With everything we have done since we first introduced the Archimedes we have had one key goal in mind...

The Archimedes, for us, was the best suit we could have designed at the time. Materials, production methods and research saw us create the best of the moment. What has brought about the change to the Archimedes 2? Pushing the bar of expectation beyond anything the wetsuit market has ever seen with research, challenging production and learning.

Then there’s the lab, the real lab, helping us to look deeper into the modulus of materials and methods of construction. The lab that helped ensure we were maximising the properties of neoprene foam and the lining whilst taking into account the construction. The lab taught us more about stabilisation for a strong foundation, for the swim stroke and it taught us about muscle release and ‘Non-suit’ reaches and feel. The design of the Archimedes 2 was a process of focus. An intense focus on a few key areas that, by working with our factories and research team, we knew we could accomplish. It revolved around flexibility and creating the ‘non-suit’ feel, which then led to improved efficiency.

Through observing how Chloroprene foam moves, stretches and behaves with differing lining materials (especially when we marry it with construction and stitch patterns), we have been able to further enhance the flexibility and reach. The Archimedes // has a 25% reduction in the neoprene thickness of the panels around the side, the back and shoulders, utilising 1mm Cholorprene foam and the most flexible lining materials available. The under arm gusset has been remodelled with improved ‘mechanical reach’ with detailed analysis of the stitch location. The super flexible material in the lateral panels with thickness reduction allows ‘Non-suit’ feel and reach. The improved design and application of new materials delivers an arm-reach modulus reduction of 18%, in other words, less effort for more stretch.

During the two-year testing period we have strived to reach the ‘Non-suit’ bench mark. It was ITU Athlete and ‘more first out the water than any other’ ITU star, Richard Varga whose comment satisfied that search;

“I knew I was wearing the most flexible wetsuit, but now I am wearing the most flexible swimskin, it just doesn’t feel like I am wearing a wetsuit, my speed tells me I am, but the feel tells me I am wearing something like I have never before experienced” - Richard Varga

“Wow, that is fast, and so comfortable, what have you done? It doesn’t look much different from the first Archimedes, but it feels incredible” - Raoul Shaw (The only triathlete who challenged Richard Varga, 1500m P.B 15:05)

The X-O skeleton is a unique proposition from HUUB, researched using ‘active drag’ the only company testing and using the most effective and accurate measurement. Measurement of Active Drag (M.A.D) shows us what happens when the athlete is swimming, not being towed or pulled - where inaccuracies are rife. We use a cross section of measurement, but the M.A.D. is the most accurate and most reliable. The X-O Skeleton delivers structure and control to reduce snaking, power loss and directional waste by gripping and holding the pelvis and hips. Research by Professor Huub Toussaint has taught us many things, and one of those is the secret to improving stroke efficiency, whilst controlling other parts of the body. We don’t want to give too much away, there are more products to come that have benefited from this research, lets just say; “the more control, the more efficiency.” The X-O Skeleton has been increased by 80% in the Archimedes 2 to deliver more control.

The Calf Release has been increased in volume by 25%, giving the calf more coverage of the lower modulus with non-restrictive super thin nylon. The thickness was reduced to below 1mm to ensure natural calf movement; this improves kick by lack of restriction and significantly reduces the risk of cramping during swim and transition.

The Bicep Release has an improved modulus to further enhance the panel’s ability to create a natural flexed recovery arm and efficient arm flex for the catch. The Bicep release was the brain-child of Swimsmooth’s, Paul Newsome and has proved to be a unique feature that only a swim stroke analyst with his obsessive nature could create - thank you Paul and Team Swimsmooth. We strived to improve the modulus from the neoprene versus the biceps panel and the results couldn’t be more exciting.

We know we have the most comfortable neck in the wetsuit industry. We don’t fold and stitch, we refuse to create a tourniquet of rubber to restrict breathing and flexibility. We stood alone and we will stand by this simple and effective design.