NeilPryde created the first purpose-made wetsuit for windsports back in 1992 which launched the waterwear division of the parent company founded in 1970 by world champion sailor, Neil Pryde. Today, the company’s commitment to its roots and innovation continues as the brand rolls out the industry’s first compression wetsuit, its own unique foilboard baseplate system and more.
NEW FOR 2019, NEILPRYDE IS INTRODUCING COMPRESSION WETSUITS TO THE WINDSPORTS MARKETPLACE. WHAT BENEFITS DOES THIS TYPE OF SUIT OFFER AND WHAT CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE LINEUP FOR THE NEW MODEL YEAR?
Compression has been used in triathlon gear for a long time. We have teamed up with experts in this field to incorporate this type of technology into our wetsuits so riders can have the same benefits to increase performance, ride longer, recover quicker and reduce their chances of injuries.
Other changes to the lineup include a newly added feature called EFX (Expansion Flex System) which provides added flex on the forearms so you are less likely to cramp up when your forearms expand. We also have a new lining called Tech Zag which is our thermal insulation with a unique brushed pattern for a super soft feel that is also fast drying with anti-bacterial properties.
ARE ALL THE NEILPRYDE WETSUITS NOW MADE WITH BUILT-IN COMPRESSION OR IS THE COMPANY STILL OFFERING TRADITIONAL SUITS? HOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND A RIDER CHOOSE BETWEEN YOUR VARIOUS MODELS?
So far, built-in compression is only on our top-end Recon, Combat and Storm wetsuits. Choosing between the various models will depend mostly on the conditions and what features appeal to various riders. We recommend our topend Recon for the ultimate warmth. The Recon is made completely of high stretch materials with fully taped seams inside and out, and wrist seals to keep it water tight. Thermal insulation covers the chest, back and legs, and features our unique muscle lock compression on the legs and expansion forearms for anti-cramping.
For a suit dedicated to windsports, we would recommend the Combat for men and the Storm for women. The Combat/Storm integrates our proprietary Armor Skin neoprene that does not absorb water on the outside making it a ”˜semi-dry’ for durable windchill protection. It has high-stretch arms and shoulders where you need the most flexibility with fully taped seams on the outside making it water tight. The thermal insulation also covers the chest, back and legs and features muscle lock compression on the calves and expansion forearms for anti-cramping.
For a mid-range suit, we have the Mission for men and the Serene for women; both offer a balance of performance and warmth. It’s our most popular model made of high stretch materials with partially taped seams. The thermal insulation also covers the chest, back and legs and features expansion forearms for anti-cramping.
Next in the line is a new model called the Cortex for men and the Vamp for women. It’s a highly flexible suit with adequate warmth offered at a very affordable price. It does not possess any taped seals but does have insultation on the chest, back and upper legs.
Last is our price-point Rise for the men and Spark for women. This model comes in a 5mm winter full suit with insulation on the chest and back as well as various flatlock spring suit styles.
ALSO BRAND NEW TO THE LINEUP, NEILPRYDE HAS INTRODUCED A NEW SURF FOIL TO THE MARKET THAT CROSSES INTO SURF, SUP, KITE AND/OR WINDSURFING. WE LIKE THE LOOK OF THE INNOVATIVE BASEPLATE””WHAT ARE THE MOST UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE NEILPRYDE’S FOIL PROGRAM?
In addition to our already established Flight foil program (featuring a high performance carbon foil and an aluminum freeriding foil, both designed to be used on boards with deep Tuttle base or ”˜foil base’) NeilPryde this year has added the Glide foil program for our 2019 product collection which is one of the lightest aluminum foils on the market.
What is really unique about the Glide foil range is that all Glide foils share the same wing designs, mast extrusion, fuselage mounting faces and base systems for both the Glide Wind and Glide Surf foils.
This wings are made of Carbon fiber and are available in small 160sqi, medium 190sqi and large 225sqi, and are specifically designed to perform well at low and medium speed while being very stable and predictive in the turns while also providing a lot of lift to keep you up on a foil with less energy. There are also two common tails: a small one used with a small and medium front wing and a large one used with our large front wing.
Glide Surf features a shorter fuselage that moves the front wing further back and shortens the distance between the front wing and the tail; this balances well on a SUP, prone surfboards or kiteboards where the mast mount is positioned below or just in front of the riders back foot. Also, the mast is 60cm which makes learning easier/safer and it is also less susceptible to hitting the reef/bottom when surfing smaller waves. The Glide Surf already comes in all three wing sizes (S, M and L) and since all the aluminum parts are interchangeable, one can change to a 70cm mast or even an 85cm mast once the rider’s skill comes to the level where he or she prefers a longer mast in order to be able to roll the foil even harder into the turns without the danger of catching the board rail while turning.
All this compatibility across the whole Glide foil range means that one can purchase, for example, Glide Surf, and then buy separately the Tuttle mount and longer fuselage to transform it into a windsports foil for kiting or windsurfing. Glide Surf can be used on any board with a Tuttle base; you just need to change the base adapter and it is ready to go. And it’s the same case the other way around; by adding a Power box or Tuttleadapter and longer Wind fuselage one can convert Glide Surf foil into a Glide Wind.
HAVE ANY CHANGES BEEN MADE TO NEILPRYDE’S HARNESS OR SPREADER BAR OPTIONS?
This year we will introduce a new model called the EVO. It is our lightest and most comfortable harness. It has a lower profile and a softer construction for maximum comfort and freedom of movement. It will vary based on individual riders but our goal is to try and strip down the clunkiness of a traditional harness without sacrificing the needed support.
The Bomb is currently our best seller and we have modified it with a new outline for more streamlined sides. The strap configuration has also been changed to accommodate narrower straps and buckles which makes the sides as narrow as possible for more comfort. Our Proton adaptive shell harness and Gravity seat harness designs will carry over with new graphics and the same modification on the strap configurations. All our harnesses will come equipped with an all new stainless steel spreader bar that is completely symmetrical with an EZ release buckle that locks into place with minimal movement; the new spreader is also backwards compatible with our previous harnesses.
