Anyone using the X core vest by Fourth Element?

[reddiver970]

Wondering what people's opinion on it are and is it worth the money?

 

[Wibble]

Does it add a lot of bulk in your experience?

Not really. It’s definitely thicker than a ‘normal’ Fourth Element vest, but not enormously so.

I’ve recently bought a Kwark Navy vest. This has a ‘kangaroo’ pouch on the front, so double thickness. It is seriously thick and warm, much more so than the Fourth Element X-Core vest!

 

[Landau]

My size X-LARGE x-core needs 4 pounds of extra lead to sink it.

I only bring it out in winter when I need it.

 

[RPGscuba]

I’ve recently bought a Kwark Navy vest. This has a ‘kangaroo’ pouch on the front, so double thickness. It is seriously thick and warm, much more so than the Fourth Element X-Core vest!

Good to know - thanks!

 

[RPGscuba]

My size X-LARGE x-core needs 4 pounds of extra lead to sink it.

I only bring it out in winter when I need it.

That seems like a crazy amount of weight for a vest - must be super buoyant. Makes sense that you would only use it when 100% necessary.

 

[Landau]

That seems like a crazy amount of weight for a vest - must be super buoyant. Makes sense that you would only use it when 100% necessary.

Just think of how big a container you could stuff it into. The vest would fill a 2 litre/quart milk jug. And that would be 4 pounds of water

 

[RPGscuba]

Just think of how big a container you could stuff it into. The vest would fill a 2 litre/quart milk jug. And that would be 4 pounds of water

That’s fair (and a helpful way to think about it)

 

[Wibble]

My size X-LARGE x-core needs 4 pounds of extra lead to sink it.

I only bring it out in winter when I need it.

You probably also add more gas in cold dives for more insulation, regardless of layers. I know I certainly do, especially at deco.

Currently in heavy mode with 3.5kg/7.5lbs on the top of the unit (CCR) and 4.5kg/10lbs on the bottom. It’s simply the weight required for a comfortable dive; any less means the suit is tighter (less gas) and considerably colder at deco. Also have a suit heater battery which must be another kilo/2.2lbs extra.

Diving down south next week in the comparatively warm English Channel waters at 18c/64f, so will go on a weight and undersuit diet.