My Drysuit Buying Experience
As the Canadian Diving season slows down for a few months, I thought this might be a good time to talk about my drysuit and buying experience.
When I decided it was time to buy a new drysuit, I went into my local dive shop. They recommended a semi-custom crushed neoprene suit with which they had been having great success and many happy customers. It was a well-known brand name, so we went ahead and placed the order.
After many months of promised (and missed) delivery dates and alleged quality checks, the suit finally arrived… and it didn’t fit. It was too short, and I couldn’t even get my shoulders into it. The local dive shop apologized, sending the suit back to the manufacturer. After another month, the suit came back…it still didn’t fit. It was nearly five (5) months since we placed the initial order, and at this point, I was fed up and cancelled the order.
As a next step, I started researching the best suit for me. I didn’t want a cheap suit; I wanted something that would last me for many years. Two drysuits kept rising to the top of the list for me throughout my research. The final determining factor was one suit was made in stock sizes only, and the other was custom-made.
I decided that I would proceed with a Fourth Element Argonaut 2.0 Flex, a custom suit made to my dimensions through a process they call Bio-Mapping. To ensure that this was the right choice, I did a little more research specific to the Argonaut, and I found some comments online, but many of them were pretty old. I was having difficulty finding any new comments or reviews.
Understanding that information online was, in some cases, quite old, I reached out to Fourth Element with some questions; to my surprise, they responded very quickly. Some of my questions and Fourth Element’s responses were:
Some comments online indicated problems with tape used on seams. Was this a problem previously, and how has it been rectified.
Fourth Element Response: Our early suits used a different seam construction and taping technique. On the 2.0 design, we changed the taping technology to a PU tape which we now put throughout the suit; we have had no seam leaks since changing to this new tape.
I understand that there may have been problems with Kevlar used in the suit. Is this correct, and is Kevlar still being used.
Fourth Element Response: We discontinued the use of Kevlar several years ago in favour of the new Stealth material.
Again, the questions I asked were based on online comments that were more than a year old. The information that I found online was regarding the previous version of the Argonaut. With answers in hand, my next stop was Fourth Element’s drysuit designer web page (check it out here). I should point out that a significant factor in my decision was the Fourth Element Bio-Mapping process, a suit designed precisely for me, not going off some chart and maybe getting one close etc.
Once I completed the design online, I went to my local Fourth Element dealer, but they had never used the Bio-mapping process before. After a few quick calls to the Fourth Element rep, the dealer ordered the Bio-Mapping kit, a Fourth Element floor mat that you stand on.
I returned to the dealer, took a few pictures, and placed the order. Before I got back in my vehicle, I had an e-mail from Fourth Element indicating that my order had been received.
A few days later, I started to get worried. I was wearing all black (Fourth Element Thermals) in the picture; what if the images were unclear? What if the suit was wrong? Fearing a repeat of the other manufacturer’s drysuit, I reached out to Fourth Element again, and once again, they replied, reassuring me as to their process.
Then only one (1) week after placing the order, I received an e-mail from Fourth Element indicating that my suit was “In Production”.
Three (3) weeks later, I received another e-mail indicating that my suit was in “Quality Control”.
Just a few hours later, I received another update, “Completed QC”, awaiting dispatch.
Only one day later, I received yet another e-mail indicating “Dispatched”
I was so excited! I had my new bespoke drysuit in six (6) weeks. Never before have I ever received communication and updates on anything like I did with this drysuit.
If you are considering a new drysuit, I can offer the following suggestions/observations regarding my Argonaut 2.0 drysuit:
Fourth Element
Argonaut 2.0 Drysuit
This suit fits amazingly well! The Bio-Mapping process is surprisingly accurate. All this from a few pictures and a few measurements.
Fourth Element asks what type of thermals you plan to use when ordering your suit. I chose standard as I did not want the suit to be too bulky. If you tell them that you will use many layers for near-freezing water, they will upsize the suit slightly. I have worn my J2 and Xerotherm without any problems. It does get a little tight if I also add Arctic Thermals. Not sure what is the best combination for you? Fourth Element has a layering guide to help (see it here).
I ordered the Tech Boots with my suit; they are amazing. I did order the boot to fit my actual foot size, which is suitable for a thick pair of socks. In warmer water (above 10°C), I tend to wear 200g/m2 or 400 g/m2 Woolpower Merino Wool Socks, which work and fit well. It is a snug fit if I go into colder water (below 10°C) using my Fourth Element Arctic Socks. If you plan to also partake in colder water diving, I would suggest considering upsizing your boot.
The dreaded “P-Valve” is one of the best investments I made in my suit. It is widely understood that dehydration can be a leading factor in DCS. With a P-Valve, you can stay hydrated right up to the dive and during surface intervals without worrying about being “that person” rushing to get their gear off to a washroom. The only change I have made was discarding the “valve” that came with the suit and upgrading to a Light Monkey Quick-Disconnect. If you’ve ever had to fumble with trying to get hooked up when putting your suit on, you will quickly realize the value of the quick disconnect. I would strongly recommend it. (I also purchased extra quick-disconnect ends and a spare hose. I never want a trip to be ruined by losing a part or a hose failure.)
I purchased my suit with the Silicone Neck Ring System just in case. Not only did I want the silicone seal for comfort and flexibility, but more importantly, in case of tearing the seal, I could quickly replace it and continue with my next dive. Imagine going on a trip you’ve been planning for months to blow a seal just before getting in the water.
I installed a different brand of dry gloves on my suit, but Fourth Element started offering the Ellipse Dryglove Attachment System shortly after. I cannot comment on this system, but it definitely would be something to try. I will also suggest getting the Fourth Element Xerotherm Wristwarmers; getting in and out of the sleeves with ease while allowing adequate air movement for the dry gloves is a game-changer.
The suit came with a changing mat, hood, talc powder, lubricant for the zipper, drybag (for your suit), and a nice Sitech inflator hose (click here). My only problem with the inflator hose is it’s too long for me as it is for a back-mount diver. As a sidemount diver, I only need a short, low-pressure inflator hose.
I have observed that not all dive shops have experience with the Argonaut. Although many dive shops carry the Fourth Element thermals, I have found that many will try to steer a diver towards their favourite house brand or an off-the-rack suit that they may already have in stock. Even the dive shop where I ordered my suit had been a Fourth Element dealer for nearly a decade, but my order was the first one they had ever placed (for an Argonaut). If you’ve done your research and know what you want, don’t settle for something less. Sometimes it may even involve going to a different dealer.
I am pleased with the suit after half a year of diving with my Fourth Element Argonaut Flex. This review is not sponsored; this is my own opinion. Would I buy another one? Yes, without a doubt. I would order a slightly larger suit to accommodate more thermals with my desire to dive into several cold-water locations like Newfoundland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, the UK, and even Greenland. It would most likely be an upgrade to the Stealth Hybrid.
I will leave you with one last thought: I have been out diving with others who chose a different brand of drysuit, specifically the other suit that I had considered before choosing Fourth Element. The most common question from other divers is, “Can you help zip me up!” Gotta love the front entry!
