Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Zip Free Wetsuit Review

If the saying on reliability is true that “the best part is no part, and the fewer parts the better,” then Rip Curl has taken this mantra to heart with the new Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Zip Free Wetsuit. The headline with this premium wetsuit isn’t necessarily what they’ve included, but what they’ve taken away. The Fusion suit is almost completely free of traditional stitches, and the zipper is gone; two parts that are arguably the most likely to fail during the life of a wetsuit.

Beyond the stitches and the zipper, all the premium features and materials you would expect from Rip Curl are present and accounted for. After several surf sessions in this suit, I can confidently say this is a top-shelf, no-compromises wetsuit that adds all the motivation and confidence needed for getting out in cold conditions without being held back.

“This is the wetsuit you pick when you want absolutely zero compromises in flexibility, warmth, weight, and drying time. The Fusion Dry Seam Technology is a revelation that should add a ton to the lifespan of the suit, and the zip-free entry is pain and flush-free”

Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Zip Free Wetsuit

Neoprene and Liners

The Flashbomb Fusion is built exclusively with Rip Curl’s most advanced, highest-end neoprene, called E7. When combined with the full coverage Flash liner on the inside of the suit, the materials make for the best combination of warmth and flexibility in the Rip Curl lineup to date.

By the numbers, E7 has 25% more stretch and is 10% lighter than the previous generation’s E6 neoprene, which is just a fancy way of saying this suit is even easier to paddle and move in. The neoprene is extremely stretchy, yet resists absorbing extra water to keep weight down and warmth high. Both of these facets are noticeable compared to other competitor suits, which means longer sessions and less fatigue from paddling.

The lining is super smooth and comfortable, making it easy and, dare I say, even inviting to get in and out of the wetsuit. When it’s cold outside, the extra motivation of having a suit that’s easy to throw on can be a game-changer, and the Fusion has that in spades. Add in the quick-drying properties of the Rip Curl Flash liner, and you have a steamer that’s perfect for multiple cold water sessions without the bummer of having to climb into a soggy wetsuit for the afternoon session.

Seams and Stitching

One of the most defining features of the Flashbomb Fusion is its use of Fusion Dry Seam Technology. According to Rip Curl, Fusion Dry Seam Tech is the pinnacle of seam construction, almost completely free of any neoprene piercing stitches, which are strong but tend to leak water over time. Fusion seams remove stitches but retain strength by using a three-layer overlap: the edges of the neoprene are tapered and glued, with a third outside layer of E7 tape on top. The tapering makes for a less bulky yet extremely strong seam compared to other stitchless methods.

To add reinforcement in critical areas, there’s a 1-inch long 4th layer of E7 tape inside the wetsuit at critical ankle and wrist openings. The only place on the suit where traditional stitching can be found is around the neck and entry point. Rip Curl strategically included extra reinforcement in these two key areas to alleviate any fears of blowing a seam while getting into and out of the suit.

Fit and Cut

For fit, I’m a little over 5’11, 170 lbs with broad shoulders, and wear a size Medium across most brands of wetsuits. The fit of this suit is snug but not uncomfortably so, exactly how I would expect a performance wetsuit to fit. Flexibility around the arms is great, and the ergonomic Fusion seams feel virtually, well, seamless. The fit at the wrists and ankles is very comfortable while still maintaining a tight seal.

Chafing from having seams in the wrong places can make an otherwise comfortable suit a pain during long sessions, and Rip Curl has addressed this in their seam layout pattern and cut. Not only are the seams less bulky, but there are fewer of them. This is a win-win as far as the suit's ability to keep water out and remain comfortable and warm throughout long sessions. As a bonus, fewer seams extend the life of the suit by resulting in fewer possible points of failure.

Entry

Having broad shoulders has always led me away from experimenting with zip-free wetsuits, so you can imagine I was extremely impressed when I slipped into this suit without much of an issue. When first putting the suit on, I struggled slightly with getting the neck opening over my head at first, but discovered a trick: instead of grabbing only one side of the neck and stretching it unevenly over my head, I grabbed both sides of the neck and lifted the neck evenly over my head. This slight adjustment made getting in and out of the suit much easier while also helping to disperse stress on the seams. Once the suit is broken in, I may not need to do this, but for now, this will be my technique.

Tightening the draw cord was easy, and pulling it as tight as possible did not seem to reduce my flexibility or comfort. The soft E7 Flash liner made slipping into the legs and arms a breeze.

One thing to note is that I wouldn’t recommend this suit to someone who has issues with flexibility in their shoulders. While relatively easy, I did need my full range of shoulder motion to get my arms into and out of the suit. If you have limited shoulder mobility, try before you buy, or check out the Rip Curl Flashbomb 4/3 Chest Zip or the Rip Curl E-Bomb 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit, depending on preference.

Performance

When a suit is a joy to slip into, keeps you warm, feels like it’s barely there, and is relatively easy to slide out of, chances are you have a winner. The Flashbomb Fusion undoubtedly checks all these boxes. I found nothing about this suit was holding me back, just like you would expect from a company’s top-of-the-line performance wetsuit.

Paddling was nearly effortless, and I didn’t feel like the suit was taking on any extra water weight. I’ve always been skeptical of zipperless entry systems and their ability to stay sealed. I am happy to report that even through some deep duck dives and taking a handful of set waves on the head, I experienced no flushing. Getting out of the suit was easy, and after 20 minutes in the sun, the Flashbomb E7 liner was almost completely dry and ready for another go.

Value and Durability

With a price tag of $519.95 for the 4/3, the Flashbomb Fusion definitely sits at the top end of the price range for 4/3 suits without a hood. Is it worth it? That depends. If you value a suit that won’t hold you back and will inspire as many sessions as possible, then I would say yes, it’s worth it.

It’s also important to note that with Fusion Dry Seam Technology, you’re purchasing longevity and lifespan with this suit. Without stitching that will eventually create pinhole leaks in the worst places (i.e., armpits and crotch), all things equal, I would expect this suit to have a significantly longer lifespan than a traditional suit with stitches.

Nate

A Pacific Northwest native, Nate has traveled the world since learning to kiteboard as a teenager during the early days of the sport in 2001. Rider, coach, photographer, and filmmaker, Nate has over 20 years of experience in and around the surf industry. When he's not helping customers dial in their next perfect surfboard or wetsuit, he enjoys surfing and sailing near his home on Willapa Bay.