Fourth Element Arctic Set Review
A robust, all-purpose undergarment for drysuit diving across a wide range of conditions. Warm, reliable, and easy to layer with, the Arctic was my first undergarment purchase and remains one of the most versatile pieces in my kit.
Overall Score: 8.5 / 10
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm across a broad temperature range | Bulky in warmer weather |
| Works well as a standalone or base for layering | Pricier than other fleece-style options |
| Durable and easy to maintain | Gloves are bulky, booties run small |
| Comfortable in Yucatán cenotes and Lake Michigan |
Why I Chose the Arctic
This was my first drysuit undergarment, and I chose it for its balance of warmth, reliability, and compatibility with my Santi drysuit. It worked well across a range of water temperatures, from Lake Michigan to the cenotes of the Yucatán. I never had any thermal issues during the dive itself.
Over time, I found the Arctic to be too warm on hot summer days, especially during surface intervals. That’s what pushed me to pick up the Fourth Element Xerotherm as a lighter option. But the Arctic still remains my go-to for general drysuit diving.
Performance in the Water
- Temperature Range: Suitable down to mid 40s °F in my experience, even in Lake Michigan. Too warm for surface wear in hot sun.
- Fit & Flexibility: No binding or bulk complaints with the main garments. However, the Arctic gloves were extremely bulky, and the booties did not fit my feet well (too small).
- Layering: Can be layered over a Xerotherm or similar base layer for extended thermal protection.
- Comfort: The base garments are warm and comfortable. I now use plain wool socks and wool gloves with liners instead of the Arctic accessories.
Verdict
The Arctic remains a strong value for drysuit divers who want one reliable solution that works in almost all water temperatures. It's too much for tropical drysuit diving or hot surface days, but underwater, it’s been flawless for me.
Would I buy it again? Yes. I might explore layering options sooner, but I’d still start with the Arctic if I had to do it over.
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 9.0 | 30% | 2.70 |
| Ease of Use | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | 8.0 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 9.0 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Value | 7.0 | 10% | 0.70 |
| Brand Trust | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Total | 8.65 / 10 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 8.5 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9.0: Kept me warm in all intended dive conditions, from cool quarries to cenotes.
- Ease of Use – 9.0: No interference with seals or valves, goes on easily. Gloves and booties were less successful.
- Versatility – 8.0: Works across a wide range of temps, but surface comfort is a limiter.
- Durability & Build – 9.0: Still in great shape after a full year of use and washing.
- Value – 7.0: Expensive compared to other options, though justified by performance and build.
- Brand Trust – 9.0: Fourth Element remains one of the most respected brands in dive wear.