Reviewing Rip Curl"s F Bomb Wetsuit
The F Bomb is Rip Curl's top of the range wetsuit if you exclude the highly innovative and expensive H Bomb which utilises new technologies of embracing heat panels to maintain warmth.
The F Bomb has been around for a fair few years now and is the preferred cold water wetsuit.
F stands for Fireskin which creates ultimate warmth from the fireskin lined neoprene.
It's close related cousin the E Bomb is part of the bomb series but is designed for more flexibility over warmth and so is preferred as the best warm water wetsuit.
The F Bomb has the iconic trademark Bomb logo on the arm and Rip Curl decal logo on the chest and larger one across the back, smaller logos on the lower left sleeve and right leg.
The look for 2010/11 season makes this one of the most aesthetically pleasing wetsuits especially combined with the three tone colour-way of charcoal, grey and white.
The F Bomb comes in two models - hooded and chest zip.
The thickness of the neoprene varies in different styles available, 6/5/4mm and 5/4/3mm for the hooded model and 5/3mm, 4/3mm and 3/2mm for the chest zip.
Starting from the top working downwards we'll highlight and review the main features of the F Bomb.
The neck and entry system is one of the most important elements, essential for entering and removing the wetsuit, this must also restrict water entry and flush out any water that does manage to penetrate through quickly.
A number of key features are linked, neck seal, chest zip entry, drain holes and seamless shoulders and back neoprene.
The best aspect of the design is the clear desire to achieve comfort and maintain performance.
The chest zip entry system does this perfectly minimising the length of the zip cord required, it feels a neat and discreet closure and access point.
The lock slide design is a handy feature built into the chest zip that allows for the fit of the closure system to be adjusted depending on the users neck and shoulder build.
With the position of the zip on the chest this allows for a 4 way back stretch panel on the back that allows for free movement due to the minimal seam design.
This provides greater movement for paddling and critical turns.
The addition of three drain holes located at the back compared to other wetsuits that only have one means they capture and eject any water influx quickly and effectively.
The overall fireskin lining really improves the warmth capacity by utilising the latest technology which provides a lighter and warmer material.
The cut of the neoprene and seam design allows for minimalist restriction and maximum warmth which lends it self to one of the more comfortable wetsuits on the market.
The seams are Rip Curl's top of the range, the double liquid tape seam, liquid tape on the inside and outside.
The neoprene is the E3 version, lighter and warmer by 30% than previous versions.
One of the cooler features is the application of tape to the inside seams where stress points are more likely.
This really gives the suit durability and added strength.
Easily Rip Curls best wetsuit to date and is one of leading wetsuits on the market today.
The F Bomb has been around for a fair few years now and is the preferred cold water wetsuit.
F stands for Fireskin which creates ultimate warmth from the fireskin lined neoprene.
It's close related cousin the E Bomb is part of the bomb series but is designed for more flexibility over warmth and so is preferred as the best warm water wetsuit.
The F Bomb has the iconic trademark Bomb logo on the arm and Rip Curl decal logo on the chest and larger one across the back, smaller logos on the lower left sleeve and right leg.
The look for 2010/11 season makes this one of the most aesthetically pleasing wetsuits especially combined with the three tone colour-way of charcoal, grey and white.
The F Bomb comes in two models - hooded and chest zip.
The thickness of the neoprene varies in different styles available, 6/5/4mm and 5/4/3mm for the hooded model and 5/3mm, 4/3mm and 3/2mm for the chest zip.
Starting from the top working downwards we'll highlight and review the main features of the F Bomb.
The neck and entry system is one of the most important elements, essential for entering and removing the wetsuit, this must also restrict water entry and flush out any water that does manage to penetrate through quickly.
A number of key features are linked, neck seal, chest zip entry, drain holes and seamless shoulders and back neoprene.
The best aspect of the design is the clear desire to achieve comfort and maintain performance.
The chest zip entry system does this perfectly minimising the length of the zip cord required, it feels a neat and discreet closure and access point.
The lock slide design is a handy feature built into the chest zip that allows for the fit of the closure system to be adjusted depending on the users neck and shoulder build.
With the position of the zip on the chest this allows for a 4 way back stretch panel on the back that allows for free movement due to the minimal seam design.
This provides greater movement for paddling and critical turns.
The addition of three drain holes located at the back compared to other wetsuits that only have one means they capture and eject any water influx quickly and effectively.
The overall fireskin lining really improves the warmth capacity by utilising the latest technology which provides a lighter and warmer material.
The cut of the neoprene and seam design allows for minimalist restriction and maximum warmth which lends it self to one of the more comfortable wetsuits on the market.
The seams are Rip Curl's top of the range, the double liquid tape seam, liquid tape on the inside and outside.
The neoprene is the E3 version, lighter and warmer by 30% than previous versions.
One of the cooler features is the application of tape to the inside seams where stress points are more likely.
This really gives the suit durability and added strength.
Easily Rip Curls best wetsuit to date and is one of leading wetsuits on the market today.