First impressions: premium construction and technical sophistication
The BARE X-Mission Evolution is one of a handful of suits that immediately feels high-end. There are clean seams both inside and out, demonstrating the attention to detail we’ve seen firsthand at BARE’s Malta factory.
Torben has been diving in the X-Mission constantly in the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Each experience required a different set of considerations, and this suit matched each with ease.
Getting into the X-Mission is easy and remaining in the suit during a surface interval is equally pleasant—depending on the amount of undergarments you’re wearing.
BARE uses the flexible YKK zippers, which are easy to open and shut. Maintenance is less demanding too.
I have neoprene wrist and neck seals on my suit; Torben has the latex seals on his. The neoprene neck gaiter on both suits gives Torben some extra thermal protection, compensating for the thinner latex seal which, I find, is easier to don.
The “Cave Cut” styling (increased articulation with less material) and specialized pocket system demonstrate clear attention to the needs of technical divers. We also appreciate the smaller footprint of the suit when packing it and traveling.
All in all, the BARE X-Mission Evolution hits its mark on comfort, the overall experience while diving, and everything in between. Only two points of criticism are worth mentioning and those come down to features that I chose as options: valves and wrist seals, which I’ll detail below.
Material and construction: lightweight and tough
The Nylon Micro RipStop is, according to the company, BARE’s most advanced material selection. This outer layer of the trilaminate fabric impressed us for being so lightweight, yet so tough.
The innovative two-needle “felled seam” construction creates low-profile, abrasion-resistant seams while maintaining a clean appearance.
BARE uses a lot of sections to put together a suit in order to match the articulation of a body.
Strategic bias-cut panels, particularly in the underarm areas, provide superior flexibility where needed most. Bias cuts are made in diagonal form—something used in the fashion industry—to ensure the material hugs the body.
Seals: choice and warmth
The 2 mm nylon/smoothskin Smart Collar that I have works great with the hood to cover and protect my neck.
We have two X-Mission suits. Mine has neoprene seals at the neck and wrists, while Torben uses one with the latex options. He notes some cold discomfort at the neck, while it’s not a problem for me and my neoprene seal—though that could just be my Canadian conditioning.
A neoprene neck gaiter also goes around the seal, giving the latex neck on Torben’s suit some thermal protection and more freedom of movement than neoprene (seal) on neoprene (gaiter).
I’m a little bothered by my neoprene wrist seal, as it seems like it’s missing a fabric clasp. There’s a seam that looks a little weak to me, but that can be easily remedied.
You can choose from latex, silicone, Neoprene or Si-Tech dry seals. Neoprene seals are warmer, latex and silicone are decidedly colder. I would go latex if I was using gloves in cold water and this is also more comfortable in warmer waters.
Zipper system: technical refinement
The lightweight, low-profile plastic dry zipper is really easy to pull shut and also easy to open. It features an offset protected flap, preventing contact between the zipper and outer flap.
Purpose-built pockets
The dual expandable pockets feature a useful design with zippered flaps and integrated bungee organization system.
Streamlined for technical diving
The “Cave Cut” design philosophy eliminates excess material while optimizing hydrodynamics, particularly valuable in confined spaces. Really, it just means that the suit is low-profile, and reflects cooperation with cavers on its design.
The Cavebase Exploration Team, a non-commercial group of passionate cave divers, consulted on the design to help produce the low-profile suit.
An anatomically shaped torso, arms, and legs work in concert with bias-cut panels to deliver a great range of motion without compromising durability. This translates into an unhindered range of motion for simple, yet vital things, like reaching your purge valve.
While easy to operate, my own personal feeling toward the Apeks valves is that they are too big. It’s not a problem when diving—at least not in open water, where they’re actually easy to grab and operate. quite the contrary, as they’re easy to grab and use.
But note that although they’re described as low-profile, these are definitely bigger than the Si-Tech and Apollo valves that I have on my Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0 and Northern Diver HID. As they irritatingly get stuck when pulling on my BC, I’d prefer a more discrete option for tightly enclosed environments.
Comfort features
Easily replaceable suspenders and the crotch strap can be swapped out on-site if necessary. The valves at the chest and arm have a padding to protect both the equipment and the diver. Reinforcement in key wear areas ensures longevity. BARE has done it here without adding bulk to the suit.
Another nice design to the suspenders is the color differentiation, which makes it easier to identify where to slip your legs. The straps that go in front of your legs are black up to the shoulders while the ones behind them are blue. It’s a small thing but a smart thing that saves you some time and struggle.
Price/Quality Ratio: premium investment
While the BARE X-Mission Evolution commands a premium price point, its advanced materials, technical features, and durability justify the investment for serious and technical divers.
The suit’s travel-friendly design adds value by eliminating the need to compromise between technical capability and portability.
Comparison to similar drysuits
The BARE X-Mission Evolution makes few compromises. Despite only two inches of ease, the suit easily flows with the body’s movements—perhaps more than any competitor—due to its strategic panel construction.
Though premium-priced, its thoughtful design and robust build position it strongly against competitors like the Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0, appealing to both technical and dedicated recreational divers.
When compared to the Argonaut 3.0, both suits stand out as premium offerings with extensive customization options. The Argonaut 3.0 utilizes innovative BIOMAP technology for precise sizing, and features a unique front-entry zipper design running from the right shoulder to the left hip, setting it apart from traditional suits. It also provides greater flexibility in choosing valves and other customizations at a comparable price.
By contrast, the BARE X-Mission typically comes with Apeks valves, though BARE does offer valve customization for an additional cost (approximately $550). Both suits cater to discerning divers seeking maximum comfort, durability, and adaptability, making the choice largely dependent on specific preferences and diving requirements.
Do we recommend the BARE X-Mission Evolution drysuit?
For technical divers and serious recreational divers seeking top-tier performance, the BARE X-Mission Evolution presents a compelling package. Its cave-diving origins, innovative construction, and thoughtful features make it especially suitable for those extending the season or doing more than normal recreational diving.
This drysuit lets you focus on the dive, more so than other competitors that restrict your activities.
While the technical features and price point may exceed the needs of casual divers, those requiring supreme capability in a travel-friendly package will find the BARE X-Mission Evolution provides a very satisfying experience.
Specs & Features
| Material | Nylon Micro RipStop trilaminate |
|---|---|
| Neck seals | Neoprene or latex |
| Wrist seals | Neoprene, latex, or silicone |
| Zip location | Front-entry with lightweight low-profile plastic dry zipper |
| Boots | Tech boots included |
| Pockets | Two expandable pockets with zipper on flap and five bungee cords |
Take a moment to look at this.
