Prolimit Mercury Freezip Steamer FTM 3/2mm 2018
Reviews / Mens Wetsuits
6,739
At a Glance
We’ve long been a fan of the Prolimit range of suits, think high-quality materials that are well put together, but more importantly can last a few seasons. The Mercury Freezip Steamer 3/2mm FTM is certainly a mouthful, but it’s their top of the line suit. Available in a range of thicknesses this is the thinnest one for those summer days but for winter you could keep warm in the 6/4mm hooded version!
The range is a predominantly front zip affair, recognising this system isn’t to everyone’s tastes they have incorporated a back zip version too. This model is only available in a 6/4mm guise though. If you aren’t a fan of front zips, then you need to take a good look at these suits from Prolimit.
The Freezip is a concept they have been working on for a few years, and it is a revelation. Usually, the zip is connected at one end, and this creates a tight spot as you pull the suit on. Prolimit keeps the whole zip free, you climb in through the opening at the top, pull the flexible suit on and then when you are ready, pull the neck over your head and connect the zip.
Putting the Mercury on you can feel the quality of the neoprene, the range uses Neolight Duotone 550+ limestone neoprene which feels softer than silk and almost as flexible as Lycra. The inside of the suit is lined with their Zodiak and Quick Dry lining. The Zodiak inner jersey is warm and designed to dry exceptionally fast. This covers the main body and down towards the knees of the suit.
Elsewhere the FTM Seals (a liquid seam technology) help to keep water out and a fused, glued and blindstitch approach is used on the other seams of the suit. There are drainage holes in the ankles, and the suit comes with Velcro straps to stop water ingress there too. The fitted collar is comfortable and once you are in, the suit it feels like a second skin.
There is virtually no restriction of movement, and the materials feel extremely supple. The 3/2mm version is a thin summer suit, don’t let the full legs fool you, it’s designed for reasonably warm waters. We also noticed the freezip can allow water to flow through when body dragging. This isn’t an issue when the water is warm, but we tested this on a cold day in the UK and found the suits limits. The thicker versions will keep you much warmer in these conditions.
Overall
The Mercury Freezip is an exceedingly high-quality piece of equipment from Prolimit, packed with features and tech the quality of the Neolight Duotone 550+ limestone neoprene is incredible. Pulling the suit on is easy, especially with the freezip technology. The quick dry Zodiak lining is comfortable, warm and reduces the number of those wet wetsuit days too. The thicker versions will keep you warm and toasty, and the hooded version looks like it could be the choice of many for the cold winter months. A highly impressive wetsuit once again from Prolimit.
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By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
