Rip Curl Flashbomb Polypro Hooded Vest 0.5mm Black

Water still warm, but the wind's onshore and the session's going long. That is exactly when the Flashbomb Polypro Hooded Vest comes on: a 0.5mm neoprene core layer with an attached hood, built by Rip Curl to add warmth under a wetsuit – or over bare skin in summer – without costing you paddle range.

The Story

Flashbomb is Rip Curl's Flash-lining wetsuit family, and the Polypro hooded vest carries that idea into layering. The difference sits inside: the E6 Flash Lining – neoprene knitted with polypro – lies against your skin while the thin neoprene shell blocks windchill. Zip free, so there is nothing to flush, nothing to fuss with, just a vest that extends the sessions you would otherwise cut short.

Details

• Neoprene composition: 80% neoprene, 20% polyamide shell – light, flexible and quick through the water
• E6 Flash Lining: Rip Curl's latest Flash lining, a neoprene and polypro interior that holds warmth and manages moisture next to the skin
• 0.5mm thickness: a thin shell that adds core and head warmth without restricting your paddle
• Zip-free entry: no front zip means fewer flush points and more flex through the torso
• Flat-locked, unsealed seams: comfortable against the skin and, as Rip Curl specifies, designed for warmer conditions
• Attached hood: extra cover for head and ears when the wind picks up
• Care: rinse with fresh water after use, dry in shade, store flat

Fit & Size Guide

This is a 0.5mm warm-water layering piece, not a stand-alone cold-water suit. It is a men's cut, available in sizes XS–2XL – check the Rip Curl size chart before ordering. General thickness guideline:

General guideline – actual comfort range depends on lining, seams, and personal cold tolerance. This vest is specified for warm water of 20°C+ and works worn alone in summer or as a core layer under a full suit.

Fit guidance: a wetsuit vest should sit snug everywhere with no air pockets and no gaps at the neck or armholes – water trapped inside loses heat fast. When layered under a steamer, expect a slightly tighter fit than normal.

Shipping

For current shipping rates and delivery times visit: https://santoloco.com/pages/shipping-costs

Free in-store pickup available – select at checkout.

FAQ

Can I wear this instead of a wetsuit?
In genuinely warm water (20°C+) yes – it covers your core and head but leaves the arms and legs free. In cooler water it is a layering piece under a full wetsuit, not a replacement.

How should the vest fit?
Snug everywhere, like the rest of a wetsuit. There should be no gaps at the neck or armholes. If you are between two sizes, the smaller size usually seals better once the neoprene has softened in use.

Will the hood work under my wetsuit hood?
The attached hood is designed to be worn as-is. Layering a second hood over it is rarely comfortable – if your full suit has its own hood, you can still wear the vest for its core warmth.

How do I care for it?
Rinse with fresh water after every session, dry in the shade and store flat so the thin neoprene keeps its shape.