The launch of arena’s latest innovation in open water wetsuits, the Powerskin THUNDER, is a welcome announcement for athletes new to the sport, offering a clear-cut solution to their racing needs with an optimum mix of buoyancy, flexibility, thermal protection and comfort.
Originally conceived as an effort to understand the essence of what open water beginners need from a wetsuit, the Powerskin THUNDER is equipped with all the essential attributes the swimmer needs. The wetsuit is made entirely from high-quality, durable Yamamoto limestone neoprene which is strategically distributed in different thicknesses throughout the suit to target the swimmer’s specific needs in particular areas of the body. These varying neoprene densities: minimize resistance during the stroke; provide buoyancy in all the right areas for an optimal body position; offer added core stability; give support and thermal protection to the upper chest and legs; and liberate the shoulders and arms for greater freedom of movement. The new wetsuit also complies with the standards of all applicable global federations: FINA, World Triathlon (ITU), Ironman, USAT, and all other local federations adhering to World Triathlon and FINA rules.
“As we strive to continue expanding our legacy as leaders in the realm of open water swimming, we’re pleased to launch the Powerskin THUNDER by embracing the essential needs of those athletes who are taking to the sport competitively for the first time,” said Giuseppe Musciacchio, arena Deputy CEO. “This new wetsuit is representative of our aim to be inclusive across all levels of watersports, from the podium finishers to the novices, by offering high-quality products that promote a healthy lifestyle. We’re looking forward to seeing the THUNDER featuring in local races soon across the globe.”
5 PRIMARY FEATURES & BENEFITS
· The must-have technology for beginner open water swimmers, combining all the essentials of a high-performance wetsuit: optimal flexibility, buoyancy, insulation and comfort.
· Advanced design features include a no-chafe collar that’s soft against the skin for reduced friction; standard bottom-up zipper easy to use and double-blind stitched seams that are durable and 100% waterproof.
· The strategic thickness distribution of neoprene ensures optimal balance between buoyancy and freedom of movement.
· Limestone neoprene enables high-quality durable construction that is enhanced with waterproof finishing.
· Complies with the standards of all applicable global federations: FINA, World Triathlon (ITU), Ironman, USAT and all other local federations adhering to World Triathlon and FINA rules.
THUNDER HIGHLIGHTS
DURABLE WATERPROOF CONSTRUCTION
The wetsuit’s seam construction is 100% waterproof and durable, for a secure and long-lasting hold. All seams are bonded together using waterproof glue, then double-blind stitched for maximum strength. The stitching passes through just half of the neoprene, ensuring that its surface is not compromised.
ZERO-CHAFE COLLAR
The low-profile collar has flattened edges at the neckline and a soft internal fabric, thus reducing friction in contact with the skin, and thereby helping to prevent chafing.
FLEXIBLE, BUOYANT, HYRDRODYNAMIC, REDUCED WATER RESISTANCE
Made exclusively from Yamamoto elastic neoprene, its extreme flexibility allows for a wide range of motion and unrestricted feel that facilitates the swimmers’ natural movements. Strategically placed throughout the suit in varying degrees of thickness from 2mm to 4mm, it minimizes resistance in the water, while panels with increased thickness allow key areas of the body to be extra buoyant for an efficient, hydrodynamic position.
APPROVED BY FINA, WORLD TRIATHLON (ITU), IRONMAN, & USAT
The THUNDER wetsuit fulfils all requirements set out by FINA (International Federation of Swimming), World Triathlon (formerly ITU - International Triathlon Union), World Triathlon Corporation (WTC - owners of the Ironman series) and USAT (USA Triathlon). The THUNDER wetsuit is approved by FINA in construction, materials, and logo-branding allowance, and can therefore be used in all FINA sanctioned events at any level.
THICKNESS MAP
The distribution of neoprene density is intended to reduce resistance in the water and add buoyancy. This allows the swimmer to experience a more effortless stroke while maintaining a streamlined body position. The thickest 4mm neoprene layer is placed within the core of the suit’s construction for a locked-in level of support. The upper chest and legs have a 3mm thick layer for comprehensive thermal protection, while the shoulders and arms have lighter 2mm neoprene coverage for increased freedom of movement.
YAMOMOTO LIMESTONE NEOPRENE
Instead of traditional oil-based neoprene, Yamamoto’s most elastic neoprene is made from limestone to produce a durable, lightweight and high-performance material that is also incredibly soft and flexible. It also has a very low water absorption rate, which means its weight remains nearly identical in both wet and dry conditions, providing more warmth and flexibility than thicker wetsuits.
The Powerskin THUNDER is available for €395 online through https://www.arenasport.com/thunder, as well as at select specialist swimwear stores, offering beginner open water swimmers and triathletes an exceptional product at a very attractive quality-price ratio.
photo credit: courtesy by arena
