Zhik Aroshell Jacket and Smock : High-stretch waterproof protection for multiple-purpose uses afloat
by Liz Rushall 27 Mar 2018 21:00 BST
Zhik Aroshell Smock © Zhik
Zhik's 2018 range for cruising includes the upgraded Aroshell® Jacket and a new all purpose Smock providing sailors with a range of lightweight, versatile, shell garments for inshore and coastal yachting, which will cross-over for other boating and outdoor activities, such as rib driving, racing a wet classic boat and dinghy sailing.
Zhik's Aroshell fabric is optimized for breathability and manoeuvrability. It is 20% lighter, waterproof, water-repellent, breathable, and stretchable, enabling more athletic, unhindered movement around your boat.
The styling has been optimized for a streamlined, low clutter fit and designed with a reduced number of seams to increase durability. The Jacket and Smock both have adjustable inner neck and cuff seals, using Zhik's soft durable Reziseal™ fabric which gives a comfortable, watertight seal, and prevents spray or rain getting down inside the jacket. The jacket features an adjustable hood.
For added flexibility and protection, the Smock incorporates Zhik's DAME award winning Adaptive™ Hood system which can be zipped on and off, making the smock a truly multi-purpose garment. To gear up for inclement weather conditions, Zhik's offshore Hood and Collar, or the Superwarm® and Avlare® Zip-on balaclavas can be added to the smock, for unparalleled customization. The high vis yellow hood and collar also features Zhik's clear polycarbonate Hydrovision™ visor, for enhanced peripheral vision, that gives facial protection from spray and driving rain.
Zhik have been testing improved safety and visibility features on their current Volvo Ocean Race teams and, like the new hood, the benefits are now being seen in Zhik's consumer ranges. Dure Kerr, senior product manager at Zhik explains, "The Aroshell jacket, smock, hood and balaclavas are all marked with Zhik's biomotion reflective detailing. These discreet markings highlight key points of your body's anatomy, such as your face, back of head or elbow, providing additional visibility in bad light and visual cues for your crewmates. They can see if you are facing forwards or backwards, standing or crouched during manoeuvres, enhancing safety awareness of who is where on deck and making communications easier when sailing in the dark."
The Smock has a zipped front pocket and adjustable waistband and the Jacket features two side zipped pockets, secured with tough, water repellent YKK® Aquaguard® zips.
The Aroshell range is made with a lightweight 3-layer construction fabric, using a tough, abrasion and water resistant polyester outer, laminated to Zhik's highly breathable, 'monolithic' membrane, with a breathable mesh liner. Using the new testing standard developed by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Aroshell is proven to be two times more 'waterproof durable', than the current, market leading breathable ocean fabrics.
Both Jacket and Smock are paired with the streamlined Aroshell Salopettes. Designed for active sailing these are another product that cross-over cruising and other boating activities, such as racing or rib driving. The upper body is made from Avlare®, Zhik's water repellent, stretch woven fabric that is highly windproof and breathable. The Avlare upper, combined with the Aroshell 3-layer stretch fabric in the trousers, enables high levels of free movement with minimal bulk. Whether pulling up anchors or on the helm the added stretch adds to comfort for long days afloat. The seat and knees are reinforced with a 600 denier, durable nylon and a zipped pocket is handily positioned on the thigh.
RRP:
RRP - AUS $
- Aroshell Jacket $475.00;
- Aroshell Smock $379.00 Both in Black or Ash; (available instore March ‘18);
- Salopettes in Black: Unisex sizes XS to XXXL RRP: $549.00
- Isotak Zip-on Hood - Hi vis yellow, $279.00;
- Avlare Zip-on Balaclava - Grey, $99.95
- Superwarm Neoprene Zip-on Balaclava - Grey, $99.95
RRP - NZ $
- Aroshell Jacket $529.00;
- Aroshell Smock $439.00 Both in Black or Ash; (available instore March ‘18);
- Salopettes in Black: Unisex sizes XS to XXXL RRP: $625.00
- Isotak Zip-on Hood - Hi vis yellow, $299.00;
- Avlare Zip-on Balaclava - Grey, $115.00
- Superwarm Neoprene Zip-on Balaclava - Grey, $115.00
RRP -US $
- Aroshell Jacket $325.00;
- Aroshell Smock $269.00 Both in Black or Ash; (available instore March ‘18);
- Salopettes in Black: Unisex sizes XS to XXXL RRP: $395.00
- Isotak Zip-on Hood - Hi vis yellow, $189.00;
- Avlare Zip-on Balaclava - Grey, $69.95
- Superwarm Neoprene Zip-on Balaclava - Grey, $69.95
www.zhik.com #MadeForWater.
About Zhik
Zhik is a dynamic Australian based apparel brand, at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries in design and fabric technology for all sailors.
Founded in 2003, Zhik's range of wetsuits and dinghy gear completely changed the design approach for performance clothing and have been rapidly adopted by sailors across the globe.
Since then Zhik has taken the same 'clean sheet' approach and is pushing strongly into the yachting apparel, from coastal cruising to extreme ocean range, and also into paddling and water sports.
Tested and proven, Zhik gear is the winning choice of numerous Olympic and World champions. Zhik is the official supplier to the British, New Zealand, Singapore and Australian Olympic teams, as well as many renowned, top level international sailors, Extreme 40s, America's Cup and Vendee teams.
Zhik is the technical clothing partner for Team AkzoNobel and the Dongfeng Race Team in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18.