Fourth Element Arctic vs Santi Flex 190 – Warmth & Flexibility?

[Tonnerre de Brest]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice and user feedback on the Fourth Element Arctic vs the Santi Flex 190 undergarments.

I mostly cave dive in France, where the water temperature is consistently 12–13°C (54–55°F) all year round. I’ve been using a 250g Thinsulate undersuit so far, but I find it too bulky, my Seaskin nova being a bit snug (I should have taken the extra space option for big undergarment and also not gain those 5kg I have trouble to lose )

I’m now considering either the Fourth Element Arctic or the Santi Flex 190 as a replacement, aiming for something less bulky but still warm enough. My plan is to wear either of these over a Fourth Element Xerotherm, and possibly a merino wool base layer underneath the Xerotherm for longer dives.

My main questions:

• Which of these two (Arctic or Flex 190) is warmer, assuming similar layering underneath?
• Which one offers better flexibility/mobility?
• Any other pros/cons I should be aware of?

While price isn’t a major issue, there’s still a €200+ difference between the two where I live, so if the difference in warmth is only marginal, I’d obviously prefer to go with the more affordable option.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

 

[grantmac]

The Arctic is fleece so it has the advantage of holding up to a lot more washing.