Rip Curl H-Bomb Wetsuit Review from SurfDonkey (Ep11)

[SurfDonkey]

Yes! We scored a Rip Curl H Bomb wetsuit to demo. For those that don’t know, this is Rip Curl’s battery operated wetsuit that features heat coils integrated into the back panel of the suit. The current water temp is 1C (33F) so we still have good testing waters. It’s the first one in Canada (that we know of) and probably one of the first third party reviews around. Have a look to see how it performs here http://surfdonkey.ca and the donkey notes.

And needless to say, Lance has mostly recovered from surgery. Mostly. I think I smell a cortisone shot.

Don’t forget to leave a comment at http://surfdonkey.ca.

Thanks for watching.

Get yer donk on!

The Donks

[Broosta]

Rubbish review. Nice video and well produced and technically good but as far as helping me decide if I want to blow £750 on a Ripcurl wetsuit, its terrible. The one conclusion you came to was that its nice to have a warm back!

[SurfDonkey]

It's what we got so far. 3 times out doesn't give a great deal of perspective, I agree but it's a first touch.
I'd say from Lance's perspective that it's worth it if you have the extra dollars but long term is still undecided.

Thanks

Craig

[Broosta]

Actually I just came back to read this thread and don't know what I was pissed off about at the time I wrote my reply but I was a little harsh! Sorry

What are the seams like and is it flexy all over like the elastos or are the warm panels not flexy? Can you feel the bulkiness of the the heat packs?
How much better is it with a warm back? I mean the other guys in the water without heated suits, were they ok without or were they really suffering with the cold? Did they all stay in the water the same length of time?

[SurfDonkey]

No worries. We got thick skins

The warm panels seem flexy too. I think we'll need to do another update in a month or so after some serious use. But the warmth does seem to make a difference. It's prob more of a "do I suffer through the cold to enjoy the surf" versus a "ooow, that was a fun surf" without much consideration of the temps.

Lance said the flexibility that it offered by keeping your back warm enabled him to surf better for the session(s). So less stiffness, more endurance, better surfing in the same conditions. That day wasn't too back for air and water (air 4C water 1C). I'd think the big diff would be when the windchill came up (like we had in Ep 10).

He said he didn't really notice the heat packs (he has a few natural ones too ).

I'd say the performance versus length of time in was a big difference.

Also as the other winter suits are pretty good now (i.e xcel hyperflex) the best product would be heated boots somehow. That'd be cool..warm. So yeah its great to have (if you can afford it) but would a $400 suit be just as good? the jury is still out.

Thanks

Craig

[Broosta]

Cheers for the update. I don't think I'm gonna dive in just yet and get one but interesting watching the new tech at work and how it gets on. Agree boots would be awsome, gloves too.

[billie_morini]

SurfDonkey,
Thank you very much for making the video and posting a link to it. I had no idea something like this existed. It was also very cool to see you go to surf with snow on the ground.
billie

[SurfDonkey]

You are welcome and thanks for the note.

I'm sure we'll see more tech like this come along as well.

As for the snow...that's a very, very common thing around here in the non-summer season. That day was at the end of the winter (effectively). You can see Ep10 for colder temps and we had 4 ft snowbanks most of the winter this year. It does make for a different surf experience.

Thanks

Craig

[LngBoardMiami]

cool video.. I thought the review was pretty good. Those battery packs do look kinda bulky but totally worth it if its keeping you warm in that water...

[SurfDonkey]

Thanks!

I do wonder what i'd be like to fall onto them (i.e. onto your board). They have some padding withing the interior pocket but definitely something to consider to get improved upon. Well said though, warmth have a valuation all to itself when you're in it all the time.

Craig

[surfdriver]

My brother got me the H-bomb for my bday. I was so stoked because with all the extra curricular activities that come with so-cal my circulation aint what it use to be. I couldn't of afforded the suit at the time and my li'l bro is really the good egg and very generous. What a bad-ass suit at first. I took better care of that suit than anything ever in my life; girlfriend, dog, truck, tools, bubbler, etc. I was so warm before I even got to the water. The seams really kept it air tight. Everything was perfect! I even had a lil light on my suit. Then the switch jammed, so I sent it in and you know Rip Curl, they totally warrant it and fixed it for free, but it took nearly 6 months to repair! Completely missed most of the winter season without a loaner from the company. Keep in mind I surf a lot and it broke down in under 3 months of use. When I got it back it was Summer so I used a body glove so not to waste the beast. Then Winter came, I broke out the bomber and the light on the side broke within 2 months of using it. It still heated up, but it was hard to tell which mode it was in. This time I waited till winter was almost over before servicing it. The taped seams under the arms were a little worn also. Again Rip Curl fixed it for free. Only took 2-3 months this time, but the store lost my batteries, so they gave me brand new ones (bad ass). So I've used it a few times this season (it's been warm, and I've been working in Hanalei, Nexpa and Palm beach) and guess what? I'm not sure what the problem is but the first session the battery cable came unplugged while surfing. Then the battery read that it was charged at a 12 and they only go to 8. The thing warmed up and made it from the car to Silverstrand, and it shut off. Batteries were plugged in and everything. Great suit when it works and not in the repair shop. Oh.. and another thing. It's real warm when it works, BUT NO WAY IT'S 110 DEGREES.