RF Collection FAQ’s

What’s the difference between Open Cell and Closed Cell neoprene for Freediving Wetsuits?

All neoprene, whether open cell or closed cell, is impermeable to water.

Open cell is raw neoprene with no linings. The porous nature of neoprene creates millions of tiny suction cups that stick to the skin making it hard for water to get in. The absence of  linings makes it very flexible but fragile. 

Closed cell neoprene has a lining, either fabric or by heat application, in effect closing the cells. The suits made from closed cell are less flexible but more durable, and less susceptible to tears especially when donning and doffing. Closed cell neoprene wetsuits tend to be slightly more buoyant.

Closed cell suits can be stitched, glued and taped on the seams, whilst open cell has to be glued.

Are the RF1 and RF2 suits open cell or closed cell?

All neoprene, whether open cell or closed cell, is impermeable to water.

Our recreational freediving suits are closed cell but have very technical linings to closely mirror the benefits of an open cell suit.

The robust inner linings on our RF1 suit ensure that the freedive wetsuit is more versatile than open cell suits, but water ingress is minimised by the smooth cell lining at the ankle and cuffs.

The inner of our RF2 suit has a smooth cell Metalite coating; this provides extra warmth retention and is more robust than traditional open cell.

The seams are waterproof through a combination of gluing and stitching

Why are there different linings in different areas?

The different linings are used to give maximum flexibility and warmth without compromising on durability, and are used in specific areas of the suit to enable optimum performance.

FRAGILE

Metalite/open cell

Smooth skin

Glideskin

Neospan 

Supratex / Nylon / M Flex

DURABLE

How do I wear the RF Vest?

The RF freediving neoprene vest is designed to be worn with the RF1 freedive suit for additional warmth. You should select the vest size that matches your wetsuit size. The vest has been designed to allow room to fit over the suit.

The freediving neoprene vest pulls over the top of the suit without impinging mobility, adding a 3mm hood and additional 3mm of thermal protection to the body core for cooler waters or longer dives.

Should I make ear holes in the neoprene hoods? How do I do that?

Many freedivers prefer ear holes in their hoods for ease of equalizing quickly and effectively. The holes let in a small amount of air to stop the hood squeezing into the ear as the pressure builds.

The hood of the RF2 does not have pre-made holes, so if you want to add them, many divers use a red hot thick needle or the end of a paperclip to make a small hole, having marked the spot with a sharpie beforehand.

Equally, you can try simply letting a bit of water into your hood/ears at the outset of your dive. The only down-side is somewhat reduced hearing on the surface.


What is the best way of putting on the freediving wetsuits?

PUTTING ON THE RF1

Our RF1 Freediving wetsuit is designed for warm water recreational freediving. This 3mm suit is easy to don, yet effectively sealed by Smoothskin seals at the wrists, ankles and neck.

1. Push a foot into one of the legs until the ankle seals are in the right position around the ankles.
2. Gently bunch the neoprene on one leg and pull upwards until the knee is in the correct position, then repeat with the other leg.
3. Ease the neoprene up towards the torso until it is correctly placed covering hips and waist.
4. Push one hand into the arm until the wrist seal is in the right position around the wrist.
5. Gently ease the neoprene up the arm until the arm and shoulder is in the suit.
6. Repeat with the other arm.
7. Reach for the inner hydrolock seal and pull it forward over your head. If you find it is tight, lean forward holding the seal, then stand upright and try again.
8. Grab the zip line and pull up the zip before securing with the velcro seal.

If you find any stage difficult, try putting the suit on in water, or using an eco-friendly suit lube or diluted ocean-friendly conditioner inside the suit.

PUTTING ON THE RF2

For our RF2 Cold Water Freediving Wetsuit, we recommend using an eco-friendly suit lube for donning and doffing, or as above, putting the suit on in water or using an ocean-friendly diluted conditioner.

  1. 1. Rinse the inside of the leggings thoroughly with the lube.
  2. 2. Push a foot into one leg of the leggings until the ankle seals are in the right position around the ankle. 
  3. 3. Gently bunch the neoprene on one leg and ease upwards until the knee is in the correct position, then repeat with the other leg. 
  4. 4. Ease the neoprene up towards the stomach until it is correctly placed covering hips and waist, and the seal sits flat against the torso.
  5. 5. Rinse the inside of the jacket thoroughly with the lube, insert your arms and then slide the jacket over the head, pulling the neck seal down over your head gently.
  6. 6. Bring the jacket down over the top of the leggings and fasten the beaver tail clips.

Which is the best lube to use?

We recommend using an eco-friendly suit lube such as Stream2Sea for donning and doffing this freediving wetsuit with ease, without leaving a residue harmful to the environment.

Do I need lube for the RF socks?

No, but you may find it easier to pull the socks on whilst your feet are in water or at least wet. Don’t forget to still wear footwear over the socks whilst you are on land or on the boat.


How should I store the wetsuit?

Once completely dry, hang on a non-wire clothes hanger, out of direct sunlight or heat.

How should I care for the wetsuit?

Hand wash the wetsuit and dip in clean, cool water after each use.
Hang to dry out of direct sunlight.

What is the best way of repairing a nick in the neoprene?

We recommend using a neoprene glue such as Blackwitch. Please contact us at info@fourthelement.com if you are unsure.