Rip Curl Men's Dawn Patrol 3/2mm GBS Back Zip Steamer is a high-performance surfing wetsuit with sealed seams, thermal lining, and back zip closure. Dawn Patrol Wetsuits have been a serious player in the wetsuit world since their inception over 10 years ago, but the modern iteration is more focused on value than it's predecessors and we think it's a win-win!
Rip Curl's Dawn Patrol has a back zip gusset that provides an extra layer of neoprene between your back and the back of the suit. Not only does this provide extra warmth as your back panel is around 1mm thicker, but it forces water back out of the suit through the zip, which is great after a wipeout!
The smooth-skin back panels further the notion of good value as smooth-skin is the warmest external lining available. The warmth of this panel results from its hydrophobicity (repels water) which basically means that it's always dry. This is hugely effective when you're sitting on your board between sets because the wind's ability to wick warmth from your vitals/core is mostly mitigated. Wet surfaces are 25x more affected by wind-chill than dry surfaces.
The difference between this suit and its $500 brethren is mostly in durability and warmth, however, most performance/competition surfers tend to opt for suits like this one because the GBS seam offers more elongation and requires less "breaking-in" than taped/glued seams.
To get the most out of your Rip Curl Men's Dawn Patrol 3/2mm GBS Back Zip Steamer we recommend washing it with Wetsuit Wash & reading our Maintenance Guide.
Rip Curl Men's Dawn Patrol 3/2mm GBS Back Zip Steamer Wetsuit Features:
- E5 Neoprene: Stretchier, lighter and warmer than ever before.
- E5 Flash Lining: A poly-fleece lining to increase warmth around your vitals and to speed up the drying process as poly-fleece is 'hydrophobic'.
- Back Zip: Makes getting in and out of your wettie easy, but takes away from neoprene flexibility. Read the unbiased rundown on entry systems.
- Bat Wing Zip Gasket: An extra layer of neoprene is added between your back and the zip which denies water entry through the zip.
- GBS seams: The stretchiest stitch in the game, not as durable as taped but more freedom. Ideal for comfort and competition.
- Smooth Skin Back Panel: Greatly reduces wind chill and is said to take on more thermal radiation from the sun.
- Fast Drying Jerseys: Keeps the exterior linings of your wetty drier and cleaner.
- Critical Seam Reinforcement: Certain parts of your wetsuit are subject to certain levels of stress. For example, your underarms strain the rubber a lot more than the middle of your thigh, because of the nature of the movement.
- Reinforced knee pads: A complex HDPE weave that greatly reduces knee wear.
- Internal Stash pocket: For your convenience.