Zhik's innovative new wetsuits and hiking pads

Cross section of Zhik Powerpads II © Zhik

See Zhik's latest dinghy and performance sailing apparel on Stand G6, West Hall, Alexandra Palace 29 Feb - 1 March. Also on Pinnell & Bax retail stands A10 and B52.

New Zhik Superwarm® 3D modelled wetsuit technology moves dinghy apparel to even higher levels of protection

Zhik's ground-breaking Superwarm® wetsuits have undergone an intense R&D review, pushing the boundaries of wetsuit technology forwards yet again. Tested with the British Sailing Team, the new Superwarm® range boasts a host of innovations to offer even higher levels of protection, comfort and warmth for high performance sailors.

Designed for winter and colder weather sailing, Superwarm® has been engineered using the latest 3D modelling technologies to create the best anatomical fit for increased flexibility and agility.

Superwarm® uses a top grade, super slim 3mm super-stretch neoprene for insulation, which keeps weight down and agility levels high, and yet produces considerably more warmth than many traditional 5mm fabrics. Laminated into this quad-layer fabric is a Titanium film, which reflects body heat inwards towards the skin. Zhik's new fast drying Hydrobase super-thermal lining traps warm air and provides extremely efficient insulation, whilst a robust hydrophobic (water hating) nylon outer keeps the water out.

Every seam is now taped with an ultra thin stretch neoprene tape, as well as glued and blind stitched to considerably enhance long term durability and waterproofness.

The men's suits feature a thoughtfully designed 'Loo Rip' for convenience breaks, which ensures no contact with zips or Velcro and neatly stows away preventing unwelcome cold water coming in too! The Ziband™ leg seals prevent water flushes up the legs, keeping you light and fast on your feet. The addition of New Zhiktex 2™ knee and seat reinforcements offer even higher levels of abrasion resistance, meaning your Superwarm® will perform and last even longer.

The new Superwarm® range completely changes the traditional wetsuit concept. Its stretch 3D figure hugging design, with its hydrophobic outer, taped seams and Zibands to prevent water ingress mean it acts as a warm body suit, that works hard to keep you dry. Should you get wet from a dunking, the quick drying lining works to preserve a layer of warm air around the body, plus means your suit is dry for the next day. Vitally important when doing championships or regular training!

Ali Young, Olympic Laser Radial Sailor, British Sailing Team says, "The Superwarm top is great. Really warm and the tailoring of the arms means it's easy to be mobile in it. The skiff suit is also really good, thin but warm and because the material is so stretchy it doesn't restrict any movement. It kind of feels like a second skin!"

Superwarm® suits are available in both male and female designs, as a full Steamer, and sleeveless 'Skiff Suit', with the option of a Superwarm® Top, Socks and Headband.

Adults: Skiff Suit £235.00; Steamer £399.00; Top £179.00
Juniors: Skiff Suit £179.00; Top £125.00

New 3D modelled Zhik Microfleece wetsuit for warm weather performance

The new Zhik Microfleece™ range is designed for the ultimate in comfort and unrivalled flexibility for all-weather versatility - perfect for warm summer days.

Designed using the same 3D modelling technology as Superwarm®, the anatomically shaped suit combines a lightweight one mm super-stretch neoprene with Zhik's new, quick drying Microfleece lining to ensure the suit stay's light and dries fast.

Microfleece traps and retains warm air from body heat to provide excellent insulation and this ultra light suit ensures unhindered agility around the boat.

Similar to the Superwarm, the Microfleece men's suits also incorporate the new water-resistant Loo Rip for convenience, and all suits feature the highly abrasion resistant Zhiktex 2™ knee and seat reinforcements and Ziband™ leg seals too.

Microfleece suits are available in a variety of styles in ladies and men's sizes.

Adults: Skiff Suit £195.00; Spring Suit £125.00; ¾ length suit £155.00; Long pants £145.00; Shorts £85.00
Juniors: Skiff Suit £145.00; Long pants £119.00; Shorts £69.00

New Zhik PowerPads™ II for endurance hiking

Zhik's new generation of hiking PowerPads™ will be available for UK dinghy sailors for the first time at the 2015 RYA Dinghy Show. PowerPads II mean you can make every second count in your racing! Being able to hike harder for longer than your opposition is how the top sailors win!

Designed as a fully enclosed neoprene sleeve PowerPads II are worn slipped over your thigh and inside your wetsuit, meaning there is nothing external that can snag and no extra bulk or windage.

With a new low profile, and more streamlined shape, these pre-shaped pads now have four,thin internal batons which provide hiking support whilst conforming to the shape of your leg, thus creating a snug and comfortable fit.

Additionally, to support a wide range of movement and hiking positions, the pads can be fitted with an optional EVA foam pad, which neatly inserts into a concealed internal neoprene pocket. This creates extra height off the side decks, which is handy for certain classes and deck layouts.

Inside the pads, ZiBand silicone rings prevent the PowerPads moving or slipping around the leg, and the high wear areas are fully reinforced for added durability. As well as for dinghy sailing, PowerPads II work equally well under shorts and waterproofs for hiking on sportsboats and race yachts.

Olympic Gold medallist Paul Goodison, who is now spending many hours in a Moth, says "Zhik's new PowerPads are another step forward in comfort, the contoured sides keep the pads in place making hiking harder even easier!"

So, when it comes down to gaining that extra inch on the finish line, PowerPads II can give you the edge and make that all important difference to getting on the podium! PowerPads II are available in six sizes from Junior sizes to XXXL and retail at GBP £89.00.

www.zhik.com

Zhik's performance apparel will be available for purchase from Pinnell & Bax on stand A10 and B52.