V3 Design
Wetsuits designed for freshwater swimming
The Echo
Our Second Model
Introducing ‘The Echo’ — created as a result of feedback from swimmers who don’t need the extra float (either because they are swimming in naturally buoyant seawater or they are expert swimmers who don't need the extra float that the rest of us do) offered by suits such as the Flow, as well as the desire for a lower-priced wetsuit that still retains many of the Flow’s design attributes.
The Echo performs two roles:
1: Due to its thinner panels, less buoyancy is provided at the prime positions, benefitting those who are already naturally buoyant or swim proficiently in fresh water. A less bouyant wetsuit also has the capacity to create a customer base for 'other' waters — such as the salt water aficionado.
The main body panels are 4 mm & 3 mm thick. The arms and rear lat panels still keep the 1.5 mm panel thickness. Titanium-Alpha layers perform the heat retention.
2: Lower price point — The Echo is made less expensive by using only #39 & #38 grade Yamamoto Limestone neoprene. Still top grade by any other brands' standards, but not as good to swim in as #40 grade. With that said, the suit is more durable, but less supple.
Bottom line: The Echo is more durable and more price-focused than the Flow and presents different use characteristics. The reduced buoyancy is very noticeable and there is less maneuverability in the arms.
Innovative Panel Design
We have introduced a separate panel for the shoulder area — the reason is twofold.
Firstly, we have noticed that having a graphic, of any size, printed on any grade of Yamamoto Limestone, results in the neoprene breaking down over a much shorter time frame than if it didn't have a graphic. The reason for this seems to be the 'fixing' of the screen-printed graphic at the time of printing and it occurs more so with #40 grade than with #39 and even less so with #38 grade.
The inclusion of the new shoulder panel is not about 'better articulation' or a 'better fit' — it's about the increased longevity and durability of our wetsuits.
Having no graphic in this high stretch / high movement / high UV exposure area results in less degradation of the neoprene and hence extends wetsuit life by about six to eight months of active use. That's a full season of swimming for many people ... even longer for others.
The graphics on the arm and lat panels do not create as much of an issue as they are lower stretch areas compared to the shoulder.
The second reason is 'repairability'. The panel is designed such that when the panel does eventually degrade, it can be cut out and replaced by almost any professional wetsuit repair business. Very often the suit as a whole may be in relatively good condition with plenty of life left, which can be realised with the replacement of the deteriorated panel — often the first part to wear out.
This innovative design feature reduces waste by extending the lifespan of our wetsuits. Our wetsuits are designed to minimise their environmental impact while still providing top-notch performance in the water.
So, a longer life in two ways ...
We could say it's the 'greenest' wetsuit on the market!
New Sizes | Sizing Changes
As part of re-evaluating our sizing, we have identified the need for additional sizes in our line up to cater to a wider range of body types and ensure that our customers can find the perfect fitting wetsuit.
We have introduced five completely new sizes — a Women's Medium Tall (WMT), a Women's Large Tall (WLT) and two sizes in the Goddess range — the Women's Large Goddess (WLG) and the Women's XtraLarge Goddess (WXLG). We also have a new men's size — the Short Stocky (SS ) — think the 93kg 5'7" rugby player.
We noted while producing Version 2 that we could enhance many of the women's suit measurements to better represent the female form. They are only small changes at certain positions but we feel that this suit, the Version 3, will be a great fitting women's wetsuit. Practically every women's suit size has received multiple sizing modifications. Plus, we've tweaked a couple of men's sizes, mainly arm length.
The Goddess Range
Our Goddess range of wetsuits will, from the V3 models onward, consist of three sizes.
Our original 'Medium Goddess' is now joined by the new 'Large Goddess' and the 'XtraLarge Goddess'.
Our Goddess range is based around the many changes women's bodies experience throughout their lives, particularly during peri and postmenopausal stages.
The female form is a wondrous thing — so much variance across different female body types, especially as age catches up with us and we move from perhaps the inverted triangle form to the apple or pear form.
We know from feedback that larger female forms have a real difficulty getting hold of correctly-sized, specifically swim-focused, absolute top-of-the-line wetsuits. Hence our Goddess range, which we are excited to bring to fruition.
The Rear Neck Closure
The neck area at the rear zip flap now sits flush against the skin. This small but very noticeable improvement, greatly increases the seal against water ingress and flushing. The reduced overall cross-sectional thickness improves flexibility in this section of the suit, also making it more comfortable.
The 'fingerprint' Flow & the 'ripple' Echo
A new logo, a new graphic
We've freshened up the font but kept the 'Ruby' — Ruby Island, the focal point of the brand, or at least a representation of it — remember, Ruby Island is a real place!
Customer feedback has also been incorporated, playing a role in influencing the decision to redesign the Ruby Fresh wetsuit logo.
We have also transitioned from the 'coral' arm graphic to a 'fingerprint' graphic — which is reminiscent of the shapes formed in the sand on the lake bed, or the reflections of ripples from the lake surface. It's what we see, as we swim.
We've changed the colour
We've swapped to Neon Aqua Blue for women's suits and removed the pink.
Why?
Well ... we had a lot of comments on the use of pink. Yeah, many ladies loved it, but at the same time many hated it! It was said to be 'too defining'. The Neon Aqua is certainly on-trend right now! The Hi-Viz Orange and the Hi-Viz Blue work well together across both the men's and women's wetsuit lines.
The exclusive Ruby Fresh Grab Tab™
... located at base of the zipper, to aid closing your wetsuit. Grab the Tab with one hand, pull up the zip cord with the other. It's genius.
It's actually a loop — which also provides a clean alternative for securing your Tow Buoy.
Every suit comes with a clip to secure your personal safety tow buoy to The Grab Tab™.