Fourth Element Argonaut Drysuit Reviews?

[cbb1]

If you're in DC, you could come out to Coral Edge Adventures (near Manassas) to check them out in person. We can do the Biomapping for you at the shop. We ordered a number of 4E suits for the Prince William County dive team and they are supposed to be coming in any day.

I personally have no direct experience with the Biomap. I have looked at an Argonaut 2.0 that we have (had? Not sure) in the shop and it looks nice, but, well, looks are just the book's cover...

I have been interested in ordering a suit via Biomap myself and read every review I could find (mostly, here on SB). Just about every one of them indicated the owner was very happy with the resulting fit. I think wKKay's posts here are the most negative ones I've seen regarding the Biomap fit.



I'm not sure if that is true - now, anyway. I believe 4E is not even offering Kevlar any more. My understanding is that is not sufficiently durable when dived in salt water. Salt crystals form between the threads of the Kevlar when the suit dries. Then, in later use, gradually, over time, cut the threads. Supposedly, it's okay if you soak the suit adequately in fresh water after diving in salt. But, "adequately" means for a much longer time than most people will deal with.

Not sure at all that 4E suits are currently made by Ursuit.

 

[cbb1]

I purchased the original Argonaut suit and had done about 12 dives when the leg seams started to leak. Fourth Element refused to replace the suit despite confirming in writing that the tape used was of an inferior quality and not fit for purpose, they have had my suit since last July, in the interim I have had to purchase another suit to dive in. My advice is to look elsewhere, I know of 6 others who bought these suits and all have had problems with the bottom half of the suit leaking.

 

[lexvil]

Let me suggest Seaskin out of the UK, follow their instructions for measurement you get a custom suit for hundreds less than any I’m aware of. I have 3 years on my Nova and just bought a neoprene suit from them to use while I get a new zipper put in the old one.

 

[aliens]

bought one 4E drysuit maybe 12 months ago and started to leak either pee valve area or seam area
sent to a local dive shop where i purchased from and they cannot find out where leaking. the last thing they suggest is to ship back to Europe

 

[wKkaY]

bought one 4E drysuit maybe 12 months ago and started to leak either pee valve area or seam area
sent to a local dive shop where i purchased from and they cannot find out where leaking. the last thing they suggest is to ship back to Europe

Try dealing with 4e oceania directly. They had my drysuit picked up by Altalena for repairs.

 

[aliens]

Try dealing with 4e oceania directly. They had my drysuit picked up by Altalena for repairs.

Hi Mate, are you referring to 4E's facebook page? i cant find any details on internet
the shop i purchased from is in Sydney

cheers

 

[wKkaY]

Hi Mate, are you referring to 4E's facebook page? i cant find any details on internet
the shop i purchased from is in Sydney

cheers

Following a FB conversation with them, I wrote to tony@fourthelement.com ; he's the drysuit sales and service manager. Good luck!