Photo: Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 product page

Rip Curl

Rip Curl · Cold-water back-zip steamer

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 Review

0.0/ 10 Estimated score

0.0

Estimated from 2 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price$280Range $279.95–$279.95 across 1 retailersSee sources

The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3 is the cold-water version of the brand's value-focused steamer. The current back-zip model uses plant-based foam, E5 stretch panels and glued-blindstitched seams.

View on Rip Curl

Quick specs

Type: Full wetsuit / steamer
Thickness: 4/3 mm
Entry: Back zip
Foam: Plant-based natural-rubber foam
Stretch material: E5 neoprene panels
Seams: Glued and blindstitched

Cleanline Surf describes the Dawn Patrol as a long-running shop staple built around dependable warmth and fair pricing. Its current guide lists both back-zip and chest-zip 4/3 versions at $279.95.

The present generation uses plant-based foam with E5 stretch material. Cleanline reports that E5 is warmer and more flexible than the preceding E4 material, while the GBS seam construction limits water entry compared with flatlock suits.

Pros & cons

Verified $279.95 price is below premium cold-water suits
Back zip is easy to enter and remove
E5 panels improve stretch over older Dawn Patrol generations
GBS seams support cold-water use

Back zip can flush more than chest-zip and zip-free designs
Less thermal lining than the Flashbomb range
Fit must be correct to get the intended warmth

How it surfs

The key buying decision is entry system rather than thickness. Back zip is convenient, but surfers who prioritise reduced flushing should compare the chest-zip version at the same verified price.

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

Size	Volume	Rider weight	Best for
S to 3XL	4/3 mm	Use official Rip Curl size chart	All levels

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Dawn Patrol 3/2	Warmer-water value	15 to 19 °C	0.0
O'Neill Epic 4/3	Entry-level cold water	Temperate to cold	8.7

Verdict

Verified sources position the Dawn Patrol 4/3 as a practical value suit: current cold-water materials and GBS seams at $279.95, with fewer premium thermal features than Rip Curl's Flashbomb line.

Estimated score: 0.0 / 10

Estimated from 2 independent sources — none publish numeric scores. See sources below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Estimated score

0.0/ 10

0.0

2 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
Cleanline Surf Dawn Patrol review	No numeric score	"Cleanline describes the Dawn Patrol as a dependable shop staple with plant-based foam, E5 stretch material and competitive pricing."
Rip Curl official product page	No numeric score	"The live manufacturer listing confirms the current 4/3 back-zip model and product imagery."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price

$280

$279.95–$279.95 · 1 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Cleanline Surf	$279.95	-$0.05	Visit

Frequently asked questions

How warm is the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 4/3?+

It is a cold-water 4/3 mm steamer with glued-blindstitched seams. Actual comfort depends on fit, air temperature, wind and session length.

Is the Dawn Patrol 4/3 back zip or chest zip?+

Both versions exist. This page covers the back-zip model; Cleanline lists a chest-zip 4/3 at the same verified $279.95 price.

What material does the current Dawn Patrol use?+

The verified Cleanline guide lists plant-based natural-rubber foam with E5 stretch material.

Dawn Patrol or Flashbomb 4/3?+

Choose Dawn Patrol for value and simple back-zip entry. Choose Flashbomb when faster drying, more thermal lining and a premium entry system justify the higher cost.

How should a Dawn Patrol 4/3 fit?+

It should be close against the torso, lower back and limbs without restricting breathing or shoulder movement. Gaps allow flushing and reduce warmth.