How Do You Don A 4th Element Proteus?

[guyharrisonphoto]

Looked at one of these, really liked the design and neck dam. I was given the chance to try one on, with a recommendation that I go 2 sizes up from the chart. I am very normal build (6', 43" chest, 35" waist, 195 lbs).

After 15 minutes at war with the suit, I gave up. Even in an air conditoned changing room, it seemed impossible to don. Pulling the legs was a huge struggle. Arms a little better but much. However, the rear "zipper dam" with the attached neck dam slides down as you pull the suit up. It must be pulled up to put on the neck dam and zip up, but there is NO way to reach it. Self-donning is impossible as far as I could tell, and a real struggle just to get the arms and legs on, nothing I want to do before a dive..

For the parts I could get on (arms, legs) the suit was admirably sealed, tight to the skin, but also flexible.

So, from an expert, how do you get these on? Do you need to use freedive suit lube? How do you get the back and neck dam pulled up?

 

[sea_ledford]

I have had one for the past couple years, and the thing is still a complete pain to put on. I refer to it as being lined with gecko toes. I don't know what they were thinking when 4th element chose that material for the lining. After a 5 day trip of just two dives/day, my fingers were bleeding from pulling on the legs. My fingers were in worse shape than they were after my full cave class. The back zipper dam usually isn't too much of a problem, I guess I figured that one out and I have fairly limber shoulders. Occasional help is still required though.

Lube doesn't help, the gecko toes just absorb it. Lycra socks do help. A full lycra suit under would probably work well too. It's very frustrating because once the suit is on, it's great. I keep waiting for it to break in and get easier, but it's the same after 50 or so dives as it was for the first one. I'm just done with spending 15 minutes to put on a 3mm, and going back to free diving suits.

-Chris

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

THAT is nice feedback from a real world user. I'm afraid, though, that it confirms my first reaction, which is to stay away from this suit. Last thing I want is to be overheated, sweaty, and irritated right before a dive from fighting with my wetsuit.

 

[miikey87]

I bought my proteus in January after receiving a few gift vouchers and popped my weather scubapro 5mm into my storage cage.

I had difficulty with getting a medium over my legs, moved up to a large and no issues donning and doffing. I'm 80kg and 6ft2.

The legs take a bit of wiggling but upper body was easy, grab the neck piece over a should, pop your head through and throw your arms in. I actually find it easier than my old SP suit to work the zip, takes a few mins before the dive and I'm sorted.

The material is great and keeps me toasty warm, very happy!

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

I see the mods edited out my frustration from the thread title! Sorry if I offended or violated the TOS.

Mikey I see that you are a very slender build. Makes sense you can slide in easier. Just didn't work for me. I was frustrated because I really liked the design and quality of the suit and I bet there is no water movement though it, but, like Chris, I am just not up to battling with my gear before a dive.

Forgot to ask--is it easier to don if you wet the inside first?

 

[miikey87]

Can't say I have donned it wet yet, goes on at the start of the day and off at the end. On multiple days it's hung up to dry out a bit but no issues there.

Fair enough though, you need to find something that works for you, I was tossing up between this suit and the Hollis SD7/Neotek suit. The Proteus was $200 cheaper and wasn't a zip across the shoulders but pockets would have been nice!

 

[Alastor]

A friend has one (5mm). She is able to wear it in less than 1 minute and it fits her like a glove.
She is very happy with it, so long that insisted to borrow it to my partner. She was also very happy with it, even if less enthusiastic than the owner.
I think that it is very soft for the thickness and the inner guard is also very effective in keeping warm - just my 2 c - I should try one to be objective about.

 

[Derelict]

I've had the 5mm since I started diving and it's amazing. Ok, I'm 178cm tall and 70kg so I'm pretty slim, but other than the first handful of dives, it's been easy. The trick is to roll the sleeves over themselves so that the seal bit is folded over. Same as the legs. And you want to slide it up section by section. I have long arms so I have no issue with pulling the head flap over, nor any issue with the zip. Make sure you tighten the neck seal.

And no - it's harder to put on when wet like any wetsuit. Mine has become really easy to put on after about 50 dives.

Maybe I can make a video for you lol.

Absolutely fantastic wetsuit. I've been wearing the 5mm and been fine, whereas most others in my region are diving 7mm or semi drys.

 

[Rusty Roo]

i feel your pain brother! i have a dm pal who swears by his fe 5mm, so i was thinking about replacing my very tired scuba pro suit. at the dive show i went ahead a got one but whilst trying it on i had some serious issues, (almost stopped me from buying it) i had the changing room door open and just as i was about to give up a fourth element rep came over. she said "roll up the feet and wrists" jesus! i wish someone had told me that 15 minutes earlier. it went straight on, no issues with the dam or anything - looking forward to getting in it may.

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

OK, one more question about sizing. I am 6', 195lbs, 36 waist, 43 inch chest, 32' inseam. I tried a large at the store which was my size per the chart and it was not even close to a fit. They suggested going to an XL but the one they had was the "tall" model which meant the legs were too long and might have been a big part of the problem I was having in donning it.

So, I would be either the xl "short" or xxl "short' both of which are designed for my height. unfortunately I don't have ready access to a shop with these sizes and might have to mail order. Any suggestions as to which size would be best, in other words, go up one size from the chart, or two?

Also, I will be wearing a thermolution shirt under this, if that makes a difference.