Fourth Element’s thermal protection has been tested in the World’s most extreme diving locations from the sub-zero waters of the Antarctic to the tropical temperatures of the Maldives and is used on expeditions where divers have never ventured before. The Fourth Element drysuit range includes the Arctic undersuit which is the choice of professional and recreational drysuit divers worldwide and the innovative biomapped HALO 3D.
HALO 3D Drysuit Undergarments
The HALO 3D has body mapped insulation, strategically placed to enhance protection when in a horizontal trim. Designed for use underneath membrane and trilaminate suits, the HALO 3D is the perfect complement to our current range of drysuit thermal protection. In a layering combination with Xerotherm, HALO 3D is suitable for the harshest diving conditions on the planet. Accessory: Arctic socks
Arctic Drysuit Undergarments
The Arctic’s two layers of high insulation, low bulk fabric, ensure exceptional levels of thermal protection. Constructed with comfort and utility in mind, the minimalist design provides outstanding performance under closer fitting neoprene drysuits. In a layering system, the Arctic is also suited for use underneath membrane and trilaminate suits. Accessory: Arctic socks.
Fourth Element Xerotherm Drysuit Undergarments
The Xerotherm is the ultimate Fourth Element base layer undersuit for drysuits. Made using Polartec® Powerstretch® which was originally developed for NASA, the Xerotherm traps a layer of air – a much better insulator than water – next to the skin, keeping the wearer drier and more comfortable. The unisex range is designed to be worn under another undersuit or on its own under a neoprene drysuit and provides astonishing warmth without contributing to bulk or buoyancy. Accessory: Arctic socks
X-CORE Extreem Thermal Vests
Fourth Element have produced their best yet. We need to plan now for winter so what better time than now to get our drysuit undergarment(s) sorted out. The top and leggings concept is really good for that after dive duck-behind-the–tree. You may have to completely remove a one piece garment – but not a two piece.
The Arctic top and leggings are a great thermal triumph. Arctic was followed by an even warmer (but one piece) HALO. Now we have the X-Core Extreme Thermal vest. This is exceptionally warm and contains 76% recycled polyester (recycled waste from the ocean). It is sleeveless for maximum arm movement and can be worn next to the skin or over a base layer like the Xerotherm or Arctic top. The X-Core is made of heavyweight Polatec Power Stretch (trademarked) fabric that is machine washable. It covers the chest, back and reaches below the waist.
This vest means we don’t need to think about battery heated panels for deeper colder dives. The X-Core is the answer. An article from Simon Mitchell in the recent Dive NZ Magazine emphasises there is a problem at the end of a cold dive if the limbs are not kept warm. That is usually when the battery power is at it’s lowest. Emerging research from DAN and other sources is beginning to show that there may be many more physiological problems with the use of active heating systems, so this Fourth Element vest has been designed to maximise the retention of body heat throughout the dive. I cant wait until winter.
Thermocline Wetsuit Undergarments
The Thermocline neutrally buoyant system represents an evolution in thermal protection, using state of the art materials to maximise performance without compromising on comfort. The Thermocline neutrally buoyant wetsuit system comprises the long sleeved top and gives the equivalent protection to a 3mm wetsuit – but weighing less than 1kg (2.2 lbs). Thermocline also provides a real solution for people who suffer from neoprene allergies by eliminating contact between the skin and the wetsuit. Accessory: Fin socks