Wetsuit can't decide - Mystic Legend vs Rip Curl Flash Bomb

[Exal]

I ordered the Mystic Legend 5/3, Rip Curl Flash Bomb 5/3, Xcel Drylock 5/4, O'Neil Psycho Tech Fuze 5/4 in large. After consulting the interwebs and friends I had to learn that they were all big for me. The Mystic had an ok fit but in the end even I realized it was too big. So I ordered the xcel, rip curl and mystic again in medium tall. The xcel had a too big neck design for me, about O'Neil I heard not so good reports quality wise after one year of use, so it is between the legend and flash bomb now.

I really can't decide which one to pick since they both fit extremely well. The flash bomb seems to be loved by those who use it and last long but I couldn't find anything about the legend. If any of you guys have experience or advice, I'd appreciate it.

[john a]

East one, go for the O'Neill, lightest and most stretchy!

[TomW]

Yes, this is a difficult choice. Fit is number 1. You have that sorted.
I've used rip curl flashbomb and ebomb several seasons , a 5-3 and a 3-2. I think they are really good and warm. Hold up to my mistreatment. The booties suck, don't last for kitesurf. Inside wears out.

I just bought an Xcel 6-5 drylock with integrated hood. 7mm Xcel drylock boots. Some 3mm gloves with drylock type wrist seal ( economy brand from UK) everything Extremely warm. Used 3 times in 5-4-2c . 2c today in 16-18 knots, on the water an hour and was warm even in hands, which usually freeze. I think the suit is so warm, I get away with thinner gloves. I'm really surprised I can go out and enjoy it in so cold weather.

[Exal]

Yes, this is a difficult choice. Fit is number 1. You have that sorted.
I've used rip curl flashbomb and ebomb several seasons , a 5-3 and a 3-2. I think they are really good and warm. Hold up to my mistreatment. The booties suck, don't last for kitesurf. Inside wears out.

I just bought an Xcel 6-5 drylock with integrated hood. 7mm Xcel drylock boots. Some 3mm gloves with drylock type wrist seal ( economy brand from UK) everything Extremely warm. Used 3 times in 5-4-2c . 2c today in 16-18 knots, on the water an hour and was warm even in hands, which usually freeze. I think the suit is so warm, I get away with thinner gloves. I'm really surprised I can go out and enjoy it in so cold weather.

Thanks Tom. I threw a coin, the rip curl won 10 to 6. Thought I'd take the one who first hits 10. The 5/4 drylock was really warm, would've been great if it fit me since it was a real bargain too. Just thinking about getting into the 6/5 and I start sweating haha. The tips about the boots are very appreciated since I had my eyes on the Xcel 7 mm boots aswell.

[romainlp]

Hi, i have the Mystic Legend for a year now, used just one season for winter in South Australia, definitely warm enough for our temperature

I really like the "Aquaflush" system, works really well to prevent "elephant legs". The only issue i had with it, most likely because the wetsuit is slightly too small for me (ordered online) is one of the seam under the zip started to tear, i just applied some neoprene repair on it and it's all good now. I might also stretch it too much when i removed it after a session..

Hope it helps, ciao.

[Adventure Logs]

Let us know which you pick and how do you end up liking it. I've been waiting on NP to come out with their 2019 line but it's been very delayed so I may need to go another brand and I have no idea where to start.

[runner1]

I have had both, and for an equivalent for the only reason to get the Legend is if it is (much) cheaper. They both later about the same, but the f bomb is warmer and more flexible

[rogue_kiteboarder]

Support the Kite brand.

[Exal]

Thanks a lot guys. I am at the airport heading to cape town, will report back how the wetty did!

[Peter_Frank]

Thanks a lot guys. I am at the airport heading to cape town, will report back how the wetty did!

Are you sure you wanna ride a superwarm thick winter suit in Cape Town now in high summer?

Just came back from CT yesterday, great conditions for 6-7 m2 kites most days, and often my 3/2 shorty was a bit too warm for me so many days in shorts:



I am extremely warm blooded and a bit crazy I know, but based on other riders I can still recommend a thinner or at least if thick a very used old suit for CT now, unless you are extremely sensitive to cold, or in the water mostly…
A thick full suit can be fine in the evenings yes, but extremely warm at daytimes down there

Wind was blowing from early morning some days, great

I would take two suits, or buy a thinner one down there, if I were you and the first time to CT

Unless you have been there and have cold intolerance, as the water is not that warm, but not cold either

Peter