First impressions: attention to detail
Although this is one of the market’s most expensive recreational drysuits, from the moment you touch the Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0, the attention to detail and quality is apparent right out of the box. It offers a similar experience as opening a new Apple product. Typical of Fourth Element gear, I also think the aesthetics are very cool.
The environmentally friendly packaging reflects Fourth Element’s stated commitment to sustainability, while the suit’s streamlined design immediately stands out.
The cross-chest entry system, with a YKK Aquaseal zipper, runs from the right shoulder to the left hip. We’re told this is done to avoid weakening the fabric around the purge valve of the suit.
A course director friend of mine told me—and this is purely anecdotal—that the reason the zippers on almost all drysuits run left shoulder to right hip is because early suits were designed for Navy operators who needed access to their guns holstered on the right hip inside the suit.
We can’t confirm this, but I can say that it’s easy to open and close the zipper with thicker gloves on.
Aside from the range of options and high quality, Fourth Element’s unique, innovative BIOMAP method (explained below) of achieving the proper sizing makes it easier for each customer to get a suit that will fit well and look good too.
Be aware though that the bespoke quality also means an almost 3-month lead time after ordering.
Getting the right fit
Like every drysuit, sizing must be right for the suit to work as intended. Fourth Element promises an exceptional fit for the Argonaut 3.0 drysuit through the innovative BIOMAP system. This process involves capturing precise body measurements using photos taken on a special plate to map dimensions.
Biomapping is a process that involves mapping a person’s size and dimensions, shape and contours. According to Fourth Element this is to produce the most accurate sizing for a totally bespoke suit.
Fourth Element provided this Biomapping experience to DIVEIN at DEMA 2023 in order to get the suit that I’m diving in. I think it does inspire confidence and anecdotal evidence from online forums confirms this.
A diver is photographed while standing on a specific platform to capture the exact dimensions of their body for a custom fit with little room for error.
A big part of getting the sizes as close to perfect as possible is to align with a person’s articulations or movement. The Argonaut 3.0 features an Articulated For Trim (AFT) design, which is woven together with bent knees in mind—much like a motorcycle suit—to facilitate a more natural and comfortable horizontal diving posture.
In practice, this means less resistance in the trim position. I found this especially welcome to counter the resistance of undergarments.
It’s a suit that does—much like the BARE X-Mission—its job so well, you don’t think about it when in water.
Whether or not these suits—both cost well over $3,000—are better investments than, say, an Otter that has many of the bespoke options offered by Fourth Element, will be up to the individual diver’s discretion.
For myself, the extra features detailed below make the Argonaut a superior suit for my needs, even if I like diving in the Otter in most conditions.
Material excellence: three fabric choices
Customization extends beyond fit, allowing divers to select from various fabrics—Stealth (nylon) trilaminate, Flex (polyester) trilaminate, or a Stealth hybrid, combining both materials.
These fabric choices work like this:
The Flex offers more durability but it’s less flexible than the Stealth, whereas the Stealth Hybrid adds the durability of the Flex fabric in the legs. The Stealth is also supposed to be lighter by degrees and therefore more travel-friendly, according to Fourth Element.
My suit is the Stealth, and I can confirm that it is, indeed, lightweight and travel-friendly, especially when packed properly into the included waterproof duffel bag that it comes with.
This sums up the three options:
- Stealth (nylon) trilaminate: Lightweight, great for travel, excellent freedom of movement
- Flex (polyester) trilaminate: Originally developed for military applications, this fabric prioritizes durability while maintaining flexibility.
- Stealth hybrid: A combination of Stealth in the upper body and Flex in the lower portion, balancing mobility and ruggedness for demanding dives.
Innovative design features
AFT (Articulated For Trim) design
The pre-bent leg design shines when it comes to maintaining a proper trim position, eliminating knee restrictions that are common in traditional drysuits.
For me, I feel some discomfort in drysuits when I wear mid-level layers after I broke both my legs a few years ago. The AFT knees do provide a noticeable positional assistance. It’s not dramatic, but it is appreciated.
It’s often the drysuit’s undergarment layers that cause resistance, but it’s nice when the membrane has the articulation. I find my legs can relax in the trim position more so than in the Otter Britannic, for example.
Telescopic torso
The redesigned telescopic torso amounts to a suspenders system with a crotch strap to pull the suit into the body.
I can’t say that the new suspenders and crotch strap stand out in any way compared to any other drysuit with the same feature, but getting into the Argonaut 3.0 is easy and struggle-free. The telescopic torso refers to extra space at the mid-section that gets pulled down by a crotch strap and suspenders.
Boot options
There are three distinct boot options:
The standard 4 mm compressed neoprene boots provide maximum protection, ideal for shore diving or navigating rough terrain.
The mid-weight option—the Tech 2.5 mm compressed neoprene boot—is the one we tested. It balances streamlined comfort and packability with precise fin control and fits easily into fins, though I occasionally noticed sharp rocks beneath my feet.
Finally, the 2.5 mm compressed neoprene sock is the lightest option and requires additional booties to allow full customization. All three choices comfortably accommodate additional sock layering for thermal protection.
Neck seals
There are three neck seal options to match various diver preferences. The standard HD latex seal is durable and doesn’t cost extra.
For additional comfort, the optional 3 mm neoprene neck seal, which I’ve been using on my Stealth variant, is softer and provides more thermal protection, especially beneficial on longer or deeper dives.
Neoprene will always be warmer than latex or silicone, so it’s better for colder waters. The Argonaut does have an additional neck protector that covers half the neck and gives some protection.
At the premium end, the Si-Tech silicone neck ring is the most expensive choice, but it’s exceptionally comfortable and conveniently user-replaceable, making maintenance straightforward. I have this on my Hollis DX300-X and love it, both for how easy it is to replace and also for easy donning.
In summary:
- Neoprene (tested option): comfortable and warmer; costs extra
- HD latex: no extra cost
- Si-Tech silicone: user-replaceable for easy maintenance
Wrist seals and dry glove system
There are multiple wrist seal options to suit different diving needs.
The standard latex wrist seals offer a reliable solution without any additional cost, while neoprene wrist seals are available as an upgrade, offering more comfort and warmth.
Additionally, the suit supports three distinct dry glove systems, including the PSI Press Lock system, which is on my suit.
This system, priced around an extra $300 for the wrist lock and compatible dry gloves, is straightforward to set up and excellent for layering different gloves beneath, depending on temperature conditions.
Although some tactile sensitivity is lost, the versatility and ease of changing gloves to meet the temperature demands under the dry gloves more than compensate for this minor drawback.
Valves
Neither Apollo nor Si-Tech valves cost extra, and which you prefer is perhaps a matter of personal taste.
I like my Apollo Bio-valves, which have a low-profile design and activate differently than traditional valves—not by pressing on the front, but via a side button. For purging air from the shoulder valve, you simply slide your hand upward along your arm.
Alternatively, the available Si-Tech valves have a larger, more conventional profile, making them easier to locate and operate, especially for divers accustomed to traditional valve placements.
Pocket solutions
The suit features two large 3.5L pockets, some of the most spacious options available.
Each pocket includes:
- Internal bungee loops for securing accessories
- Sleeve for dive slate
- Stainless steel D-ring for added utility
- External mini-pocket with additional bungee loops
Price/Quality Ratio
While the Argonaut 3.0 is a premium-priced drysuit, its customization, flexibility, and durability justify the investment for divers who are in the water frequently.
Feedback from divers and message boards online who have owned the Argonaut 2.0 praise its longevity and comfort. I know delamination happens, but there are seldom accounts of suit failures.
The Argonaut 3.0, with its articulated design, high-quality materials, and trim-friendly build is an excellent long-term solution for serious divers looking to choose exactly what they want.
Do we recommend the Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0?
We do recommend the Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0, which follows on the heels of the Argonaut 2.0 with more customizations and further optimizations. Having three types of fabric choices to go with the Biomapping feature isn’t inexpensive, though.
The price does however, reflect these improvements and other features that can provide virtually any diver with the suit that they will want and need for any type of diving. You can get exactly what you want, but bear in mind that you’ll have to wait several months to get your suit after ordering it.
While newer divers may find the extensive options overwhelming, those willing to take the time to configure the suit to their needs will find it one of the most versatile and well-engineered drysuits on the market.
Final thoughts
The Fourth Element Argonaut 3.0 is a standout drysuit that balances customization, comfort, and performance.
Its AFT design, material options, and a well-placed zipper set it apart from competitors, while the durability observed in previous models suggests long-term reliability.
Those looking for fewer customizations or an off-the-rack drysuit can save several thousand dollars, but for those who are serious about their gear and need it year-round, this suit is an investment worth making.
Specs & Features
| Material | Nylon trilaminate, polyester trilaminate, or a hybrid nylon/polyester trilaminate |
|---|---|
| Neck seals | HD latex, neoprene (tested), or Si-Tech silicone |
| Wrist seals | Multiple options including latex, PSI, and Si-Tech QCP XL |
| Fit | Fully custom |
| Zip location | Cross-chest entry (right shoulder to left hip) |
| Boots or socks | Tech 2.5 mm compressed neoprene boot (tested); standard 4 mm neoprene boot, or neoprene sock |
| Pockets | Two 3.5L pockets with internal bungee loops, a slate sleeve, and external mini-pocket |
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