I know this is probably just personal preference, but which would you go with, Xcel Drylock or Rip Curl FlashBomb? I currently have the FlashBomb booties and i do like them a lot, but I want to get a new pair of and I don't know if I should go with the Xcel or stay with the FlashBomb. Thanks for any input! https://www.xcelwetsuits.com/shop/product/mens-accessories/drylock-round-toe-7mm?color=BGR http://www.ripcurl.com/us/shop/categories/wetsuits/guys/boots-gloves-hoods/flash-bomb-7mm-round-toe/
I think there are real differences between Rip Curl and Xcel products. Rip Curl's E4 neoprene seems lighter and more flexible than Xcel top of the line rubber, but isn't as durable or warm. For booties durabilty and warmth are important. As far as booties go, I havent had flashbomb booties, but I've had other Rip Curl boots and they wore out faster than the Xcel Drylock boots. Last winter i made it though that whole two months of mid-upper 30s water with Xcel 5 mm Drylock Round Toe boots. Those were the warmest 5 mm boots I've ever owned. The Xcel boots I've had have been great - although I dont like their gloves much.
I have a pair of FlashBomb 7mm and they are warm but they seem to be wearing quickly. I do have the Xcel gloves and I do like them. I also have the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/3 with E4, it kept me toasty all winter. I am very happy with it
I have owned both Xcel Drylook and Flashbomb 5 mils. I find Flashbombs to be better quality and warmer. Can't comment on the boots, just the 5 mil full suit
I have had both booties in 5mm and I liked the rip curl better. But they did wear out in about 4 months of constant surfing
Xcel had durability issues in the aughts, so I still avoid them today. I'd go with Ripcurl, but I always buy Ripcurl since I pass the outlet at Trestles on occasion. Ripcurl is the only company I know that got the batwing idea to work right. Quicksilver sure didn't.
seems as if noone has any real opinion after experience from xcel so ill give mine.. get it. my winter set up is 7 mil boots and gloves, 5 mil suit, all dry lock. i wasnt cold once or even uncomfortable at all during the whole winter despite some days when the air dipped into the negatives with snow and the water was 35 so go with drylock you wont be dissapointed just wash it off after at least every other sesh and itll hold up nicely
seems as if noone has any real opinion after experience from xcel so ill give mine.. get it. my winter set up is 7 mil boots and gloves, 5 mil suit, all dry lock. i wasnt cold once or even uncomfortable at all during the whole winter despite some days when the air dipped into the negatives with snow and the water was 35 so go with drylock you wont be dissapointed just wash it off after at least every other sesh and itll hold up nicely
Thanks swell! I rinse my suit as soon as I get home every time. I also stopped pi$$ing in it, I think that has cut down on the bootie smell that everyone seems to have. Mine smell fine. I do like the Xcel gloves, thats why I thought about going with the Xcel booties, too
Xcel booties are the best. Ripcurl probably has the edge on the wetsuits if your looking into more flex than warmth.
If you like the Xcel gloves, I wouldnt think twice about buying their boots. I think the drylock boots are pretty solid. The last two pairs (both were 5 mm split toe) i owned lasted for years of heavy use, and finally the sole just wore out.
IMO, take a flip of the coin...they both are good products...I can't favor one over the other, tho now everything I have is rip curl...seems to fit my body size better.
