Fourth Element
Fourth Element are the leaders when it comes to undersuits and thermal protection, this page breaks down some of the technolgies used and explains some of the great features.
To learn more about Fourth Element technoloiges read down, alternatively go straight to the Fourth Element department.
Features
An ultimate base layer for use under a drysuit, the Xerotherm is made using Polartec® Powerstretch® which was initially developed for NASA. The Xerotherm traps a layer of insulating air next to the skin which keeps the wearer dry and more comfortable.
The Xerotherm has been designed to be worn either on its own under and crushed neoprene drysuit or under a padded undersuit and provides a surprising amount of warmth without contributing to bulk.
Photo shows award winning underwater film maker Doug Allan wearing Xerotherm on location in Svalbard Norway.
Technology
Warm
The Xerotherm base layer has been designed with versatility in mind as it either can be used on its own underneath neoprene drysuits, under the Arctic, trilaminate or any other undersuit.
Lightweight
The unique knit and construction, using a specialised PolartecÆ fabric, ensures Xerotherm is the most effective next to the skin garment for guaranteeing comfort and warmth in tough environmental conditions.
Fast Wicking
By being made from a fast wicking fabric, the Xerotherm allows moisture to be moved away from the skin surface. The fibres of the material prevent the suit from contacting the skin so that air, which is a far superior insulator, is held at the skin's surface dramatically decreasing conductive heat loss from the body.
Hardwearing
The life of the Xerotherm garment is prolonged by its unique, abrasion resistant outer .
All-way Stretch
All-directional stretch provides unrivalled freedom of movement, allowing the wearer to carry out non-restricted diving procedures whilst ensuring comfort.
Versatile
The Xerotherm dramatically improves warmth and comfort when worn as a baselayer under membrane suits or existing thermal protection such as the Xerotherm Arctic. Whilst under neoprene drysuits, the low bulk and high performance provides exceptional protection whilst maintaining the freedom of movement.
Features
Divevolution
The Arctic from Fourth Element is a high performance system for divers in extreme conditions. Fourth Element has combined the outstanding performance of their Xerotherm with extra thermal layering.
Warm
With fast wicking and high insulation fabrics the Arctic creates a micro climate for the wearer which keeps the body warm and dry. The Arctic has a high density inner fleece which gives a greater insulation, comfort and wicking as the outer layer with its water repellant finish gives a snug fit.
Versatile
The Arctic is suitable for you to wear all year round. Either under neoprene drysuits or membrane suits in the summer.
Technology
Extreme Performance
The Arctic has two layers to create a microclimate next to the skin greatly increasing the retention of body heat when you dive, created uniquely by using low volume and high insulation materials.
High density fleece used in the Arctic which traps air next to the skin and wicks moisture away from suit leaks or perspiration to make sure there is a dry zone next to the skin. The outer layer is made from abrasion resistant, high stretch material which doesn’t allow air to be trapped nor will it interfere with the use of auto dump valves.
Function
The Arctic outperforms drysuits as it continues to provide thermal protection even when wet. It is designed to maximise performance and fit which in turn provides a protection to the body including the feet.
The Arctic is machine washable for additional convenience.
Verstility
The Arctic can be worn underneath neoprene or membrane drysuits and to provide even more protection during diving conditions the Xerotherm base can be worn. (link to layering system page)
The Thermocline Garments from Fourth Element increase the thermal protection of the body core. This makes a huge difference in warmth and comfort.
The Thermocline fabric has neutral buoyancy which means no extra lead is needed to compensate for additional thermal protection and you are able to enjoy longer dives. The fleece lining of the Thermocline fabric feels nice next to the skin and is hypoallergenic which creates an ideal barrier for people with neoprene skin allergies.
You will find the Thermocline garments practical as they have an antimicrobial treatment used on them to prevent the build up of odours. However, they are fully machine washable so can easily be refreshed! Plus, they are fast drying and can often dry during a surface interval of only an hour in tropical conditions.
Another great feature of the Thermocline suits is that there is no need to worry about squashing the suit into your travel bag as they cannot be damaged by folding like neoprene
The Ozone outer layer complements the Artic, Xerotherm and Drybase as part of a complete thermal protection system.
Technology
Function
Windproof and waterproof, the Ozone combines innovative design with high performance fabrics offering flexibility and enhanced protection. The Ozone layer is designed to be worn over the Arctic and/or Xerotherm to provide additional warmth, and to protect the wearer from the elements, before and between dives.
Innovation
The unique gill vents on the left shoulder and both wrists maintain resistance to wind and water but also allow air to escape through the shoulder and cuff dump valves. The pockets in both the trousers and the jacket perform a second function as vents ensuring free moment of air within the undersuit.
Performance
The soft shell outer fabric has been developed to maximise warmth for very little additional bulk. Micro fleece is bonded to a breathable, waterproof membrane; and a hardwearing outer layer ensures good abrasion resistance and low friction with the inside of the drysuit.
Features
Gill vents in the arm and wrists ensure air can be released through shoulder and cuff dump valves.
Auxiliary vents in the back and armpits help to ensure air movement within the undersuit, whatever the divers orientation in the water.
Adjustable wrist and ankle cuffs can be tightened before donning the drysuit.
Water resistant zips increase integrity against the elements.
Removable elasticated crotch strap keeps jacket in place and prevents riding up during the dive.
 Pocket Vents
Pocket vents on the Jacket and Salopettes can be securely zipped and have mesh lining which allows them to be opened to act as a vent during diving. This will help prevent air getting trapped and will speed up the process of dumping air from the dry suit. |
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 Arm Vents
Made of stiff mesh material the arm vent will allow air to be released easily through the shoulder dump and will not interfere with the dump valve. The interior fabric has a windproof lining to prevent wind chill during the surface interval, thus making the jacket useful in its own right. |
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 Removable Crotch Strap
To help ensure the jackets stays in place and doesn’t ride up when you dive a removable crutch strap has been fitted. This is easily removed when you have finished diving. |
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 Overall Features
SubX is 100% Machine Washable but shouldn’t be tumble dried. If you do not have access to a washing machine and your suit gets wet during a dive it can be dried inside out by rolling the suit from the bottom up to expel any excess water, then hang it to dry. |
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Features
The SubX has been developed by Fourth Element for use underneath dry suits both membrane and trilaminate. All independent testers have voted it as the warmest under suit they have ever used.
Being both windproof, and waterproof. The suit consists of a jacket and salopettes giving maximum warmth to the body core. Due to its unique fabric it will also continue to provide warmth if it becomes wet, either by a leak or suit failure.
The outer material is made up of a trilaminate material comprising a nylon/polyester outer and microfibre inner, bonded to a breathable, but waterproof membrane. The inner material is shearling fleece ensuring you stay both warm and dry.
The SubX range has been designed with the dive and the surface interval in mind. Practical pockets double as vents during the dive to help prevent air being trapped in the suit, cuffs at the wrists and ankles are adjustable and a large vented patch on the arm has a wind proof backing to prevent windchill when not wearing a drysuit, but allowing air to escape from the auto dump when diving.
Features
Wearing a cotton shirt under an undersuit can actually leave divers feeling colder and clammy compared to no barrier at all as cotton holds moisture close to the skin causing the diver to feel uncomfortable.
Fourth Elements new underwear system for drysuit diving is the ultra fast wicking fabric, Drybase, which is the perfect alternative to cotton especially worn under a thinsulate or other undersuit. Drybase ensures skin is kept dry due to its exceptional wicking behaviour so that a wearer remains comfortable before, during and after a dive which ultimately allows them to get the most out of their undersuit.
