PSA - hope you have better luck w/ F-bomb bootie

Discussion in 'Mid Atlantic' started by AlexeiVT, Dec 2, 2008.

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  1. Dec 2, 2008 #1
    AlexeiVT

    AlexeiVT Member

    9
    Oct 25, 2008
    Well, after being enthused at the fact that my size 14 foot, fit into size 13 Rip Curl, Round Toe, 7 mil, $70 booties...I figured I'd pass along my experience w/ it today as a Public Service Announcement.

    This is by far, the most comfortable (out of water and dry), flexible, expensive, and COLDEST bootie I have ever sunk my foot and wallet into.

    And the water here isn't even that cold, maybe around 50...I thought I had torn holes into both of them on the walk from the car to the water...the water rushed in that fast, in an instant...there is NO way these are going to cut it when the water gets in the low 30's.

    By comparison, my crappy, worn out, 7 mil Rip Curl Classic booties, w/ old holes plugged, bulging seams, and Aquaseal all over it, is actually comparably warmer.

    The F-Bomb bootie (at least the pair I took into the water), is a huge disappointment. You could feel the water constantly flushing in like there was a cold hose aimed at it.

    Upon further inspection of them in the shower, you could see that the leaks are where the plastic buckle for the strap, affixes to the instep/arch...it was almost imperceptible to the naked eye, but you could see bubbling, and if held at the right angle, pretty free flowing water release when squeezed...and when you step into cold water...wow, it was like the shock of sticking your naked bare foot into ice water! ...or should I say bear...I have about the same footprint as they do. To add to that, when flipping them inside out, the black fabric glued over one of those seams, is already pulling loose...less than 3 hours use.

    In any case...for that money, it shouldn't be that way...maybe they'd work ok in 60 degree water...but who needs booties then anyway?

    So, for anyone that already has them...I hope yours fair better. For those that don't...stay well clear.

    I think, in the end, I've decided that I'd rather have a slightly cramped, mostly dry, warm foot...then a relaxed cold one.

    My Xcel Infiniti 7 mil mits are several years old, and you can't even perceive water intrusion (in fact, for the first 15 minutes, even submerged, my hands are dry).

    Hopefully the Xcel Drylock booties will be just as comfy...and the 5/4/3 Drylock suit's seams will hold up.

    I like the idea of fussing around trying to make my own as well.
     
    AlexeiVT, Dec 2, 2008
    AlexeiVT, Dec 2, 2008
  3. Dec 2, 2008 #2
    donson

    donson Active Member

    31
    Jun 27, 2008
    came here lookin for a thread about some f-bomb booty. now i leave dissapointed.
     
    donson, Dec 2, 2008
    donson, Dec 2, 2008

  5. Dec 2, 2008 #3
    DaveyB

    DaveyB Well-Known Member

    140
    Sep 24, 2008
    a few of my friends have the split toe f- bombs n they dont seem to have any issues. maybe u bought a bad pair or something.
     
    DaveyB, Dec 2, 2008
    DaveyB, Dec 2, 2008
  6. Dec 2, 2008 #4
    epidemicepic

    epidemicepic Well-Known Member

    502
    Feb 21, 2008
    I had these boots last winter... they were great for about 3 months, and then the same problems developed... they leaked badly from the straps across the top of the boot.

    Also.... something strange happened to the neoprene over time, it gradually got thinner and thinner until the 7mm boots were only about 2mm thick. I couldn't believe how thin they were, i actually cut them into several cross sections and measured them with a micrometer... about 2-3mm thick after 3 months of use. I guess i just stretched them out like crazy.... i did use them nearly every day during their life-span, but i still thought it was a weird phenomenon.
     
    epidemicepic, Dec 2, 2008
    epidemicepic, Dec 2, 2008
  7. Dec 2, 2008 #5
    AlexeiVT

    AlexeiVT Member

    9
    Oct 25, 2008
    Definately a poorly constructed pair...

    When I was in the ocean, as soon as my foot hit the water, it was an immediate cold flooding (even the "entry level" H20 boots I started w/ years ago, staved off the cold better...things seeped in, not flooded).

    In the shower, I filled them, and checked for leaks...nothing too obvious, nothing pouring out, but definitely some bubbles, and some tiny water flow...but that was w/ the right side in.

    Now that I've got them turned inside out and drying, it is pretty obvious that each has a fairly substantial hole (only visible from the inside) that is the source of the leak...it's where 3 panels come together, and those 3 edges basically have no adhesive on them and you could poke a fingertip into the void.

    Who'd've thunk to flip new $70 booties inside out to check for craftsmanship (but you can bet I will from now on).

    Where the holes are, would seem like a better place to have glued on one of those tiny black patches to relieve stress (but then again, in this case, maybe not...since the ones that were put in, are already peeling off, and I have only had these on once).

    I suppose it's like anything else...if it fits YOU well and holds up, there's a tendency to stay loyal to the line.

    So far, my Xcel stuff hasn't given me anything to complain about (save for the size limitation and fit of the bootie)...but, given the alternatives, and choosing which sort of discomfort I can tolerate in the long haul for 4 hr winter sessions, I'm opting for big toe squishness, over overall cold foot numbness.

    I was originally leaning towards the Psycho II over the Infiniti Drylock...but again, it's a case of slightly freakishly larger than average hands and feet, that make entry/exit more of a chore, and no doubt stress those cuffs that much more (the Xcel just seemed strechier, and once on, as snug as necessary to facilitate easy escape at session's end).

    If it had kept water entry to a minimum, it'd have been great, as they were SO comfy walking around (and you could feel a pea sized pebble under your foot). The Rip Curl red fireskin, is basically just as soft/plush as the orange thermobarrier in Xcel stuff.

    What's got me bummed (after I carefully use wax and grease remover to polish these up to showroom new), is the store's "exchange only" policy.

    Any suggestions on a constructive, peaceful work-around/

    I have my own policy I'd like to enforce, where I don't make a habit of driving 200 miles to bring back inferior quality, high priced products, that were the highest recommendation of the salesperson.

    I will make an exception, not charging them for miles driven, time wasted, and emotional anguish...and maybe they can do the same and cough back my cash (as understandably not to keen on throwing additional business their way).

    Plus, it was the only size 13 they had (and they didn't have my size in any wetsuits)...doesn't seem like they were restocking anytime soon...and I don't really want $70 worth of wax all right now (but that's about the only other thing I'd step into a "surf shop" a.k.a. swimsuit paradise, for).

    Ahh, vented!
     
    AlexeiVT, Dec 2, 2008
    AlexeiVT, Dec 2, 2008
  8. Dec 3, 2008 #6
    beachbreak

    beachbreak Well-Known Member

    1,910
    Apr 7, 2008
    f-bomb 7 mil boots are garbage.
    they were great at first, but within about 20 hours of use they stretched out and wore out.
    the inner lining rolls up under the toes,they got too big and caused the boot curl under toes nightmare,and they wore holes through the bottom.
     
    beachbreak, Dec 3, 2008
    beachbreak, Dec 3, 2008
  9. Dec 3, 2008 #7
    MDSurfer

    MDSurfer Well-Known Member

    1,052
    Dec 30, 2006
    Ya know, now you've REALLY got us all wanting to see pics!

    If I were you, I'd go back to the manufacturer with your complaints since the shop isn't willing to negotiate. Nothing beats the source when filing a poison pen letter.
     
    MDSurfer, Dec 3, 2008
    MDSurfer, Dec 3, 2008
  10. Dec 3, 2008 #8
    rustysrfr

    rustysrfr Well-Known Member

    101
    May 29, 2007
    agreed, new xcel drylock booties soooooooooooo bueno. as for the f-bomb ive never tired the booties but i am experiencing similar effects to that of my 5/4/3, granted its only been a year or so i would expect my $350+ wetsuit not to be breaking seals and seams just yet. Can xcel be beaten!?
     
    rustysrfr, Dec 3, 2008
    rustysrfr, Dec 3, 2008
  11. Dec 3, 2008 #9
    ocripcurrent

    ocripcurrent Well-Known Member

    798
    Feb 27, 2008
    WOW your posts look like they come from a review writer-they go on and on. Well at least you could share your troubles with us so thanks for that

    Now, I have a question for bodyboarders...What kinds of booties do you dudes wear do deal with having fins on your feet? I bought those "entry level" H2Odyssey Booties because I was worried on how a bootie with a strap and free toes and extra rubber grip would fit under my fins.

    These booties work great for me, but like someone else said, I guess from walking around in them-especially when you got those 20 block walk-backs from those sideshore current days-that they have worn thinner on the bottom.

    Now-does anybody got any reviews on some GLOVES?
     
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
  12. Dec 3, 2008 #10
    Zansurf

    Zansurf Well-Known Member

    201
    May 12, 2008
    If i were you i would get them sent back to Rip Curl i know they have lifetime on their suits so I would give it a go with those booties especially since they are new. It sucks that you can't find boots that fit well, i would definitely tel you to go with excels. I only have excel boots right now but my friend just got a pair of drylock gloves and they are amazing. I have tried Quiksilver, and rip curl gloves, and neither brand compares to excel. The Quiksilver 5mils are like putting wooden blocks on your hands, and the Rip Curls rip if you breath on them too hard. The excels have more flex, and are more durable that any glove i have seen. Overall message here is try to get your money back and drop some cash on excel gear for your boots and gloves from now on.
     
    Zansurf, Dec 3, 2008
    Zansurf, Dec 3, 2008
  13. Dec 3, 2008 #11
    oipaul

    oipaul Well-Known Member

    671
    May 23, 2006
    these rock, xcel 3 finger 5mm:
    [​IMG]
     
    oipaul, Dec 3, 2008
    oipaul, Dec 3, 2008
  14. Dec 3, 2008 #12
    DaveyB

    DaveyB Well-Known Member

    140
    Sep 24, 2008
    i kno what you mean, my winter fins are a size larger then what i usually wear strictly for the purpose of better boots. xcel booties r great.

    Gloves, i wear the xcel 7mm drylock mittens, easy to paddle and better when holdig on to your board but every1 has a preference. hope this helped
     
    DaveyB, Dec 3, 2008
    DaveyB, Dec 3, 2008
  15. Dec 3, 2008 #13
    ocripcurrent

    ocripcurrent Well-Known Member

    798
    Feb 27, 2008
    yea sounds good guys thank you!

    Looks like those Xcel gloves work pretty good. I really just need ANY glove to get me back in the water. Ive been trying to go out in a 3/2 and 5mm booties-no gloves or hood cause I ain't got none:eek: fukk that its freezing.

    My hand almost fell off one day that was not cool :(
     
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
  16. Dec 3, 2008 #14
    MDSurfer

    MDSurfer Well-Known Member

    1,052
    Dec 30, 2006
    Your hand falling off is the least of your worries, if you know what I mean.
     
    MDSurfer, Dec 3, 2008
    MDSurfer, Dec 3, 2008
  17. Dec 3, 2008 #15
    ToobsSponger410

    ToobsSponger410 Member

    12
    Nov 23, 2008
    i have a question.. how does the 6/4 F-Bomb suit hold up? (suit without hood)

    I just recently got mine for real cheap and wanted to know if anyone new anything about it before using it?
     
    ToobsSponger410, Dec 3, 2008
    ToobsSponger410, Dec 3, 2008
  18. Dec 3, 2008 #16
    1234austin

    1234austin Well-Known Member

    60
    Feb 16, 2008
    damn man 6/4 for around here? your gonna be crazy warm in that for sure.
     
    1234austin, Dec 3, 2008
    1234austin, Dec 3, 2008
  19. Dec 3, 2008 #17
    ocripcurrent

    ocripcurrent Well-Known Member

    798
    Feb 27, 2008
    6/4 does sound like a bit much...my bud uses a 5/4 and he stays very warm

    I think I found an easy solution...instead of buying a brand new winter suit, Im gonna try to use my RipCurl long sleeve 2mm springy under my 3/2 full. I have problems with the cuffs being too loose and i think that will work. The torso section is also a little loose. I will give it a try when I get some GLOVES!! I'll let ya fellas know how that goes :D
     
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
  20. Dec 3, 2008 #18
    ocripcurrent

    ocripcurrent Well-Known Member

    798
    Feb 27, 2008
    Actually, no I don't know what you mean. do you mean my pee-pee?
     
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
    ocripcurrent, Dec 3, 2008
  21. Dec 3, 2008 #19
    ToobsSponger410

    ToobsSponger410 Member

    12
    Nov 23, 2008
    haha guys i'd rather be too warm then being cold at all!!


    feel meee:cool:
     
    ToobsSponger410, Dec 3, 2008
    ToobsSponger410, Dec 3, 2008
  22. Dec 3, 2008 #20
    steelwave42

    steelwave42 Well-Known Member

    438
    Nov 7, 2006
    I have a pair of Body Glove 5 mil boots. They have three full seasons and are still fine. Getting a little thin, but still warm. Not much rubber at all either, so they fit under fins comfortably. I can't believe they've lasted this long. And I use them alot. Was out of work the past two winters and was on every swell that came thru. Awesome boots, plenty for the delmarva winters.

    As far as Gloves go, I've had NO luck with any I've bought. Have gone thru at least 5-6 pairs in the past three years. Fingers split, or they stretch out leak. I've tried a few different kinds, but now are wearing cheaper 5mil hyperflex, that really aren't bad for the money so far, but they are starting to split.
     
    steelwave42, Dec 3, 2008
    steelwave42, Dec 3, 2008
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