Best Wetsuits 2020: Rip Curl Flashbomb

Watch the complete 2020 Best Wetsuits test here.

The Flashbomb! This thing was like surfing in a Snuggie, straight up. Ridiculously comfortable, nudity beneath is encouraged, sleek enough that you could wear it to a funeral. The list goes on.

As far as technical advancements go, the main seam of this suit runs straight across your torso, which feels weird at first, until you realize that it completely frees up your arms and shoulders for paddling. Not to mention, the rubber itself is remarkably stretchy, and the lack of a zipper only increases mobility, making this easily one of the comfiest suits we tested

However, the stretchiness of the rubber does come with a downside. As I mentioned in the complete wetsuit test, the pink inner lining feels like a pair of fuzzy sweatpants—so soft, so warm! But like sweatpants, the lining is not especially hydrophobic. In my experience, stretchier suits equate to looser fibers, and looser fibers allow more water to enter.

The takeaway? If you live somewhere that’s properly cold, this might not be the suit for you. But if you’re fortunate enough to reside in a more moderate latitude, the Flashbomb Zipperless is an absolute peach—fuzz and all!

Official Scorecard
Warmth: 26/50
Comfort: 48/50
Bonus: 5 for stretch
Total: 79/100

Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Zipperless  ($349.95)

Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Zipperless  ($349.95)