C-Skins Pioneer Wetsuit Testing – The Deep Freeze Tests

C-Skins Wetsuits kick off F/W 14 by unveiling a pioneering and until now top-secret wetsuit testing program that is taking wetsuit development and technical testing to new levels.

The cold water wetsuit brand is stoked to unveil their Winter Wetsuit R&D Tests which have been named ‘The Deep Freeze Tests’. C-Skins Wetsuits spend the day in a high security climatic testing facility to test the new W’14/15 HotWired Wetsuits. The end result – DryKnit lining.

The idea first popped into the mind of Mark Brown, C-Skins Technical Director when he watched a clip online showing a vehicle being tested in a climatic wind tunnel which utilised blizzard-making capability and wondered if wetsuits could be tested in a similar way. He liked the idea so much that a year and a half down the line we can see the wetsuit tests and the developments in full. “Being able to test and develop wetsuits in a controlled environment (alongside more traditional means) really appealed because it would mean that we could get some highly accurate data to enable us to make the best choices when it comes to wetsuit development (material innovations, panel position, neoprene thickness etc). Using thermocouples to monitor internal body temperatures and using Infrared cameras to monitor heat loss (external temperatures). It was also vital to learn more about the relationship between a wetsuit and the user and for the tests to be repeatable in the future”. Mark adds “It was really cool to be able to finally put some science into our suits and to have some hard facts. I’m kind of tired of always hearing these claims from wetsuit companies without the evidence. Its also important to remember that using these tests in conjunction with our team rider ‘in the water’ tests just adds to our ability to make the right decisions as we move forwards and develop our wetsuits. Using proven team rider testing feedback plus science is the only way forwards.

To find out more about these tests please visit c-skins.com/Europe where you can see a full test video, results and analysis.

C-Skins Wetsuits are an independently owned & run wetsuit company, whose sole focus is on producing premium wetsuits and accessories that keep you out in the lineup longer.