Developed using a combination of superstretch and thermocore neoprene, the proteus offers surprising thermal protection and comfort.
Incorporating the unique hydrolock (patent pending) neck seal and long glideskin seals at the wrists and ankles, the Proteus suit eliminates almost all water ingress and provides superior thermal protection with excellent ease of movement.
Glideskin seals ensure the suit is easy to get on and off, and the dura mesh panel on the torso ensures that the chest dries quickly, reducing wind chill after a dive.
Extreme Performance
The 7mm Proteus was developed with temperate waters in mind, from Mediterranean winters to Californian summers. The use of an additional short john underneath the 7mm provides 12mm of neoprene on the body core with the added benefit of excellent seals at wrist and ankles, making the combination suitable for diving in cold water conditions, down to 8 degrees C (47F).
Performance
Developed using a combination of superstretch and thermocore neoprene, the Proteus offers a high level of thermal protection and comfort.
Function
The glideskin seals ensure the suit is easy to get on and off, whilst also providing an excellent, slick seal against the skin of the wrists and ankles.
Innovation
Incorporating the unique Hydrolock seals and long glideskin seals at the wrists and ankles, the Proteus suit eliminates almost all water ingress providing superior thermal protection with excellent ease of movement.
Hydrolock Seams
Hydrolock seams have been developed by fourth element for maximum waterproof effectiveness. Each seam is double glued and blindstitched, and then sealed on the inside with thermoflex tape.
The net result is a more comfortable seam next to the skin, which is stronger and also watertight.
Hydrolock
Developed by fourth element over 8 months of prototyping, this features a unique combination of glideskin, smoothskin and standard neoprene. The double seal virtually eliminates water ingress into the suit.
An internal back panel prevents water entering through the zip from reaching the back. The neck collar is lined with glideskin neoprene and fits snugly around the neck giving a smooth, complete seal. Then as the zip is pulled up, the outer neck seal which has a smoothskin seal, can be adjusted to fit.
The end result - a secure, comfortable seal at the neck, minimal chafing and less water ingress.
If on first donning the suit, the inner neck seal feels too tight, it can be relaxed slightly by stretching it over a small dive cylinder or a pudding bowl, or something similar overnight.
Thermoflex Construction
Using stretch neoprene in panels where maximum flexibility is needed (arms, underarms etc) and more compression resistant materials on the body core, where consistent protection at depth is required, the proteus suits are able to offer both warmth and comfort.
Durawear
A diver's wetsuit can take some serious abuse, especially in areas where it is in contact with the BCD and weightbelt.
Durawear patches have been applied to the critical areas of the proteus to minimise the abrasion for other equipment at the shoulders and around the waist. The stippled pattern on the chest of the suit maximises flexibility and thermal protection and helps to speed up drying time.
The plush lining helps to ease donning of the suit and increase thermal protection.
Glideskin
Smooth Glideskin at wrists and ankles provide a highly effective barrier to water ingress and eliminate water flush through.
In donning the suit - to avoid damaging the material, turn the seals up before putting the suit and and roll them down once the suit is on.
