HUUB Archimedes II 4:4 Wetsuit Review

• HUUB have kept one goal in mind whilst developing Archimedes II they have “To deliver the fastest wetsuit, with the feeling of not wearing a wetsuit” The Archimedes, for HUUB, was the best suit they could have designed at the time. Materials, production methods and research saw HUUB create the best of the moment… so what has brought about the change to the Archimedes 2? Research, challenging production and learning, from pushing the bar of expectation beyond anything the wetsuit market has ever seen. Then there’s the HUUB Lab, ‘The real lab’, helping HUUB to look deeper into modulus of materials and methods of construction, the lab that helped ensure HUUB were maximising the properties of neoprene foam and the lining whilst taking that into account in the construction. The lab that has taught HUUB more about stabilisation for a strong foundation, for the swim stroke and the lab that has taught them about muscle release and ‘Non-suit’ reaches and feel. The design of the Archimedes 2 was a process of focus. An intense focus on a few key areas that, by working with their factories and research team, HUUB knew they could accomplish. It revolved around flexibility and creating the ‘non-suit’ feel, which then led to improved efficiency. 4:4 and 3:5 buoyancy options are available because, irrelevant of your swim style, you still want the best. The only top level statement triathlon wetsuit available in two differing buoyancies. Click here to check out Staff triathlete Martin’s review of the HUUB Archimedes Flexibility and Improvements Through observing how Chloroprene foam moves, stretches and behaves with differing lining materials (especially when they marry it with construction and stitch patterns), HUUB have been able to further enhance the flexibility and reach. The Archimedes II has a 25% reduction in the neoprene thickness of the panels around the side, the back and shoulders – utilising 1mm Cholorprene foam, and the most flexible lining materials available. The under arm gusset has been remodelled with improved ‘mechanical reach’ with detailed analysis of the stitch location. The super flexible material in the lateral panels with thickness reduction allows ‘Non-suit’ feel and reach. The improved design and application of new materials delivers an arm-reach modulus reduction of 18%, in other words, less effort for more stretch. Non Suit Feel During the two-year testing period HUUB have strived to reach the ‘Non-suit’ bench mark. It was ITU Athlete and ‘more first out the water than any other’ ITU star Richard Varga whose comment satisfied that search; “I knew I was wearing the most flexible wetsuit, but now I am wearing the most flexible swimskin, it just doesn’t feel like I am wearing a wetsuit, my speed tells me I am, but the feel tells me I am wearing something like I have never before experienced” – Richard Varga (First out of the swim more than any other ITU triathlete) “Wow, that is fast, and so comfortable, what have you done? It doesn’t look much different from the first Archimedes, but it feels incredible” – Raoul Shaw (The only triathlete who challenged Richard Varga, 1500m P.B 15:05) Improved Efficiency The X-O skeleton is a unique proposition from Huub, researched using ‘active drag’ the only company testing and using the most effective and accurate measurement. Measurement of Active drag (M.A.D) showed HUUB what happens when the athlete is swimming, not being towed or pulled – where inaccuracies are rife. HUUB use a cross section of measurement, but the M.A.D is the most accurate and most reliable. The X-O Skeleton delivers structure and control to reduce snaking, power loss and directional waste by gripping and holding the pelvis and hips. Research by Professor Huub Toussaint has taught HUUB many things, and one of those is the secret to improving stroke efficiency, whilst controlling other parts of the body. They don’t want to give too much away, there are more products to come that have benefitted from this research… lets just say; “the more control, the more efficiency.” The x-o-skeleton has been increased by 80% in the Archimedes 2 to deliver more control. Calf Release™ and Bicep Release™ The Calf Release has seen an increase in volume by 25%, giving the calf more coverage of the lower modulus and non-restrictive super thin nylon. HUUB have reduced the thickness to below 1mm to ensure natural calf movement; this improves kick by lack of restriction and significantly reduces the risk of cramping during swim and transition. The Bicep Release has an improved modulus to further enhance the panel’s ability to create a natural flexed recovery arm and efficient arm flex for the catch. The Bicep release was the brain-child of Swimsmooth’s Paul Newsome and has proved to be a unique feature that only a swim stroke analyst with his obsessive nature could create – thank you Paul and Team Swimsmooth. HUUB strived to improve the modulus from the neoprene versus the biceps panel and the results couldn’t be more exciting. Low Neck Line HUUB know they have the most comfortable neck in the wetsuit industry. They don’t fold and stitch, HUUB refuse to create a tourniquet of rubber to restrict breathing and flexibility …HUUB stood alone and will stand by this simple and effective design. 4MM UPPER AND LOWER BODY MATERIAL THICKNESS HUUB’s 4:4 wetsuits are for the stronger swimmers who already have a great horizontal position and do not need the redistributed buoyancy of a 3:5 wetsuit. You’ll find perfectly distributed buoyancy to maintain the balance, harmony and efficiency of your stroke technique just as it feels in the pool. Like to use a bit of kick as you swim? No problem, these suits will let you do just that with a smooth natural action.
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There are several key considerations that we like you to think about when buying any product, these are designed to help you to get the most of your money and also to help you find the very best products from a number of options available. Our first piece of advice is to check out the key features of HUUB Archimedes II 4:4 Wetsuit to ascertain what it is about it that stands out from the competition. We also recommend that you spend a bit of time comparing HUUB Archimedes II 4:4 Wetsuit to other products from HUUB to see how it stacks up against similar products.

Then when you have spent the time looking at some of the key features, we suggest that you write yourself a list of things that your Wetsuits product must have. These ‘must haves’ can vary from specific features that you’re looking for, or it may be that you’re only willing to buy from a retailer like Wiggle Online Cycle Shop or perhaps you only want a brand such as HUUB. This list will really prove useful when you come to narrowing down your choices and ultimately whether you decide to buy HUUB Archimedes II 4:4 Wetsuit or an alternative option. We can’t stress this enough, once you have written your list, stick to it. So often we’re tempted by a good deal and end up straying away from the criteria that we set ourselves, which can mean we end up spending more, or buying a product that isn’t actually fit for the purpose we originally intended.