Why Choose Merino Wool
Merino Wool features in the Pinnacle range of wetsuits. Merino has many great benefits so we have written this page to make sure you know what you could be missing out on if you don’t have one!
Pinnacle use New Zealand Merino for their wetsuits which are much finer compared to traditional wools, which makes them super comfortable next to the skin but maintain the colourfastness and durability of wool.
Check out the 5 key points below about Merino:
Merino Wool lining in wetsuits retain and absorb any water coming into the suit. The water that is retained swells in the Merino lining. It has been proven in laboratory tests that Merino wool holds 30% more water than good synthetic linings. Reason being, Merino fibers absorb moisture, whereas synthetics can’t. This therefore creates a water logged layer which can be up to 3mm between the skin and the neoprene. Merino releases a lot of heat as it absorbs water which helps you to warm your ‘water-skin’ faster; this is known as ‘exothermic’. The way that the Merino lining is weaved helps to reduce the movement of water inside the suit. Because this layer of saturated Merino is mainly water it means that it is not affected by depth. This means that the Merino retains its thermal insulating properties, whereas, as neoprene crushes it becomes less effective. When tested against synthetic linings by the British Technology Group, Merino was proven to offer a 35% increase in thermal efficiency, in both saturated and dry conditions.
Merino has a super soft composition and fine micron count which means it is not itchy against the skin like other wools. This soft composition reduces rashes which can be caused by constant movement in high action areas of the body such as under the arm. As Merino is able to draw moisture away from the fibers surface, it means you are less likely to get that sharp cold feeling associated with donning a damp suit.
Merino has a natural crimp and resilience which makes it much more resistant to abrasion and ‘Velcro-attack’ and also reduces the ability for soil particles to get stuck to your suit lining.
The uneven surface structure and good moisture absorption of the Merino helps to prevent the build-up of odour causing bacteria. Unlike synthetics, where these bacteria thrive on their flat surfaces. This means that your wetsuit will keep fresher and more hygienic for longer.
Synthetic linings are made from petrochemicals, whereas Merino is as natural and organic as your skin and is a sustainable resource. There are so many benefits of Merino lining, such as exothermic on wetting, more hygienic and is faster self draining than synthetic linings, but the best thing of all is that when you put a Merino lined wetsuit on it just feels right!
