ION Element 5/4 Frontzip Wetsuit : £149.95

ION's Element level represents a premium all-rounder wetsuit guaranteed to deliver a lot of bang for your buck!

Offering comfort and protection in all the right places, it’s the perfect entry-level suit for keen watermen.

Supple, stretchy and robust, it also includes many features from the more technical end of the range.

Features:

• Hot Stuff Neoprene:
  The Hot Stuff 2.0 comes with a plushier feel due to larger loops that trap more air for heat insulation. It is the stretchiest thermo lining in ION's entire range.
• Silk Stuff:
  Smooth inside lining for a comfortable feeling on bare skin. Despite its snuggly appearance it proves to be really hard core when it comes to the interior's superb flexible characteristics.
• Fully Glued Blind-Stitch Water Sealing:
  The edges of the neoprene panels are covered with a highly adhesive, UV resistant contact glue which needs to dry for a few minutes. Then the glue is applied a second time to make it more sticky. Once the corresponding parts of the neoprene edges are put together by hand and then firmly squeezed with an electric pressing tool cm by cm to achieve the high tearing strength, the seams are stitched on the inside with a special blind-stitch sewing machine. A curved needle pokes through the neoprene layer and applies an elastic seam on the outside. By using this technique, the seam is highly tear proof, elastic and completely watertight and provides insulation and comfort.
• Water Gate Batwing Panel:
  An extra neoprene layer behind the zipper. If water penetrates the suit, the watergate will guide it out through the water drain hole.
• Gate Keeper Easy Entry:
  A Velcro patch on the upper part of the batwing makes it possible to fix the batwing on the neck closure. This prevents the Water Gate back panel from rolling up inside and helps you grabbing it without the help of an assisting buddy. The Velcro patches of the batwing and neck closure are now provided with a red label, so you can easily see how to close it.
• Seam Reinforcements:
  All stress points are reinforced and secured by melco tape from the inside to ensure a longer lifespan of the seams.
• Velcro Fix Neck:
  A small Velcro patch on the outside of the closure flap can quickly be fixed on the leg open for easy entry or exit.
• Drainholes for water release:
  Quick water release when needed in order to combat water accumulation inside the wetsuit. The Drain_Holes are secured in place from the inside and won't expand.
• Double Side Entry:
  For hassle-free entry, simply pull the front zip over your head from whatever side you prefer.
• Supratex reinforcement on the knees:
  Protection panels on the knees with flex zones for bending and highest abrasion resistance.
• Contour Cut:
  To improve mobility and comfort, all ion wetsuits now come with a contour cut. It enhances the flexibility in the collar, wrist, ellbow, instep and the hollow of the knee.
• 5mm Body / Arms / Legs

How does a wetsuit work?
A wetsuit creates a barrier against the elements utilizing the insulating properties of closed cell neoprene.

Neoprene is a closed cell foam made up of thousands of tiny air bubbles known as cells.

The air within the cells creates an insulating barrier which slows down the conduction of heat and cold and allows body heat to be retained.

Neoprene:
The thickness of the neoprene utilized in a wetsuit will determine its warmth and flexibility.

A thick wetsuit provides a lot of insulation but can inhibit flexibility.

A thin wetsuit will be very flexible but can inhibit insulation.

The key is to get the right combination of warmth and flexibility so the wetsuit will not only keep you warm, but provide maximum flexibility as well.

What is a steamer wetsuit ? 
A 'Steamer' is a wetsuit with sealed seams, usually achieved by blind stitching.

This stops the majority of cold water from re-entering the suit once your body has initially heated it up.

Winter wetsuits are steamers typically with a 5mm body and legs for warmth and 3mm arms for manoeuvrability.