Mares launches on the market an interesting solution with the Mares Merge, a combination of externally lined and sandwich neoprene.
Materials and protections
As anticipated, the particular aspect of the Mares Merge, is the combination of externally lined and sandwich Sheiko neoprene. The areas of the upper part of the jacket, front and rear, and the arms from the shoulders to the elbows, plus the central part of the cap and the face contour are in sandwich neoprene (an elastic fabric between two neoprene layers). The same applies to the pants from the waist down to the knees and in the upper part of the pants around the belly. This sandwich solution is smooth outside determining a quick-drying effect and keeping the areas of the spearo’s body warm also out of water. Mares claims such a smooth surface improves also hydrodynamics. The remaining parts are in externally lined neoprene with black/indigo polygon-based camouflage that disguises the shape of the spearo.
A specific analysis is needed for the Mares black/indigo camouflage. On one side the dark indigo color is one of the most absorbing ones for what concerns UV rays, which are not visible to human beings, but according to a number of researches, they are to fish. This is why in fishing with rods the artificial baits are instead made of colors that totally reflect UV so they are visible to fish. Another aspect is the fact that the polygon camo from a certain distance (fish see quite well close to an object but have a totally blurry view from meters away) becomes more undistinguished for the fish and somehow gets confused with the seafloor, determining another important camo effect for the spearo.
Sternal and knee protections have a rubber grip cover made of small polygon elements, separated one from the other to limit the elastic capacity of the neoprene, still obtaining sufficient protection and anti-slip effect.
Finishings and cuts
The Mares Merge has a very soft and comfortable face contour solution, with a 2.5 cm wide band of sandwich neoprene and the edge in smooth outside and lined internally folded neoprene. Differently, the wrists and ankles have a more simple solution with the externally lined neoprene simply with a clean cut.
The lower part of the jacket of the Mares Merge internally is a totally open-cell except for a very small area at the front where the Velcro band for a precise closure is positioned. This allows for good sealing when the open cell neoprene of the jacket comes to contact with the externally smooth Sandwich neoprene band of the upper pants, improving thermal insulation.
The beavertail is well made and reinforced with a thick elastic Nylon lining that goes all the way along the inferior border of the jacket.
The underarm area is made with a rhomboidal neoprene patch to adapt to the body of the spearo.
The rear of the jacket has a special curved cut horizontally that connects the Sandwich upper neoprene to the lower externally lined one.
The cap and the neck of the wetsuit have been redesigned for the best adaptation and comfort for the spearo. The chin closure of the cap has no stitching internally for maximum comfort of the skin.
The high waist pants are definitely higher in the front to protect the stomach from cold. Height from the crotch of the trousers is 47 cm at the front and 40 cm at the rear.
The pants have very useful double elastic bands to hang them for drying.
Special solutions
The combination of Sandwich and externally lined neoprene areas is interesting, even though already seen. The camouflage solution seems to have great potential.
Plus and Minus
Plus
- Sandwich plus externally lined neoprene can give thermal advantages out of water
- Interesting camouflage solution based on scientific studies
- Nice sealing of the waist area with open-cell and smooth neoprene in contact
Minus
- Wrists and ankles edges have economical finishings
- Only available in 5 mm thickness
For the complete data chart of the Mares Merge wetsuit click here.