Fourth Element Proteus II Fit and Style
Designed to keep you toasty warm in temperate waters, the Fourth Element Proteus II women’s wetsuit is sleek and cozy. Because of the tighter seals on the wrists, ankles, and neck, it fits a bit closer than other wetsuits, so you may want to size up—I had to go up a size after trying the wetsuit on.
Speaking of sizing, Fourth Element knocks it out of the park when it comes to a variety of lengths and sizes for all different shapes and sizes of women, especially when it comes to short and tall lengths.
The long back-zip is standard and makes the suit easy to don and doff, although the Hydrolock inner neck seal—while certainly to thank for much of the suit’s warmth—was a struggle to get on and off over my head. It definitely took some getting used to, as the neck seal is very tight, but once it became more comfortable, it was clear how much warmer this feature makes the suit.
Warmth and Flexibility
If there’s any overriding characteristic of the Fourth Element Proteus II, it’s warmth. The 5 mm suit I tested performed like a 7mm or even a semi-dry suit in chilly 64 F (18 C) water.
There are plentiful features built into the suit to keep you warm, including the aforementioned Hydrolock inner neck seal, which takes a bit of getting used to, but does provide exceptional warmth.
Glideskin wrist seals and internal ankle seals prevent most water ingress, and the suit’s core is wrapped in a soft Hexcore thermal lining, which feels fuzzy and soft against the skin. A Thermoflex lining throughout the rest of the suit ensures that your arms and legs don’t get chilly, either.
In terms of flexibility, I didn’t move much in the suit to be honest. Getting it on and off was no problem, though, and movement on the boat before and after our snorkel session was easy. The suit was flexible and comfortable enough to pull down to my waist and wait for my next turn in the water with the sharks.
Durability and Sustainability
The Proteus II features some real eco-friendly bona fides, which Fourth Element is known for in general. Though it’s not part of the Ocean Positive line, the Proteus II is made of a limestone-based neoprene (as opposed to petroleum) that, in turn, uses “Eco Carbon Black,” made with scrap rubber from tires.
The Fourth Element website says this cuts CO2 emissions by 200g per wetsuit. In addition to the neoprene itself, you’ll find water-based, solvent-free Aqua X glue holding things together.
Now let’s talk about durability—this suit is tough. Seams are double-glued, blind-stiched, and taped to offer not only warmth, but construction that will last. The reinforced knee pads add to the suit’s durability and longevity.
Price/Quality Ratio
At $659, the Fourth Element Proteus certainly falls at the higher end for a 5 mm wetsuit—compare that to around $250 for the Cressi Otterflex 5 mm. That said, the Proteus performs more like a 7 mm or even a semi-dry, and it’s built to last.
If you dive mostly in temperate waters, chill very easily, or dive very frequently in cool climates, the Fourth Element Proteus is the perfect choice. If, however, you’re looking for a 5 mm for the occasional dive trip or the odd cooler day, you may want to look for something a bit cheaper.
Do we recommend the Fourth Element Proteus II?
We wholeheartedly recommend the Fourth Element Proteus II. This suit is incredibly warm, fits well, and will last for many, many years of diving. Furthermore, the suit’s eco-friendly credentials mean you can feel good about wearing it.
If you’re not still not sure about the Fourth Element Proteus II, check out our full guide for comparisons and further recommendations on the right wetsuit for you, along with any other dive gear you may need.
Images courtesy of Scott Maurer
Specs & Features
| Material | Eco-friendly, limestone-based neoprene |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Available in 3 mm or 5 mm |
| Zip | Back-zip with pull tab |
| Seams | Double-glued, blind-stitched, and taped |
| Sizes | Available in XXS to XXL in short, regular, and tall |
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