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With everything we have done since we first introduced the Archimedes we have had one key goal in mind...
“To deliver the fastest wetsuit, with the feeling of not wearing a wetsuit"
The Archimedes, for us, was the best suit we could of designed at the time. Materials, production methods and research saw us create the best of the moment... So what has brought about the change to the Archimedes 2? Research, challenging production and learning, from pushing the bar of expectation beyond anything the wetsuit market has ever seen.
Then there’s the lab, ‘The real lab’, helping us to look deeper into modulus of materials and methods of construction, the lab that helped ensure we were maximising the properties of neoprene foam and the lining whilst taking that into account in the construction. The lab that has taught us more about stabilisation for a strong foundation, for the swim stroke and the lab that has taught us about muscle release and ‘Non-suit’ reaches and feel. The design of the Archimedes 2 was a process of focus. An intense focus on a few key areas that, by working with our factories and research team, we knew we could accomplish. It revolved around flexibility and creating the ‘non-suit’ feel, which then led to improved efficiency.
Flexibility
Through observing how Chloroprene foam moves, stretches and behaves with differing lining materials (especially when we marry it with construction and stitch patterns), we have been able to further enhance the flexibility and reach. The Archimedes II has a 25% reduction in the neoprene thickness of the panels around the side, the back and shoulders - utilising 1mm Chloroprene foam, and the most flexible lining materials available. The under arm gusset has been remodelled with improved ‘mechanical reach’ with a detailed analysis of the stitch location. The super flexible material in the lateral panels with thickness reduction allows ‘Non-suit’ feel and reach. The improved design and application of new materials delivers an arm-reach modulus reduction of 18%, in other words, less effort for more stretch.
Non Suit Feel
During the two-year testing period we have strived to reach the ‘Non-suit’ bench mark. It was ITU Athlete and ‘more first out the water than any other’ ITU star Richard Varga whose comment satisfied that search;
“I knew I was wearing the most flexible wetsuit, but now I am wearing the most flexible swimskin, it just doesn’t feel like I am wearing a wetsuit, my speed tells me I am, but the feel tells me I am wearing something like I have never before experienced” - Richard Varga (First out of the swim more than any other ITU triathlete)
“Wow, that is fast, and so comfortable, what have you done? It doesn’t look much different from the first Archimedes, but it feels incredible” - Raoul Shaw (The only triathlete who challenged Richard Varga, 1500m P.B 15:05)
Improved Efficiency
The X-O skeleton is a unique proposition from Huub, researched using ‘active drag’ the only company testing and using the most effective and accurate measurement. Measurement of Active drag (M.A.D) shows us what happens when the athlete is swimming, not being towed or pulled - where inaccuracies are rife. We use a cross section of measurement, but the M.A.D is the most accurate and most reliable. The X-O Skeleton delivers structure and control to reduce snaking, power loss and directional waste by gripping and holding the pelvis and hips. Research by Professor Huub Toussaint has taught us many things, and one of those is the secret to improving stroke efficiency, whilst controlling other parts of the body. We don’t want to give too much away, there are more products to come that have benefitted from this research... lets just say; “the more control, the more efficiency.” The x-o-skeleton has been increased by 80% in the Archimedes 2 to deliver more control.
Calf Release™ and Bicep Release™
The Calf Release has seen an increase in volume by 25%, giving the calf more coverage of the lower modulus and non-restrictive super thin nylon. We have reduced the thickness to below 1mm to ensure natural calf movement; this improves kick by lack of restriction and significantly reduces the risk of cramping during swim and transition. The Bicep Release has an improved modulus to further enhance the panel’s ability to create a natural flexed recovery arm and efficient arm flex for the catch.
The Bicep release was the brain-child of Swimsmooth’s Paul Newsome and has proved to be a unique feature that only a swim stroke analyst with his obsessive nature could create - thank you Paul and Team Swimsmooth. We strived to improve the modulus from the neoprene versus the biceps panel and the results couldn’t be more exciting.
Low Neck Line
We know we have the most comfortable neck in the wetsuit industry. We don’t fold and stitch, we refuse to create a tourniquet of rubber to restrict breathing and flexibility ...we stood alone and we will stand by this simple and effective design.
Neoprene 76% - Nylon 24%
