me with Leo.

By the time Tom got to me another member of the pubic, who was a A&E nurse from up North was with me,.(She was a life saver) Thank you :0)

Zoe was still on the phone.
She said I need to see your wound so I can talk to paramedics.

I let her take down my suit..
I could not look & just squeezed Toms hands..

She then spoke to them and said its pretty deep. She said to me, I may need to stay overnight as it is quite deep & may need washing out properly. (Worst case scenario)

Both Tom & the lady said we need to get the wetsuit off otherwise it will be cut off..

It's a thick suit & very tight, apparently it was not a easy job as my leg was stuck to it & flesh coming out of my leg. I saw some on the floor of the van. Gross!!!

They got it off plus my 7mm Flash Bomb Boots.. (Which I struggle to get off myself)

Toms circulation in his hands had pretty much been cut off by the time they had finished as I squeezed them so tight.

I kept calm, In fact we all did.

The nurse then got dome dressing until a&e turned up.
Firstly a quick responder then the ambulance.

I was then taken to hospital.

I had 10 stitches... & it then bled a lot once at hospital and no pressure on it.

The Doctor said I was really lucky as it was right nr my artery & very deep.

The next day I got an infection and after speaking up my sister who is a Doctor went back to A&E.
They re dressed the wound, gave me stronger antibiotics and crutches.

9 days later I had my stiches out! I didn't want them out. But it was time to.

I then cried for the first time!
Baby I know, I locked myself in the toilet at the Docs & cried!
Haha... I just wanted the stiches to stay in. It felt safer.

Part of the wound was still open & by the next day I was back to the nurse as more of it had opened.
I had the sticky stitches on for 2 weeks & had them taken off on Xmas Eve.

I have also got three blood clots in my veins above the wound, where I think the area was traumatised as that part was very bruised after the accident. I am going to request a ultra sound scan as I am a Airline Stewardess & a bit worried re flying.

Tom has fixed my Flash Bomb wetsuit.

The hole in my suit is in the lower part if the leg, right near a seam. Nowhere near the injury.

I think my suit saved my life! If that seam had not been there, I would have been in a much worse state for sure.

The fin must have wrenched itself up & then injured me.
The injury is on the upper inside of my knee to half way up my leg.

I have looked at my other winter suit & keep doing so, as honestly if I had worn that I perhaps would not be here now.

Thank you Rip Curl for making such a great suit.

Wetsuit Video Review of Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Winter Wetsuit

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Ladies Winter Wetsuit Review

When it comes to replacing that old wetsuit for a new one it can be a bit confusing on which wetsuit you should buy. Wetsuit Centre is always trying to make this buying process easier for you and by making our video reviews in which we explain all the features in simple to understand demonstrations.

Here is our latest wetsuit review of the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol winter wetsuit for women. We take a good look at the addition of Flash Dry lining and how the wetsuit now has Rip Curls E3 material included for addition stretch and flex.

New Colour in the Rip Curl E Bomb Wetsuit

Just in and looking pretty good is the new colour way from Rip Curl with the E Bomb Pro +

Are you a fan of colour coming back into wetsuits?

Rip Curl Wetsuits seem to be leading the way with quality wetsuits and stunning colour design.

Features:

Rip Curl E3+:
The fourth generation of Elastomax Superstretch Neoprene. Even Lighter, Even Warmer and More Flexible, the E3+ neoprene also contains fantastic quick drying properties, meaning less times spent climbing into cold wet wetsuits.

Hydroloc Collar:
Seals neck and prevents those unwanted cold water flushes!


Glued & Blindstiched:
Maximum seam stretch and strength with zero water penetration gives unbeatable warmth and keeps the cold water out.

S-Flex Knees:
Highly flexible and durable knee pads allowing maximum movement and unsurpassed life span.


Seamless Shoulder Panel:
For unrestricted flexibility and movement

Stash Pocket:
External zip pocket with comb for easy access.