The Microfleece^TM X Skiff Suit is the cutting edge of sailing wetsuits. It boasts a unique combination of advanced design and environmental sustainability. Natural Yulex® foam gives this neoprene-free wetsuit all the performance you expect from the Microfleece^TM X range, with a sustainable foundation. The suit's quick-dry fleece lining also contains heat-retaining graphene to provide the best possible thermal insulation and comfort. With advanced elongation properties within our neoprene, we provide improved flexibility and ease of movement. 

The premium graphene-infused quick dry fleece lining maximises comfort and warmth on the water while minimising drying time between uses. Due to its natural hydrophobic properties, it repels water, keeping the suit lighter when on the water, while increasing body heat retention. The thermal properties of graphene are superior to those of other inner linings because graphene heats up and stores heat faster than other materials.

Integrated Yulex® foam is composed of hardy plant-based materials derived from organic rubber sources. The product was designed to substitute the toxic manufacturing process of neoprene which has been used to create most of the planet's wetsuits for decades. With this natural alternative, all performance qualities are matched or exceeded so you don't have to choose between performance and environmental impact on the planet. The Yulex® natural rubber products provide optimal performance, are deforestation-free, and are proven equal, or better to neoprene and geoprene in all applications.

The X range contains the most essential features of Zhik, along with additional ZhikTex^TM II 3D warp knit reinforcement technology. This provides additional protection and durability. Drainage holes at the ankle expels trapped water, and ready-to-cut reinforcement stitches allow for leg length adjustment, making this our most flexible and durable suit yet. 

Featuring a 3D body-mapped design, specific seam placement, and a wider stretch neck opening, the X Range has an updated fit that increases comfort.

• Natural Yulex® rubber
• Heat retaining graphene infused lining for optimal insulation
• Eco aqua glue
• GBS (Glued and Blind Stitched) seam construction
• Fully seam taped
• Mid profile collar with a shaped, raw front for comfort
• Signature embossing on the elbows

What is YULEX^® foam?

YULEX foam is plant-based and produced with certified natural rubber. It is designed to replace chloroprene rubber or Neoprene, which has been used to create the majority of the planet's wetsuits for decades. 
 
With this natural alternative, you don't have to choose between performance or the planet. Yulex natural rubber products provide optimal performance on land or in the water, are sourced from deforestation-free rubber plantations, and are proven equal or better when compared to neoprene and geoprene in all applications. 

How is YULEX produced?

To make YULEX foam, latex, the natural rubber is sourced from responsibly, sustainably, managed Hevea rubber trees. The latex lt is then rinsed, milled down and dried, and processed into bales of YULEX dry solid. It is this solid rubber that is then used in the manufacturing of YULEX foam to produce YULEX wetsuits. The base polymer is 85% natural rubber and 15% EPDM for weatherability.

The First FSC^® Certified Natural Rubber Supply Chain

The raw material, or natural rubber, comes from sources that are certified by both the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (“PEFC”) and the Forest Stewardship Council (“FSC”)—meaning the trees aren’t grown on newly clear-cut rainforest land, like many of the world’s natural rubber supply. Yulex® pioneered the introduction of FSC-certified natural rubber into the supply chain for consumer brands, and now are introducing PEFC-certified supply chains. Still today, certified natural rubber is only about 3% worldwide. 

BENEFITS OF YULEX PROCESS

Because YULEX natural rubber comes from trees, the plantation trees are already sequestering huge amounts of carbon, with around 1,400kgs of C02 sequestered per hectare of forest. YULEX natural rubber production also uses around ten times less water than traditional neoprene. The closed loop system means any water used either remains in the finished materials or is a waste product stream, which ends up in a conversion pond where it is digested, cleaned and used to irrigate local crops or recharged to the aquifer.