Price: $299

Features: 3 mm neoprene with high-stretch nylon- and polyester-based exterior and interior laminate; glued and blindstitched seams with full interior taping; glideskin neoprene sealson wrist and ankles; rolled-edge smoothskin neck; full-length back zipper; pull-over secondary glideskin neck seal; high-fl ex embossed rubber patterning on knees, shoulders and waist; 1.5 mm Hydrolock neck dam.

Key Points: Secure sealing surfaces on wrists and ankles are complemented by Fourth Element’s proprietary Hydrolock Neck Seal, which features a 1.5 mm neoprene panel that attaches below the zipper, and is pulled up and over the neck to create a double seal, virtually eliminating water entry on the back and
maximizing insulation around the core.

Bottom Line: Top-notch patterning, straightforward (yet intelligent) design and superior workmanship come together in a suit that delivers both comfort and a high level of thermal protection. The Proteus pushes the insulation envelope for
3 mm products, and for some could provide a more compact alternative to a 5 mm suit.

www.fourthelement.com