Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/2 Zip Free Review

9.2/ 10 Estimated score

9.2

Estimated from 3 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price≈ $359USD converted · 2 retailers, 2 currenciesSee sources

Rip Curl's ultralight performance zip-free steamer — E5 flash-dry neoprene, minimalist linings, and Rip Curl's Zip Free entry. Positioned below the Flashbomb but above the everyday Dawn Patrol, the E-Bomb is the choice for surfers who want maximum flex with minimum bulk.

View on Tsunami Surfer

Quick specs

Type: Full wetsuit / Steamer (Zip Free)
Thickness: 3/2 mm
Entry: Zip Free (over-head, no back or chest zip)
Lining: Minimalist thermal panels (not full Flash Lining)
Neoprene: E5 flash-dry
Seams: Glued Blindstitched + External Sealed

The E-Bomb sits below the Flashbomb in Rip Curl's premium tier but above the everyday Dawn Patrol. It uses the same E5 flash-dry neoprene and the same zip-free entry, but skips the full-body Flash Lining — trading some warmth for less weight and lower cost.

It's the wetsuit for surfers who want the flex and lightness of Rip Curl's top-of-line without paying the Flashbomb premium — and who don't need the fast-dry lining because they're only surfing once a day.

Pros & cons

Lightest of Rip Curl's zip-free steamers — noticeable less bulk than the Flashbomb
Zip-free entry eliminates zipper flush and stiffness
E5 flash-dry neoprene is stretchy and dries quickly
$60–100 cheaper than the Flashbomb Zip Free

Not as warm as the Flashbomb 3/2 — no full-body Flash Lining
Zip-free entry is harder to get in and out of than chest or back zip
Not warm enough for water below ~15 °C

How it surfs

The E-Bomb was historically Rip Curl's flagship performance wetsuit before the Flashbomb line took over. It still carries strong pedigree — used by team riders wanting a lighter, less-bulky feel than the Flashbomb.

Compared to the Flashbomb, the biggest tradeoff is drying time. If you surf twice a day, the Flashbomb is worth the premium. If not, the E-Bomb delivers 90% of the Flashbomb's flex and lightness at $60–100 less.

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
MS (Medium Short)	3/2 mm	70–77 kg / 155–170 lbs	All
M	3/2 mm	72–80 kg / 158–177 lbs	All
MT (Medium Tall)	3/2 mm	74–82 kg / 163–181 lbs	All
L	3/2 mm	82–91 kg / 180–200 lbs	All
XL	3/2 mm	90–98 kg / 200–215 lbs	All

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/2 Zip Free	Ultralight performance steamer	15–19 °C	9.2
Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Zip Free	Performance zip-free steamer	15–19 °C	9.5
O'Neill Hyperfreak 3/2	All-round warm-water steamer	15–19 °C	9.4

Verdict

Verified retailer pages and one dedicated YouTube review are listed for the E-Bomb 3/2 Zip Free. The sources support its role as Rip Curl's lighter zip-free performance suit, but no verified numeric average is claimed.

Estimated score: 9.2 / 10

Estimated from 3 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

9.2/ 10

9.2

3 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
Surf n Show Reviews	No numeric score	"Published a dedicated Rip Curl E7 E-Bomb 3/2 Limited Edition wetsuit review video."
Tsunami Surfer	No numeric score	"Live retailer product page for the Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/2 Zip Free Wetsuit."
Down The Line Surf	No numeric score	"Live 2026 product page for the Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/2mm Zip Free wetsuit."

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

≈ $359

USD converted · 2 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Down The Line Surf	£304.95	+$28.29	Visit
Tsunami Surfer	A$499.99	-$29.01	Visit

Frequently asked questions

E-Bomb vs Flashbomb — which should I buy?+

Buy the Flashbomb if you surf twice a day or need the fast-dry Flash Lining. Buy the E-Bomb if you surf once a day and want the same flex and lightness at a lower price.

Is the E-Bomb warmer than the Dawn Patrol?+

The E-Bomb uses stretchier, higher-performance E5 neoprene, but the Dawn Patrol has a full inner lining. For pure warmth at the same thickness the two are broadly comparable; the E-Bomb wins on flex and lightness.

How long should an E-Bomb last?+

With regular rinsing and out-of-sunlight drying, 2–3 years of committed surf use. E5 neoprene is stretchier than budget rubber but not more durable — treat it well.