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Designer’s Corner: NPX Zealot 2010

Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine

Designer Profile:
Name: Terence Wang
Age: 34
Location: California
Job Title: NPX Product Manager
Designing: Watersports apparel for over 8 years
Kiteboarding: 4 years

Product name: Zealot 2010
Product category: Wetsuit
Sizes available: S to XXL
Release date: September 09

Is this a new design or a next generation on an existing design?
Next generation of the popular Zealot wetsuit.

npx_zealot

If this is next generation design, what did you work on changing or improving?
The goal was to incorporate some of the newest neoprene technologies to make the Zealot even warmer, lighter, and stretchier than last year.

What was your biggest challenge during the prototype phase?
Working with new materials is always challenging. Fortunately, we had months to test and tweak the new Matrix Mesh before finalizing the Zealot so we have it dialed now.

If you could choose one standout performance or new construction feature to highlight, what would it be?
It would have to be the warmth that our “Matrix Mesh” neoprene generates. On the chest and back we use a three layer sandwich constructed neoprene or what we call the “Matrix Mesh”. The neoprene has a matrix of air capsules that traps heat radiated from your body and releases to your body over time. Therefore, as long as you are continuously active, the suit will keep on generating the needed warmth.

What are some of the other key product features and performance characteristics?
One other new feature we have is the bamboo charcoal lining on the inside. The bamboo charcoal inner lining has been proven for its antibacterial and anti-odor properties. With it you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher smelling suit for a longer time. Also, we’ve extended our hydrophobic polypropylene insulation from the inside chest and back all the way down through the upper legs for added warmth. Other existing features include the aqua vents on the ankles to flush out water built around the calves. The entire suit is glued and blind-stitched with tape on the stress areas so no water will penetrate through the seams.

What style/level of rider will most enjoy this product and in what conditions?
Anyone in cold climates that appreciates a warm and stretchy suit will love the Zealot.

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What is your warranty policy on this product?
One year on the material and workmanship.

What differentiates your product from your competitors?
The core of our product is our research and development team that focuses on bringing more innovative technology to further improve our wetsuits for improved warmth, performance and functionality. We have a team of riders and international testers from all over the world that vigorously test our suits in various conditions from extreme cold weather in Canada to big waves in Northern California to 50+ knot winds in Namibia. The Zealot kept our riders toasty in these conditions, so we know it will keep you warm at your local spot.

TESTED: Damien Leroy, Team Rider
There is no question. Hands down, my favorite suit is the 2010 Zealot 4/3. I have worn this suit in the coldest places and it’s always kept me warm. Everyone says, “Damien you need to take the 5/4, a 4/3 isn’t enough,” but the 4/3 Zealot is all I ever need. All my surfer buddies are buying the Zealot because it’s more flexible than the top surf suits ”” that’s got to tell you something. If you live somewhere cold, get the 2010 Zealot. You will thank me the next time I run into you!

Originally Published in the October 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine