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'll need a quality wetsuit. The good news is that we've reviewed two excellent options for you.

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

His 5-year-old neoprene was stiffer, the chin strap was ripped, and, to top it off, his friend drove off with the wetsuit in his van. He opted for a 6mm hooded wetsuit to brave the cold waters.

But how to choose one? We've made it easier 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, 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.

If you're 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 will keep you in the water longer, especially when waiting for waves.

O’Neill Psychotech - Insane Flexibility

You wouldn't expect a 6mm hooded wetsuit to be that flexible! It's a top performer when it comes to maneuverability.

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

And there's a reason for that - the Technobutter neoprene by O’Neill, which is extra stretchy and featherlight without losing its warmth properties. The Psychotech is loaded with new tech, visible 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 a bit different, and with the breast panel - you know right away that something is going on there. Even the neoprene has this little glimmer that adds this special little thing to the overall appearance," says Gregs.

The overall verdict for the O’Neill Psychotech is that it is the perfect wetsuit for more aggressive winter sessions where you need maximum maneuverability and freedom to move. It is ideal for those who are into dynamic power-surfing.

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