Winter Wetsuits Review - RipCurl vs. O’Neill

If you are an avid surfer, the arrival of winter won't deter you from hitting the waves. However, you know that a quality wetsuit is essential. The good news - we've reviewed two excellent options for you.

After an autumn surf session with a friend, our surf expert Gregs realized it was time for a new winter wetsuit.

His 5-year-old neoprene was stiff, the chin strap was torn, and, to top it off, his friend drove off with the wetsuit in his van. Gregs decided to go for a 6mm hooded wetsuit for the cold waters.

But how to choose one? We decided to make it easier for you by reviewing two best-sellers he tried on - the Rip Curl Flashbomb and the O’Neill Psychotech.

RipCurl Flashbomb - For Longer Sessions

“It is a super fast drying suit, and if you want to have a long session, this is the go-to suit. You will get max time on the water and several sessions during the day because it dries so quickly,” says Gregs while mindsurfing a longboard wave in hang ten mode.

The RipCurl Flashbomb has a classic design and “it looks like a 100% classic wetsuit - the neoprene, the breast panel, and everything is as you expect it to be,” explains Gregs.

So if you are looking for a super warm, quick drying wetsuit, the Rip Curl Flashbomb will deliver.

The thick and tight neoprene adds a bit of stiffness, but it will keep you in the water longer, especially when you need to wait for the waves.

O’Neill Psychotech - Incredible Flexibility

You wouldn’t expect a 6mm hooded wetsuit to be this flexible! It is a top performer when you need maneuverability.

“It is a bit harder to put on because there are rubber seals around the wrists and ankles, which keep water out. But once you get your feet and hands in, it is actually a super easy wetsuit to put on. It feels like a 5mm - super stretchy!”, says Gregs after trying on the wetsuit for the first time.

And there is a reason for it - the Technobutter neoprene by O’Neill, which is extra stretchy and featherlight without compromising warmth. The Psychotech is packed with new tech, evident at first glance.

“With the Psychotech, the first impression was that it looked like some modern tech was applied here. Visually it is a bit different, the lining feels different, and with the breast panel - you know right away that something is up. Even the neoprene has a slight glimmer that adds a special touch to the overall appearance,” says Gregs.

The overall verdict for the O’Neill Psychotech is that it is the perfect wetsuit for aggressive winter sessions where maximum maneuverability and freedom of movement are required. It is ideal for those who prefer dynamic power-surfing.

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