Rip Curl E-Bomb Zip-Free Wetsuit Review

Rip Curl has always been a leader in innovation and performance when it comes to wetsuit design. This year is no different. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a new 5/4 E-Bomb Zip Free Hooded wetsuit. The suit is designed for surfers looking for a high-performance option. From top-of-the-line materials to unmatched flexibility, the E-Bomb is available in various thicknesses for both men and women.

"From the moment I put on the E-Bomb, I knew it was special. The comfort is unmatched, and the flexibility rivals anything I have ever used. In the water, it continues to perform and impress."

After surfing with the E-Bomb around the Northern Oregon Coast for a month, I’ve shared my take on key features and overall performance below.

Rip Curl E-Bomb Wetsuit

Neoprene and Liners

Before I get into the materials, upon first putting on the E-Bomb and before even getting into the ocean, this is single-handedly the most comfortable hooded suit I have worn. That’s saying a lot, considering I have been surfing in cold water for about 20 years. The feel of the neoprene is so soft and buttery that it makes you want to wear it to work before checking the waves.

The E-Bomb is comprised of Rip Curl’s premium high stretch, lightweight E6 neoprene. Continuing with the 2021 model features, Rip Curl made the E6 20% stretchier and 20% lighter than previous years. This makes a suit that was already renowned for flexibility that much more flexible. It truly is amazing.

Below the E6 neoprene, the E-Bomb is equipped with the E7 and E6 Thermo Barrier. This high-stretch performance lining surpasses industry standards. The E6 lining has 20% more stretch than a Flash Bomb’s E5 Flash Lining and is 10% warmer than previous iterations of the E-Bomb.

Seams and Stitching

The E-Bomb uses a “less is more” approach regarding the seams and stitching. All seams are triple glued and double stitched, which doesn’t fully penetrate the neoprene. This type of seam construction allows for a waterproof seam with high stretch and comfort. Furthermore, the suit utilizes E6 tape in key areas, such as the knees, and crotch, to keep the suit leak-free and flexible.

Fit and Cut

The E-Bomb was my first ever wetsuit without a zipper. After reading reviews and hearing how hard they are to get on, I was skeptical. However, upon first trying the suit, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to put on. From my experience, you can most likely handle this zip-free entry system if you’re comfortable with putting on a chest zip. I am currently 210 lbs. (can we still blame Covid?) and sit at the top end of the recommended weight for a size XL. That said, the XL fits perfectly.

Once on, the entry system offers unrestricted performance and paddling, allowing me to surf longer without getting tired. After exhausting surf sessions, getting out of the E-Bomb was a bit more strenuous than competitor wetsuits. However, in my opinion, this is a small price to pay for the overall comfort and performance of the E-Bomb.

Performance

From the moment I put this suit on, I could tell it was built to perform. The hooded 5/4 is so light and flexible that it feels like I am wearing a 4/3. The E6 neoprene coupled with the E6 Thermo Barrier keeps this feeling light and warm even in water temperatures hovering in the mid 40’s F.

I have used the suit for about a month and have yet to get cold. Granted, I run on the warmer side, and admittedly, we have had some pretty warm water here in Oregon the last few weeks. But I am confident the 5/4 E-Bomb Hooded zip-free will work into the low 40’s if paired with the proper boots and gloves. We have numerous reviews from satisfied customers who have used the 4/3 in water temps in the mid 40’s.

Value and Durability

I can’t think of a better high-performance suit for the money than the Rip Curl E-Bomb. The comfort is unmatched. The flexibility is top-tier and is on par with the O’Neill Hyperfreak. However, the E-Bomb’s neoprene seems more durable and resilient to nicks. At first, I was skeptical if I’d even be able to get the zip-free wetsuit on. Now I equate the entry system to not having to worry about a malfunctioning zipper from salt water erosion. Staring at $390 for the 45/4 hooded model, you get a high-end, well-designed suit for a mid-level price.

Customer Feedback

“I was reluctant to get this suit at first for only being a 4/3 because I surf mainly North Coast, WA, but to my surprise, it was totally warm enough. And... the flexibility with this suit is 110% better than my Buel RB2 and Quik Syncro. I’m stoked on this suit, reminds me of my elasto series from years ago when I was a grom. Cleanline is the only shop I’ll buy through... excellent customer service all the time!”

- Kevo

“Warmest and most comfortable suit! So flexible while surfing and a breeze to get in and out of!”

- Happy Camper

"Great quality wetsuit. The material is super stretchy and it's very easy to get in and out. I love it!! Can't wait to use it regularly. If you're looking for a high quality wetsuit that's easy to jump into, buy this one."

- Vincent

Final Thoughts

If you’ve read any of my previous blogs, you know I love a good hooded 5/4mm for year-round surfing in Oregon. I’ve reviewed competitor brands throughout the years, and all make a worthy suit. However, from the moment I put on the E-Bomb, I knew it was special. The comfort is unmatched, and the flexibility rivals anything I have ever used. In the water, it continues to perform and impress. After a month of surfing the wetsuit, I keep trying to find a flaw. As with any great thing, you can't help but wonder, “What's the Catch?” So far, there is no catch with the Rip Curl E-Bomb. This is as close to a perfect wetsuit as I have worn.

If you have any questions about Rip Curl suits or need sizing help, feel free to leave a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com. Enjoy the water!