technical

Yamamoto neoprene

Seventhwave Wetsuits are made exclusively from Japanese Yamamoto neoprene simply because they consistently produce the best neoprene in the world. Yamamoto neoprene is:

— Made from limestone
— Super light-weight
— Exceptionally thermal insulated
— Super stretchy
— Structured with uniquely high density cells

For over 40 years Yamamoto has set the standard for quality and innovation in the neoprene industry. Their advanced manufacturing techniques involving the use of special polymers made from limestone (as opposed to petroleum based) have led to the creation of a rubber that has a completely independent cell structure and multi-directional stretch capacity.

The closed cells are packed together at an extremely high density and each individual cell is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent water penetration and increase heat retention. The nitrogen closed cell content is over 92% — 23% higher than most competing materials — and with virtually no water absorption means the weight of this rubber remains nearly identical in wet or dry conditions, giving you more warmth than thicker wetsuits without the weight.

Because of these special qualities, Yamamoto is super durable while remaining extremely stretchy. Super low modulus stretch with optimum cell recovery ensures a lightweight material with great strength and cell memory — in short, a durable, stretchy suit, that because of its special memory, moulds to your body shape without getting loose over time.

Did we mention superstrecth? Yamamoto's highest elongation is 480-580%. Compare that to the elongation of the human skin under the arm, which is 60-70%. Just one of many reasons why Yamamoto is one of the top neoprene developers in the world.

MR7000 superstretch, SCS (Super Composite Skin) and #38 Yamamoto are just some of the many Yamamoto materials we specialise in — all designed to maximise performance, ensure you stay in the water longer, and to produce the warmest, thinnest, lightest, best fitting wetsuit.

titanium alloy alpha

Titanium Alloy Alpha is a super thin heat retaining film constructed out of the stuff used by NASA and specifically designed to increase heat by up to 40%. Used exclusively in our Hot Tops or inherent in our MR7000 superstretch neoprene, Titanium Alloy Alpha makes it possible to develop thinner, warmer, and lighter wetsuits that relegate the traditional, thicker neoprenes back to the dusty closet where they belong!

By simultaneously reflecting your bodyheat back onto the body and resisting cold air from the outside of the suit, Titanium Alloy Alpha really is space age stuff.

construction

Overlock is the simplest, most common construction method, and primarily used on our Vortex models. Two edges of neoprene are rolled together with a thread stitched tightly around them, making an extremely strong and durable method of construction.

Flatlock stitching is achieved by lapping the neoprene together in order to create a flat, comfortable and breathable seam perfect for spring, summer and autumn waters (around 12˚ upwards). It is usually used in the upper body where chaffing can be a problem. Flatlock is identified by a band of multi interlocked threads on both sides of the suit.

Glued and Blindstitched methods are used when two panels are glued and butted together, then blindstitched on each side. Blindstitch uses a curved needle and does not penetrate through to the other side of the neoprene, meaning a complete, watertight seal. A glued seam is flat, supple, watertight and flexible. This construction method is commonly referred to as 'glued and stitched' and is used on all of our winter models.

Melco allows us to completely tape the inside seams of our winter MAX models, reinforcing the water-tight construction and adding more comfort. Also used to reinforce joins and tension points on the inside of our other models, and great for repairs.

Zig-zag stitching is used to finish cuffs and collars, and sew in zips. It is superior to a straight stitch, as it will stretch with the neoprene.