Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Wetsuit Review

Since its release, the Dawn Patrol has become a shop staple due to its dependability and warmth. It is one of the longest-standing wetsuit models in the surf industry and has earned a strong reputation due to its reliable quality and fair price.

Fast forward to 2025, and Rip Curl has made some thoughtful upgrades to the 24/25 model. The new model features a 50/50 blend of Yulex and E5 neoprene, improving both flexibility and sustainability.

Whether you're looking for a dependable backup suit or an affordable entry-level option, the Dawn Patrol delivers excellent value without compromising quality. It’s easily one of the best affordable wetsuits we offer at Cleanline.

“The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol is one of the best “value for your dollar” suits available. With the combination of flexible E5 natural rubber, strategic interior seam taping, and a toasty warm liner, the Dawn Patrol provides the warmth factor to help extend your sessions.”

Rip Curl Men's Models Available

• Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $259.95
• Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $259.95
• Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
• Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
• Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $319.95
  

Read on to see why the Dawn Patrol is a great value that you can count on for your next cold water session.

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol

Neoprene and Liners

The Dawn Patrol is constructed with a blend of E5 neoprene and natural Yulex, providing the stretch and insulation Rip Curl has become known for. E5 is 10% warmer and provides 30% more stretch than the previous E4 neoprene. The neoprene works in conjunction with the toasty liner to keep you warm and comfortable.

The lining of this suit is that of red fuzzy material that has been used on Rip Curl’s best wetsuits, like the Flash Bomb, for years. This material has been so consistently popular because it dries very quickly (as little as 15 minutes in the sun) while adding some additional warmth and comfort.

Flash Lining does add a little bit of weight, though, so Rip Curl applies the lining to the area that needs the most warmth (the core) while leaving it out of the arms and shoulders, keeping those areas lightweight and flexible.

Seams and Stitching

A noteworthy feature of the Dawn Patrol is that the seams through the body are sealed internally with ¾” E5 Tape over glued-and-blindstitched seams. Most wetsuits in this price range might only have some basic tape in the stress points of the seams. Having the body sealed with high-performance tape is a huge bonus to this wetsuit's overall warmth and durability. The arms, shoulders, and hood are spot-taped to keep those areas more flexible.

Fit and Cut

The fit is pretty true to size. Rip Curl, in general, does run a little bit on the small side. The torso of the suit has a bit more of a square cut, but other than that, the Dawn Patrol feels good. The hood has a normal cut and features a hood cinch designed for easy adjustments on the fly to keep the fit nice and snug.

Entry and Zipper

The Dawn Patrol is offered in both back zip and chest zip models. Both are fairly easy to get into, but we recommend going with the back zip if you have issues with shoulder mobility.

The back zip entry features an additional piece of material called a batwing, between the zipper and your back to make for a more comfortable and watertight fit. The chest zip entry requires threading the zipper teeth together, but it is very user-friendly.

Performance

Considering the budget-friendly pricing, the Dawn Patrol easily balances flexibility and warmth. The natural rubber E5/Yulex blend stretches during movement to keep you comfortable and unrestricted, both in and out of the water. The liner is strategically placed around your core to keep you warmer while helping the suit be more flexible in the arms for easier paddling.

Another thing to note about this suit is that it doesn’t include a smooth-skin panel on the chest or back. Some surfers prefer smooth skin panels because it helps block wind and reduce chill. However, without it, the suit feels lighter and more flexible. Whether you need smooth skin or not really depends on the type of water activity you’re doing and the conditions you’re in.

Value and Durability

With a price tag topping out at $319.95 for the 5/4 model, the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol is one of the best values for your money. We recommend this suit to anyone interested in surfing or looking to get a suit without breaking the bank. The Dawn Patrol has everything you need: warmth, stretch, and durability to keep you comfortable and warm in cold waters.

Sustainability

The all-new 2025 Rip Curl Dawn Patrol is one of the leading eco-friendly wetsuits on the market. It’s made with a 50/50 blend of natural Yulex rubber and E5 neoprene, offering a balance of performance and sustainability. The suit also features a water-based lamination process and a recycled internal jersey, further reducing its environmental impact.

Staff Feedback

“The Dawn patrol is a great all around suit for those who want a reliable 5/4 at a great middle of the road price. We recommend them at the shop quite a bit for someone who prioritizes warmth, durability, and affordability.”

- Sarah H.

“I bought my 5/4 Dawn Patrol a size up from what I normaly wear. Although I was under the weight requirement, the suit kept me warmer and dryer that any other suit I have worn in my size.”

- Michael

Customer Feedback

“Super warm suit; sizing seems to run a little tight. I typically wear a Small, but I think I'll go Medium next time. That said, I'm toasty warm in this thing.”

- Dan

“This was my 1st 4/3 Wetsuit in 53 years of surfing. So far, it is exactly what I expected from Ripcurl. Great warmth. Fits perfectly. Purchasing it from Cleanline was smooth and painless. My wetsuit arrived exactly on the day it was promised.”

- Bobby

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol FAQ

Is the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol good for cold water?

 Yes. The Dawn Patrol provides excellent warmth for most cold-water conditions, especially in the 4/3mm and 5/4mm thickness options. It’s designed with a warm internal liner and effective seam sealing to help retain heat.

How does the Dawn Patrol compare to the FlashBomb and E-Bomb?

The FlashBomb is Rip Curl’s warmest, top-of-the-line suit with advanced lining and faster drying time. The E-Bomb focuses on maximum flexibility for performance surfing. The Dawn Patrol sits in between—offering solid warmth, durability, and value at a more affordable price.

What materials are used in the 2025 Dawn Patrol?

The 2025 model features a 50/50 blend of natural Yulex rubber and E5 neoprene, making it both flexible and eco-friendly. It also uses a recycled internal jersey and water-based lamination to reduce environmental impact.

Is the Dawn Patrol good for beginners?

Absolutely. Its comfort, warmth, and fair price make it a great choice for beginners who want a reliable wetsuit without spending too much.

Does the Dawn Patrol have a smooth-skin chest panel?

No. The new design does not include a smooth-skin chest or back panel, making the suit lighter and more flexible. However, this means slightly less wind resistance compared to some other models.

What entry system does it use?

It’s available in both chest zip and back zip options. The chest zip offers better flexibility and warmth, while the back zip makes getting in and out easier.

What thickness should I choose?

• 3/2mm: Best for cool to mild waters (60–68°F / 16–20°C)

• 4/3mm: Ideal for cold waters (55–63°F / 13–17°C)

• 5/4mm: For very cold conditions (48–56°F / 9–13°C)

Final Thoughts

The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol is one of the best “value for your dollar” wetsuits you can buy. With its blend of flexible natural rubber and E5 neoprene, strategically taped interior seams, and a warm, comfortable liner, it offers everything you need for long, memorable surf sessions.

If you’re after maximum warmth and durability, consider upgrading to Rip Curl’s premium option, the Flashbomb. If top-tier flexibility and performance are your main priorities, check out the Rip Curl E-Bomb.

If you have any other questions about the Dawn Patrol or any other products, feel free to contact us at support@cleanlinesurf.com, call us toll-free at 1-888-546-6176, or leave a comment below.

James

James grew up as a snowboarder in the Wasatch Mountain range, with an admiration of the sea. After catching his first wave and soaking up the sea breeze, he gained an eternal love for surfing. Nowadays, he lives to ride sideways and is stoked to share his passions with others while writing blogs and working on the Customer Service team. If you don’t see him at the surf break, he’ll be pumping a bowl or ripping down a mountain.