The Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion

As we look ahead to colder climes, bigger waves and more consistent swell, it’s about time we give a warm (toasty even) welcome to the Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Wetsuit. As the most recent rubber offering from the Aussie stalwarts, the Flashbomb Fusion is packed full of features to keep you out on the water for longer.

With over 50 years of wetsuit innovation under their belt, Rip Curl stands as one of the most trusted voices within the surf industry. This is backed up by their stacked pro lineup to include 3-time world champ and all round good guy Mick Fanning, Brazilian big-air specialist Gabriel Medina, and living legend Tyler Wright. So, what’s so different about the Fusion? Let’s dive into it.

Seams that don’t leak.

The Flashbomb Fusion Wetsuit incorporates Rip Curl’s Fusion Dry Seam Technology, to solve the age-old issue of wetsuits leaking at the seams. To get around this problem in the past, liquid tape has been used to patch up the weak spots usually found across the shoulders, midriff and kneepads. This can be stiff and still requires stitching along the seams to add strength.

Instead, this Dry Seam Technology holds the full integrity of the neoprene to avoid water seeping in. That means you have a stretchier, warmer suit that shuts out the cold water and insulates your body heat. The Flashbomb Fusion is a whopping 96% stitch-free - massively reducing the ‘weak’ points that water would usually target.

A history of innovation

Saying that Rip Curl are experts in the wetsuit game would be putting it lightly. They’re obsessives. Taking huge leaps and bounds in the progression of the modern wetsuit as we know it. Here’s a quick rundown of some of their most impressive innovations to date:

1974
Can you imagine a world without the 3/2 or the 4/3? Well, Rip Curl couldn’t stand it back in the 70s and so was born the multi-thickness wetsuit. Where thinner neoprene was used on the arms to improve flexibility and paddling endurance. Smart.

1986
A nifty little invention that goes somewhat unnoticed - The Batwing. Nothing to do with Bruce Wayne’s nocturnal alter ego, but actually just a small flap that runs behind the zip of the wetsuit. Pre-Batwing, zips were a constant source of despair for many a cold-water surfer as water would seep in.

2018

Rip Curl wanted to find a way of creating a wetsuit that didn’t rely solely on the body’s insulated warmth. What they found was Flex Energy - A revolutionary neoprene that generates heat when stretched. As you move through the water, the Flex Energy lining activates and heats the wetsuit. If you stay moving, you stay warm.

2023
That brings us back nicely to Rip Curl’s most recent revelation, their Dry Seam Technology found in the Fusion Flashbomb range - Stretchier, warmer, and worn by some world-class surfers. What’s not to like?

The staff wear test

Who better to test the Flashbomb Fusion than our very own Will Arney - known for his inquiring eye and superior wetsuit knowledge. Here’s his assessment.

What We Love

The latest E7 neoprene feels incredibly stretchy once you're in it, so much so I forgot I was even testing it and just enjoyed the surf! This neoprene manages to feel both durable and high-performing, built to withstand the test of time.

The zip-free redesign has a clever large panel layout, especially in the shoulders and across the back, which offers one of the best fits and performance on the market. And most importantly, thanks to the new Fusion seams, there was noticeably zero leakage, helping to keep the suit remarkably warm and dry!

It was hard to find fault with this suit and really there were only a few small niggles. As with most heavy-set winter wetsuits, it was a little tricky to put on and take off the top half. But once it’s on, you’re fully wrapped up in the high-performance comfort we’ve come to expect from Rip Curl’s winter range.

In summary

You get what you pay for, and in this case, it's an ultra-premium wetsuit that delivers on design, materials, and performance. Yes, it's an investment, but you'd do well to find a better wetsuit on the market. Plus, for a limited time, it comes with a free gift: a wetsuit bucket bag for changing and storing your gear after a surf. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the pinnacle of wetsuit technology and comfort!

JOIN THE RIP CURL FLASHBOMB FUSION WEAR TEST

We are on the hunt for some wetsuit testers to put the Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion through its paces (as well as a few waves). Now, we’ve seen these suits in the hands of The Kangs crew - Gabriel Medina, Mick Fanning, and Mason Ho. But we want to see them given the stamp of approval from our community!

Deliverables breakdown

This isn’t about flashy, polished, or curated. We aren’t in the market for some pro-level videography (or surfing for that matter). We want authenticity, with real surf enthusiasts out there having fun and enjoying the water in a Flashbomb Fusion.

Here’s a short breakdown of content we would love to see:

Instagram stories | Conversational, a day in the life, fit checks, adventure highlights.
Instagram grid posts | Snaps of your journey, in and out of the water, group shots.
Instagram reels | A day in the life, fit checks, adventure edits.

Please be sure to tag @‌wetsuitoutlet and @‌ripcurl_europe in every post, as well as using the hashtags: #WetsuitOutlet #WeAreWatersports #WSOweartest #RipCurlWetsuitTest

How to Apply?

Please leave a comment on our Instagram post (linked below) outlining why you think that you’d be a good fit, or tag a friend that’s always out on the water. We will then select our team and reach out directly.

Click here to apply.

The Fusion Flashbomb Range

Updated on 20th October 2023

Originally published on 28th September 2023 in Surfing