Fourth Element Undersuits

Diving in the UK can be demanding especially in winter when the water temperature at inland diving sites can drop lower than freezing point. With the development of decompression techniques and mixed gas technology, the limiting factor in divers’ bottom time is becoming less about nitrogen loading and more about the limitations of the human body’s endurance to extremes of temperature. Fourth Element’s range of thermal undersuits are ideal for UK diving, allowing divers to select the most appropriate combination of garments to suit the conditions in which they are diving. They have 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.

Combining Thermal Layers

The Fourth Element thermal dersuit garments are designed to be used as part of a layering system which may be modified according to diving conditions. As a general rule, begin with a wicking base layer next to the skin - choose from either Drybase or Xerotherm. Then add a mid layer usually the Arctic, or in very cold conditions, a SubX. The Ozone outer layer can be worn over the Xerotherm or the Arctic. You may find certain combinations work better for your style of diving, your drysuit and your personal temperature tolerance.

Safety Warning

There is no generally valid rule about what suit to wear at different water temperatures. An individual diver's physical condition, body morphology, rate of work and working conditions and any recent exposure to cold, will influence how long he or she can tolerate exposure to different temperatures. There will always exist great individual variability in thermal tolerance. The temperatures shown are approximate ranges for comfort for the different thermal performance of suit materials. The thermal performance of the suit material can be significantly reduced at depth.

Fourth Element Drybase

Cotton holds perspiration and moisture next to the skin where it can feel clammy, cold and uncomfortable. Drybase is the high wicking underwear system for drysuit diving from Fourth Element. Using ultra fast wicking fabric, the Drybase garments are the ideal alternative to cotton underneath a thinsulate or other undersuit. The garments' exceptional wicking performance means that the skin is kept dry and the wearer is much more comfortable during and after the dive, and is able to get the most out for the performance of their undersuit.

Features:

· Ultra Fast Wicking

· Flat Seams for Comfort

· 2 Piece (top and leggings) for a Better Fit

Fourth Element Xerotherm

The Xerotherm is the ultimate base layer for use under a drysuit. 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. It provides astonishing warmth without contributing to bulk or buoyancy.

Features:

· Polartech Powerstretch Material

· Lightweight

· Flat Seams for Comfort

· Thumb Loops

Fourth Element Actic

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.

Features:

· Dual Layer Insulation

· Low Bulk Insulation

· Performs when Wet

· Machine Washable

· Arctice Users

Fourth Element Ozone

The Ozone outer layer complements the Arctic, Xerotherm and Drybase as part of a complete thermal protection system. Windproof and waterproof, the Ozone layer is designed to be worn over the Arctic and/or Xerotherm to provide additional warmth, and to provide weather protection before and between dives. The soft shell outer fabric has been developed to maximise warmth for very little additional bulk and the system of vents ensures management of air within the drysuit is not hindered by the undergarments.

Features:

· Gill Vents – Arms and Wrist

· Auxiliary Vents

· Removable Crotch Strap

· Wrist / Ankle Cuffs

Fourth Element SubX

The SubX thermal undersuit has been developed for use with membrane and trilaminate drysuits, and all independent testers have rated it as the warmest undersuit they have tried. Windproof and waterproof, the undersuit consists of a jacket and salopette or 'farmer john' giving maximum protection to the body core. The SubX will also continue to provide thermal protection if it becomes wet, either by a leak or more fundamental failure of the drysuit. This is an undersuit designed for extreme diving conditions and has been tested in temperatures of -2°(29F).

Features:

· Pockets Vents

· Arm vents

· Removable Crotch Strap

· 2 Way Zip

· Secure Foot Stirrups

· Product Care Info

Fourth Element Hotfoot

A double layer of high insulation materials ensure that Hotfoot socks provide maximum thermal protection for the feet – one of the first parts of the body to feel the cold during a dive. High density fleece combined with water resistant outer fabric creates a comfortable, dry and warm microclimate for the feet. Designed to fit the feet, these socks will stay on when taking off your drysuit, unlike some other drysuit socks.

Features:

· Water Resistant Exterior

· Fleece Lining

· Snug "no slip" Fit