Please select your home edition
Edition
Vaikobi 2024 December




Introducing ZSkin™, the world's thinnest neoprene

by Zhik 13 Jan 2014 13:44 GMT 13 January 2014

ZSkin™ Top and ZSkin™ Hybrid Top

"The design brief from our Olympic team riders was simple, however the solution wasn't", said Brian Conolly, CEO and Founder of Zhik. "They wanted to be dry and form fitting, shed water, and carry no extra weight."

"We knew foam could shed water, but how to make it durable and ultra-thin?" he continued, "Well, I am happy to say the design team have got a solution."

ZSkin is stupidly thin neoprene. 0.3mm. It is fabric backed on the inside. It is very high stretch, but most intriguing of all, it is also durable.

"Quite frankly, this ZSkin material surprised us", said Dan Watterson, Operations Manager at Zhik, "and the team that have tested it have fallen in love with it. It might be more expensive to make, but it looks like the sailors are demanding it."

Zhik has once again pushed the boundaries on apparel technology with the construction of the ZSkin™ range. The full neoprene ZSkin top is made from ultra thin 0.3mm neoprene with a super stretch jersey lining that both provides insulation and a fully waterproof shield.

The ZSkin™ Hybrid top makes use of the same construction for the body but features spandex on the arms to create breathability, comfort and added flexibility in warmer conditions.

The ZSkin™ range has been created as a water-shedding top range, ultimately cutting wind chill and maintaining insulation without the risk of overheating, unlike thicker neoprene tops. The ZSkin™ top has proven to be extremely popular with our Zhik Sailing Team members, and the ZSkin™ Hybrid top was specifically designed for and proven to be popular with the Zhik Paddling Team.

Both the ZSkin™ top and the ZSkin™ Hybrid top are available in men's and women's cuts.

www.zhik.com

Related Articles

Zhik Microfleece™ Performance Shorts
Engineered for Warm Water Performance Developed through years of working with Olympic and World Champion sailors, the new Microfleece™ Performance Shorts are made for high-output days on the water. Posted on 16 May
Zhik expands Danish Sailing Team partnership
Continuing for another four years as Official Technical Apparel Supplier Zhik, global leader in high-performance water wear, is proud to announce its partnership with the Danish Sailing Team will continue for another four years, as Official Technical Apparel Supplier through to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Posted on 6 May
New Zhik Yachting Gear
Innovation for the open ocean Years of working with world-class yachting teams have led to the OFS700™ Offshore Range - a new generation of offshore gear that pushes boundaries. Posted on 18 Apr
Zhik Performance & Active PFDs
Zhik launches next-gen performance gear Zhik continues to push the limits of high-performance water gear with the release of two cutting-edge products designed to enhance safety, performance, and comfort for sailors worldwide. Posted on 14 Apr
Zhik launches double width ZhikGrip™ II ILCA Strap
Built for elite-level sailors who demand peak grip, support, and control while hiking hard Built for elite-level sailors who demand peak grip, support, and control while hiking hard, and already a global favourite among Olympic sailors, ZhikGrip™ II now comes in a double-width design for enhanced performance on the ILCA circuit. Posted on 10 Apr
Zhik announces new partnership
Official clothing partner to Norddeutscher Regatta Verein Zhik, the pioneering Australian water sport brand, is teaming up with the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV) for the 2025 season, bringing cutting-edge performance gear to one of Europe's most prestigious sailing clubs. Posted on 18 Feb
Zhik celebrates Yoann Richomme
A record breaking second place in the Vendée Globe Zhik is thrilled to back French skipper Yoann Richomme, whose stunning performance in the 2024 Vendée Globe earned him a record-breaking second-place finish. Richomme's remarkable achievement showcases his exceptional skill. Posted on 23 Jan
Zhik's Team Riders dominate Moth Worlds
Hattie Rogers and Jacob Pye on the podium in New Zealand Zhik, world leader in performance sailing apparel, proudly celebrates the exceptional achievements of its sponsored athletes at the awesome 2024 Moth World Championships in New Zealand. Posted on 9 Jan
Zhik partner with 2024 Moth Worlds in New Zealand
Official Apparel Partnership with the event at Manly Sailing Club Zhik, the global leader in performance sailing apparel, is proud to announce it will be Official Apparel Partner of the highly anticipated 2024 Moth World Championships, set to take place in New Zealand from December 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025. Posted on 2 Jan
Gear that conquers oceans
Zhik proud to partner the record-breaking Yoann Richomme Zhik, innovative sailing apparel leader, is proud to highlight its role as the ultimate performance partner for elite ocean racing. Posted on 24 Dec 2024