Bare reactive vs Fourth element proteus

[Tylerhinkel]

Hello all,

I am looking to get a 3 mm wetsuit for upcoming trips to Indonesia and have narrowed it down to Bare reactive 3 mm or Fourth element proteus 2 3 mm. Was curious if anyone had experience with both and recommendations, mostly looking for something comfortable and easy to remove during surface intervals.

 

[Simon B.]

I have the Proteus 2 3mm and it is terribly difficult to don and doff. The cuffs on the wrist and ankle require rolling inside out to get it over the hinge bones. Comfortable and minimal flushing once it's on, but energy sapping to don/doff between dives. Don't know about the Bare Reactive so I have no basis for comparison there. I've had other 2, 3, and 5mm full wet and dry suits, and the Proteus is by far the hardest to put on.

 

[Tim Clark Diving]

Fourth Element also has the Xenos which is much easier to get on and off. I just tried on a bunch of wetsuits and the Bare Reactive fit well and was normal to get on and off. Proteus was quite a struggle. Xenos was easy but no leg or wrist sips. It was also a more trim cut than the Bare. Wound up getting the Xenos but 5 mm mainly for the fit. I would have also been happy with Bare but would have struggled with the Proteus by myself. If you always have a buddy then the Proteus would probably be a warmer suit.

 

[34109411]

i own a bares 7 mm i really like it well built and after 80 dive still going strong.