Rip Curl Kids Omega 3/2mm FL Back Zip Steamer
The Rip Curl Kids Omega 1.5mm E-Stitch Back Zip Steamer Wetsuit is a premiyumm kids steamer. Market leading neoprene combined with the huge elongation potential of the E-Stitch will accommodate even the biggest growth spurt – which is important because a loose wetty doesn’t work, but with the Omega it will grow with them. At 3/2mm your grommet will be laughing at the face of winter for most of Australia but in Victoria and Tassie etc they’ll need a sealed (GBS) steamer. Notably, it effectively cuts wind chill while still providing comfort during most seasons in Australia.
Constructed with a blend of E3 and E5 neoprene, the Rip Curl Kids Omega boasts top-tier flexibility and warmth without the hefty price tag. The incorporation of E-Stitch seams, renowned for their stretchiness, enhances the suit’s overall performance. While not completely sealed, this midseason wetsuit utilizes the industry-leading ActiveSeam, offering unparalleled stretch and strength. This advanced stitching technique finds its applications in medical compression garments and premium activewear.
The back zip design allows for easy entry and exit, ensuring hassle-free usage. The durability of the back zip has stood the test of time and remains a favored option in wetsuit design. However, it is important to note that the lack of stretch in the zip inhibits the expansion of the back panel, which is crucial for maintaining flexibility while surfing. Nevertheless, the Rip Curl Kids Omega Steamer Wetsuit is an excellent choice for young surfers seeking comfort, flexibility, and moderate insulation.
To get the most out of your Rip Curl Kids Omega 1.5mm E-Stitch Back Zip Spring Suit we recommend washing it with the Australian made Wetsuit Wash, reading our Wetsuit Maintenance Guide and hanging it on a Wetsuit Hanger.
Rip Curl Kids Omega 3/2mm FL Back Zip Steamer Wetsuit
- Thickness: 3/2mm – 3mm in the torso and most of the legs, 2mm in the arms and major stretch panels. 3/2s are the go to wetsuit thickness QLD and Northern NSW winters but questionable in Victoria, where 4/3s are the standard.
- Style: Steamer – the fullsuit, covering neck to write to ankle and the warmest option short of a hooded steamer.
- Rubber: E5 & E3 – a mix of E3 and E5 neoprene, few years ago E5 was the stretchiest neoprene on the market and thanks to Rip Curl’s material trickle down you can now revel in once top-tier flexibility and warmth without the price.
- Seam: E-Stitch – Rip Curl’s stretchiest stitch but isn’t completely sealed so its only used in midseason wetties. This seam is essentially the world-renowned ActiveSeam (invented by Merrow Sewing Machines) – it offers more than twice the linear travel potential/stretch and 65% more strength than the Flatlock seam (which they also invented) – outside of wetties you’ll find it in medical compression garments and top-shelf activewear.
- Zip: Back Zip – it’s a zip and its on your back, but to elaborate (because that’s my job) the backzip has spanned the entire history of wetsuits and is the easiest system to use in terms of entry/exit. The downside to back zips is that it inhibits expansion of the back panel because the zip itself doesn’t stretch – back panel stretch is vital when standing up on a surfboard as there is a great deal of back stretch when tucking your knees under.
Not sure what these terms mean? We’ve gone into great detail about the crucial aspects of a wetsuit, watch or read about them at the following links: Seams, Zips and Styles.
