PINNACLE AQUATICS, the latest entry into the North American thermal protection and accessory market, is proud to introduce its patented Merino™ lining system, to be used exclusively in its high-end suits. Merino™ offers warmth and comfort never before available to wetsuit divers.

At DEMA, PINNACLE will be displaying its full line of products, but expects to make the most noise with its patented Merino™ lining system. Merino™, which is a patented fabric, adds warmth and comfort to a wetsuit without adding thickness or buoyancy. Independent scientific testing performed by the British Textile Technology Group has proven a 35% increase in effective insulation over standard wetsuit linings. This makes a 7mm suit as warm as a 9.45mm suit, without the increased cost, buoyancy, and restriction of movement associated with a thicker suit. A 4mm glove lined with Merino™ is nearly the same as a 6mm glove, yet leaving the diver with all the dexterity of the lighter glove.

Merino's™ additional warmth comes from two main properties, unique to the fabric. The first is that Merino™ has a greater capacity to supersaturate and hold water, keeping a layer of up to 3mm of warm water between a diver's skin and the neoprene of the suit. In fact, in laboratory tests, Merino™ held over 30% more water than the best synthetic linings.

Because of PINNACLE'S unique and technologically advanced wrist, ankle, and neck sealing systems, a minimal amount of water enters the suit and almost none transfers throughout the dive. This means that the small amount of water that does enter the suit stays there and warms as it insulates the diver, keeping them warm and comfortable throughout longer and deeper dives.

The second unique characteristic of Merino™ is that it is exothermic, which means that it actually gives off a measurable amount heat in a physical reaction as it absorbs water.

Merino's™ capacity for insulation was first discovered by a company that produces performance clothing for extreme triathletes, who demand the most from their gear because of the wildly varying climactic conditions that they face during a single competition. PINNACLE saw this and immediately realized the potential benefit to divers, developed the Merino™ further for aquatic use, and developed the patented application for wetsuits that is just becoming available to North American divers today.

Because of Merino's™ super soft composition and fine micron count, there is none of the prickle often associated with wools. The softness of the fabric, as well as its natural origins, eliminates rashes in high-movement areas and the possibility of allergic reactions. Additionally, because of Merino's™ ability to draw water away from the fabric's surface, it reduces the cold and clammy feeling associated with donning a damp suit.

Merino's™ excellent moisture absorption and uneven surface structure help prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria, keeping the suit fresh and clean. Its natural crimp and resilience make it resistant to abrasion and from "Velcro attack", while reducing the ability of soil particles to stick to a suit's lining.

Ever sensitive to the environment, PINNACLE has developed Merino™ keeping in mind that it is a renewable, natural resource. Unlike the petrochemicals used to produce most of today's synthetic wetsuit linings, Merino™ is as natural and organic as a baby's skin.

The exclusive patented Merino™ lining is available only on PINNACLE'S Arctic, Polar, and Elite suits, as well as in a hooded vest and a glove. PINNACLE also makes over 30 other models of wetsuits, drysuits, undergarments, bags, and accessories.

PINNACLE began selling its line in North America earlier this month. At the DEMA Show, PINNACLE will be formally introducing its full line of wetsuits, drysuits, boots, gloves, hoods, bags, and belts at DEMA booth #2737

You can get more information about PINNACLE AQUATICS, Merino™, and all of PINNACLE'S fine products at www.PinnacleAquatics.com, by e-mail at [email protected], or by calling 925-606-8300.