Review: Fourth Element’s RF2 Freediving Wetsuit

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review:-fourth-element’s-rf2-freediving-wetsuit

Fourth Ingredient returns this year with the 6/5/4mm RF2 wetsuit! Last year, I had the chance to review the first freediving wetsuit they ever developed, the one-section RF1 3/2mm paired with the RF vest 3mm. After, it was my wintry climate wetsuit for the wintry November-April waters of Xiao Liuqiu, Taiwan! Whereas I felt astronomical warm in the RF1, I did omit inserting on a two-section wetsuit and having an integrated hood. So, after I heard that Fourth Ingredient came out with a two-section wetsuit, I begged for the likelihood to review it!

First Impressions

Fourth Element RF2 wetsuit in Small / Short
Fourth Ingredient RF2 wetsuit in Little / Quick.

Oh, how I truly indulge in the be taught about of the RF2! It seems extremely-real with its minimalistic logo on the chest and colorful print on the facet of the hood and on the support of the jacket. You most efficient salvage to be taught about at the beavertail closure’s stitching and the glued and blindstitched seams to just like the glaring quality of the building. There is Glideskin across the shoulders and on the hood that’s advertised to present most hydrodynamic capabilities, and lined outer panels spherical the core, fingers, and legs for additonal durability. Additionally, the face seal of the jacket and waist of the pants salvage Smoothskin for optimal sealing.

Fourth Element logo on the back of the RF2 wetsuit
Fourth Ingredient logo on the support of the RF2 wetsuit.

The inner of the wetsuit is lined with start cell Metalite neoprene for additonal heat retention and a sturdier assemble. It’s identified that Fourth Ingredient is an authority in chilly-water diving, so that they deliberately positioned 4, 4.5, 5, and 6mm limestone neoprene in key areas to sustain you warm precisely the put you’d like it (while quiet allowing you tubby mobility!).

Details of the beavertail closure on the Fourth Element RF2 wetsuit
Little print of the beavertail closure on the Fourth Ingredient RF2 wetsuit.

I also must highlight that the neoprene in the RF2 makes exhaust of limestone rather than petrochemicals to safe rubber chips, which has a lot much less affect on the atmosphere. The rubber worn in the neoprene is recycled by their wetsuit factory from post-particular person scrap tires, which greatly reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the fable in the wetsuit is dope-dyed, which saves tons of water, reduces water pollution, and likewise reduces energy consumption. Any trimmed materials from wetsuit manufacturing are recycled and reused to invent extra neoprene, saving astronomical quantities of uncooked cloth and minimizing wastewater and air emissions.

Fourth Element logos on the front of the RF2 wetsuit
Fourth Ingredient trademarks on the entrance of the RF2 wetsuit.

Whereas producing freediving wetsuits quiet impacts the atmosphere, Fourth Ingredient makes it a utter of their mission to minimize their affect as a lot as imaginable, which is one thing I procure uncommon and admirable about them as an organization.

Freediving Performance

Placing on the RF2 used to be surprisingly a dream. I truly salvage most efficient worn a 5mm wetsuit as soon as or twice old to and felt (and possibly regarded) indulge in a snowman due to the the single thickness of the neoprene and absence of paneling. Nonetheless, the RF2 slid with out wretchedness onto my physique with appropriate honest a cramped lube and with the smallest amount of wrestle. The mobility of this wetsuit is also one thing otherworldly – I could well additionally location my fingers subsequent to my physique with out power and my fluctuate of movement used to be utterly intact! I in fact didn’t know this used to be imaginable with wetsuits thicker than 3mm, and this is implausible on epic of I find chilly very with out wretchedness.

Fourth Element RF2 with the Aquanaut mask
Fourth Ingredient RF2 with the Aquanaut screen.

The streamlined fit is principally the most spectacular out of any well-liked-sized wetsuits I’ve tried, and I especially admire that it’s likely you’ll perchance well possibly gain rapid and enough wetsuits when picking your size (I selected Little / Quick for my 163cm / 5’4” sisters!). Forward of getting into the water, I stuffed my wetsuit with some freshwater to sustain cool except I reached the dive location. Thanks to this, I’m in doubt if saltwater even entered my wetsuit except I purposely flooded my hood. Don’t train someone, however I was even honest a cramped bit skittish to pee in it since the seal used to be so upright!

In my belief, I figured out the neck to be a cramped bit stiffer than I’m worn to, nonetheless, it didn’t truly have an effect on my dives. I also on the total wear 3mm wetsuits or much less, so this would possibly occasionally seemingly perchance well additionally merely appropriate be one thing to find worn to for thicker wetsuits.

Fourth Element RF2 Wetsuit
Fourth Ingredient RF2 wetsuit.

The RF2’s performance in the water used to be appropriate as anticipated from a excessive-quality wetsuit – fabulous. The adaptations in thickness intended that I didn’t appropriate salvage a single thick layer of neoprene masking my physique, forcing myself to wear manner too a lot lead weight to offset it. I was warm, I used to indulge in, my stage of flexibility used to be rather intact, and nothing on the wetsuit pinched or poked into my pores and skin. I’m truly aroused to dive and educate this wintry climate due to the the RF2!

Final Thoughts

Very happy with my Fourth Element RF2 Freediving Wetsuit
Very gay with my Fourth Ingredient RF2 Freediving Wetsuit!

What a wetsuit – Fourth Ingredient’s RF2 has utterly modified my perspective on chilly-water diving! From the glaring quality of the materials worn and wetsuit building to the strategic placement of differing neoprene thicknesses for complete warmth and mobility, this is undoubtedly my recent well-liked chilly-water wetsuit! I also admire the handsome be taught about of it and in fact feel proud to wear a product from an organization that tries to be as environmentally aware as imaginable. This wetsuit is an absolute must-salvage for freedivers in cooler waters and I will’t recommend it enough!

Aspects

  • Streamlined minimize
  • Varied thickness for optimized consolation and performance
  • Flexible and warm ‘start cell’ (Metalite) lining
  • Smoothskin face seal and waist panel for optimal sealing
  • Glideskin outer panels for maximized hydrodynamics
  • Glued and blindstitched in the course of
  • Beavertail closure
  • Supratex bolstered lined outer
  • Limestone neoprene
  • Ergonomic seams for ease of movement
  • 90% neoprene / 10% nylon

Price

  • RF1 Jacket – $325 USD / €303 EUR / £259 GBP
  • RF1 Leggings – $209 USD / €195 EUR / £166 GBP

Plot shut It Now

RF2 Freediving Wetsuit - Fourth Element


RF2 Freediving Wetsuit — Fourth Ingredient

From $325 USD / €303 EUR / £259 GBP

Streamlined and excessive-performance, this two-section freediving wetsuit has been developed for freedivers who must ride most freedom and final warmth.