Getting the details right always separates the "pretty good" from the "gotta have it." Bare's Velocity line definitely falls into the latter category. Two design features you'll run into over and over again with these suits are the use of stretch panels and quality wrist, neck and face seals. The stretch panels make for a suit comfortable enough to hang out in all day. The seals cut down on water exchange during the dive, so you're not always giving up your hard-earned warm water for fresh cold water. Bare's 5/4 Velocity fullsuit uses a 5 mm body with 4 mm Hydrostretch arm and back panels. These panels extend from the neck across the top of the shoulders to the full length of the arms, giving plenty of flexibility when reaching across your body to access a compass or dive knife. There's also a Lumbare-X-Tender panel sewn into the lower back. This really boosts overall suit comfort by improving fit and increasing maneuverability when bending and twisting. For all its flexibility, though, the 5/4 Velocity keeps water transfer at an absolute minimum, thanks to quality seals. At the neck Bare uses their Glideseal material, which is smooth and easy on the skin. It's also adjustable and forms a good barrier against water entry. For the arms and legs, Bare has incorporated an ingenious flip seal. This little flap of material provides a snug closure around the calves and forearms, putting a stop to water movement at these entry points.
Bare has also made it easy to provide warmth right where you need it through their insulayering system; if the 5/4 Velocity fullsuit isn't quite warm enough for your dive conditions, it can be paired with a 5 mm Velocity vest. It, too, incorporates Hydrostretch panels in the shoulders and a Lumbare-X-Tender panel in the lower back for excellent flexibility. The vest is built to boost warmth at the body's core; to that end it's sleeveless, which makes it easy to use with the fullsuit, and it comes with an attached 7 mm hood to mitigate heat loss at the body's most susceptible area. The hood has a 5 mm face seal and a detail worth noting three small holes in the crown to vent air trapped from exhaust bubbles. To complement the Velocity suits and many of its other products, Bare also makes a 3 mm Thermalskin vest. This little jewel is easily slipped on by itself for diving in the warmest of waters and can be paired with any other suit to boost core warmth. I especially like this piece for its flexibility of use and incredible heat retention. Bare Velocity Wetsuits Impressions These are wetsuits of top-notch design and construction. Attention to detail has paid off in dive wear that provides more warmth than its thickness might indicate. Key Features The use of flexible stretch panels in the arms and back really boosts comfort and usability. Special seals at the arms and legs mitigate water movement. MSRP 5/4 Velocity fullsuit: $230; 5 mm Velocity vest: $120; 3 mm Thermalskin vest: $45. Contact www.bare-wetsuits.com
