Mainly XCEL and QS last several years but was talked into the virtues of Rip Curl. Late 2022 lucked a brand new 4/3 Dawn Patrol Back Zip at 1/2 price AUD $250 (RRP $499) so grabbed it. The back zip is also nearly impossible as the draw string is connected to the batwing and the zipper in a loop but once on it's a bottler. 😍 Was definitely surprised to find out how exceptionally warm and flexible the wetsuit actually is compared to other brands. The E5 flash lining certainly does the trick too. Can only imagine what a Flashbomb Fusion with 100% E7 Flash Lining (RRP $799) would be like but at 71 that's way beyond what my pension, and missus, will allow. 😆
@@kookshed Thanks 🤩Local charger Kipp Caddy recommended they were the best but mid to high end were too pricey and, in most cases, most mid range brands are very similar. Couldn't believe the immediate difference in warmth (and stretch) the first surf I had. Huge surprise indeed. 💥😍
I do get cold quite eaily. need it for a late September trip to France (water temp. 18-20 degrees, Atlantic Ocean). would this be too warm? Actually sounds like a 4/3 with all the "warm stuff" mentioned. To avoid the zipper issue, would you recommend going with the back zip version? I've never worn a chest zip and am not the most flexible guy out there, so that zipper issue has me quite thinking. Would really appreciate a feedback on that. Cheers
hi mate, for 18-20 degrees Celsius a 3/2mm like this would be fine if you feel the chill easily. for some riders it may even be too warm. and yes if flexibility is an issue sometimes, a back zip could be the answer and worth a try. hope this helps -KS
@@t.blaschke7461 not sure on your sizing mate, best to try on before you buy in that respect. if you do get one just remember to always rinse the zip etc with fresh water after use! -KS
@@kookshed I will, thanks! Ordered the LT and see how it feels. Was intrigued by the chest zip, but my lack of shoulder flexibility made me choose the back zip wettie. Has worked for me before, so I guess it will again ;) thanks for your time and advice.
@@kookshed sorry to bother you again. Just got sent the chest zip 3/2 dawn patrol, but it's the "performance" model, and as far as I found out, they stripped this one of the thermo lining/flash lining?!? Do you have any knowledge about that? Couldn't find an "old model" (guess it's called the "steamer"/"warmth"?!?) on the inet. Would the 4/3 performance without flash lining kinda be comparable to the 3/2 with flash lining? Any thoughts/experience on how the taking out of this lining will affect the actual warmth of the suit? I'm quite active in the lineup but also, due to my lean physique, Do get chilled easily... Thanks mate!
thanks for the input mate, always like to hear user feedback from others on here. you might be right there ...maybe with simpler designs there is less that can go wrong? cheers -KS
I have a 4/3 Dawn patrol, i have only worn it once, literally spent about 10-15mins trying to do the zip. Was in the gym the day before and my arms were quite sore, but trying to do the zip was almost impossible, I nearly gave up.
haha i know what you mean mate! i've now found that if you wiggle the zip head mechanism a little, once the tooth from other half is inserted all the way, it will slide after a jiggle (instead of just pulling). try changing angle of the zip head and it 'should' start zipping. hope this helps! -KS
@@kookshed I have worn it for a second time and got into it no problem, I think the fact my arms were so sore from the gym sesh the day before, I had no mobility. 😂
@@mrwardy7 yeah fair enough mate that could be it. maybe also because it's been worn now and been in the water the neoprene has loosened a little and there's less tension on the flap that comes over the head. Either way, glad you got it sorted! cheers -KS
