Changing the Game

One of the biggest issues with diving in temperate waters or the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest is being warm. Whites Manufacturing has unleashed what they are calling a “game changer”, and I happen to agree. I spend hours under the water, and warmth and comfort are the most important factors when I’m snapping away beneath the surface.

This game changer that Whites has sent forth to the diving masses is their incredibly ingenious, scientifically backed, Thermal Fusion undergarment. The Fusion dry suit hit the dive scene a few years ago and skeptics abounded, picking apart the suit for various reasons. However the Fusion dry suit and the advances that Whites have included in their new models have set the standard for the dry suit market around the world. As great as the suit is, the one thing that was lacking was a truly complimentary undergarment. The Thermal Fusion is that undergarment. Most undergarments on the market today have various bells and whistles: some are flexible but thin, others are thick and robust but buoyant, some are two piece while others may remind you of a multi-coloured unitard from the 80’s.

There’s nothing worse than a too-techy undergarment, however Whites loves attention to detail, so its designers pursued the brilliant idea to create a two-layered undergarment similar to the design of the Fusion Drysuit. The first layer is a loose cut thermal core constructed of Polartec 200 fleece ™, that fits a wide range of sizes and does not restrict mobility while wicking away moisture. This Polartec is like soft cotton, but moves the sweat from your pits and pecks so it can find its way out and not pool up inside. The best undergarment in the world is just a worthless piece of cloth if it doesn’t have moisture wicking, quick-drying property about it. The second, outer layer is a Polartec Power Stretch Pro ™ compression skin, which streamlines the inner core to the divers body, provides a custom fit, and allows maximum range of motion. The Polartec Power Stretch Pro ™ compression skin, combined with Whites unique ATS (Air Transfer System) minimizes buoyancy, while allowing incredibly efficient air venting out of the suit. You’ll truly enjoy the super-soft feel of this undergarment; it’s something you can stay in, relax in, and have a post dive beer in.

Above and beyond the important stuff, the little details and the thought that went into the design are what really make this a great piece of equipment. The extra large stretchy thumb loops to help hold everything in place on the arms so your wrists don’t get cold, vents positioned on the chest and arm at the inflate and exhaust valves locations allows for increased airflow, and of course the crotch zip.

No matter the type of diver you are when it comes to dry suits, and in particular the undergarments, four things are paramount when deciding which one is the best for you: warmth, comfort, flexibility and buoyancy (or lack there of). Whites developers have nailed each one of these criteria and have produced a piece of dive equipment that has incorporated all the necessities and made something that will be the benchmark for all other undergarment manufacturers.  This is under-armour for your body against the cold.

For more information

Contact : Whites Manufacturing

6820 Kirkpatrick Crescent • Saanichton, BC, • V8M 1Z9 • Canada
Phone: 250.652.8554 • Fax: 250.652.8553

email: whitesinfo@aqualung.com

Visit Whites Diving today

Gear Review Provided by: Scott Stevenson is a freelance underwater photographer, scuba diver, cold water junkie, oceanic nomad, marine conservationist, sculpin lover, creator of Pacific Marine Imaging and owner of Pinnacle Scuba Adventures based in Victoria BC