TAKING DISRUPTIVE DESIGN TO THE NEXT LEVEL - The brief was clear: the Cyclone series of this range was designed to be the best performing wetsuit for fit, warmth and stretch to match, or exceed, the best in the market, but incorporating a level of durability to challenge the expected lifespan of high end wetsuits.
FITS BETTER THAN A GLOVE - From creating an all new wetsuit pattern; the Dakine Apex Fit – engineered for extreme freedom of movement, tailored fit and no stress points – to developing their own thermal linings and industry first innovation, the Cyclone was Dakines’ skunkworks of ideas.
SEALED IN WARMTH - The Cyclone wetsuits feature an industry first innovation in the shoulder seal, the Curv Lock, to reinforce, secure and lock down the entry panel and ensure the most water tight seal. A unique, flush free zipperless seal system.
This Curv lock feature is combined with a smooth seal neck plus cuffs and ankles reinforced with Resist panels for a water tight seal. Double glued with 3D stitching, sealed and reinforced with external sealed seam and internal tape throughout there isn’t going to be that usual seep through the seams that you get with other suits either.
All Cyclone suits are fully lined in the core with Hexo_Therm which was specially developed for Dakine by their fabric experts; a lightweight, stretch woven thermal base with an integrated high loft layer to create additional air trapping and quick drying properties. Used only in core areas for absolute warmth. For the non-core areas they use their Thermo lining - lightweight, stretch woven, high pile fabric for maximum warmth and stretch. This has the same extreme stretch of FLX external lining with the added high pile insulative effect, used internally for warmth. For the areas that need more flex they use NPM – high flex with very high surface resistance NPM balances stretch with high durability. A high elastic rebound eliminates over-stretch fatigue.
NEXT LEVEL STRETCH - With 20% DK_Lite neoprene the Cyclone suits are super light with next level stretch. Only produced in very low quantities due to the complexity of stabilising a lightweight foam and used exclusively in Cyclone models. Seam construction is designed for minimal weight and maximum flex too.
On the outside Dakine have engineered flex into the Cyclone too with Hex; exclusive to Dakine and only used in panels featuring their unique Hexo_Therm interior lining, Hex is stretch woven for almost limitless flex, dope dyed then embossed with their custom hex pattern. There’s also FLX - stretch woven for extreme flex, using a reinforced elastane thread to create new levels of durability in superstretch linings. And finally NPM - high flex with very high surface resistance NPM balances stretch with high durability. A high elastic rebound eliminates over-stretch fatigue.
DURABILITY FOR LONG LIFE PERFORMANCE - Dakine believe that durability creates a longer product lifespan reducing the overall environmental impact (see ECO Details section for the full Eco lowdown). For each model the use of foam, lining and seam construction is adjusted to suit the performance, warmth or price - more DK_Lite neoprene for extreme stretch and lightest weight or more D foam for strength.
Regardless of price, all models use D foam high modulus neoprene and abrasion resistant linings in high wear areas. All seams are twice glued and at least twice reinforced with a combination of 3D stitch, liquid seal and tape, with the exception of the fused jacket and flatlocked spring suit.
Other features for durability include: 3D STITCH - A stitching system for zero water penetration and maximum strength. On 5mm wetsuits they use a double thread system inside and out. RESIST PANELS - Tactically placed abrasion resistant panels in areas of high wear or high material fatigue. ANTI-FRAY CUFF - The finished raw cuff is cut with clamp and black creating a super accurate low profile anti-flush, anti- fray finish. NEOPRENE TAPE - applied to the inside seams and seam junctions. FUSED SEAM - On Cyclone models they use a fused seam, sealed with a silicon compound and taped inside.