Again, these functional advantages are a reality because Geoprene is 98% water impermeable. Old fashioned neoprene suits are like a sponge. They soak-up water. They get heavy. And they drag you down (while making you shiver). Conversely, Geoprene absorbs little to no water. Coupled with Matuse’s patterning, a Matuse suit never feels or functions like a cold, clammy bag of bricks on your back.

Matuse products, also known as Premium (the ichiban) Game, represent the Japanese-based Kaizen philosophy of continual improvement. Measure twice. Cut once. Can’t knock this hustle. It’s art + function and it’s all good. In designing a suit, we seek to perfect 4 critical areas:

• FLEXIBILITY
• COMFORT
• INSULATION
• DURABILITY

To maximize performance in each area, we consult with a panel of orthopedists, yogis, world-renowned surfers, swimmers and water-enthusiasts to determine a seam design that is not only functionally superior but also comfy and aesthetically pleasing. It’s our job to ensure you maximize your time spent in the water. And we are constantly improving in the following areas:

• Complimenting the musculo-skeletal structure of the human body.
• Balancing the body’s natural symmetry within each suit or top.
• Minimizing resistance, reducing fatigue and increasing power.
• Anatomical adjustments to the knees, elbows, shoulders and neck.
• Maximizing breathing capacity while optimizing core heat retention.

Ultimately, it’s all about getting better. Everyday.

In the Fall of 2006, Matuse launched its first three products: The BC Vest, The Philo and the Chapter 1 Jackets (make each name a link to the product…and also include pic of three suits in frames from first shoot). Straight from the drawing board. Matuse didn’t even offer a full suit until the Fall of 2007.

Today, Matuse’s product (http://matuse.com/shop/) line has expanded but the mission statement will forever be: To make product ichiban (the best) by creating function-first, solution-specific innovations; to educate by telling a story, enhancing cultural and environmental awareness.

The Big Picture (store these to long-term memory)

MORE FLEXIBILITY.

Matuse’s ergonomic design and Geoprene technology create an unsurpassed combination of insulation and flexibility.

MORE PREMIUM PERFORMANCE.

More endurance: Energy is conserved since the body’s thermostatic line remains at a balanced level. This means longer and more fulfilling sessions.

MORE WARMTH; LESS WEIGHT.

Geoprene’s technology means thinner rubber can still be warmer rubber. Since it doesn’t absorb water, it weighs less. So it allows athletes to focus on the right issues (like better surfing), and fuss less over the wrong ones (like being cold, uncomfortable—and performing like a wet noodle).

MORE INCENTIVES (TO SURF), LESS EXCUSES NOT TO.

It gives you more reasons why and less reasons why not.

The Details (might want to take some notes)

GEOPRENE IS THE ICHIBAN

Old-fashioned neoprene is petroleum-based: It’s messy, it’s hazardous and it goops up sea otters. Geoprene is derived from limestone that’s 99.7% pure. Estimates show that the limestone source – an ancient misty Mesozoic mountain – has reserves that will last approximately 3,000 years. Compare that to the earth’s dwindling supply of oil (as well as the astronomically high price per barrel) and you have a pretty good idea as to why Geoprene is a more sustainable alternative (in addition to being functionally superior).

As mentioned above, how it performs according to its intended utility is paramount. On this note, the intended utility for wetsuit is to being flexible, comfortable, insulating and durable. Durability also equates to ecology. If you suit lasts longer, you hopefully won’t need to heap it onto the scrap heap 3-6 months of buying it.

Well, Geoprene gets an A+ for it’s ability to fulfill its intended utility. This is because of its unique independent closed microcell structure.

To break it down, on standard suits, if a cell is connected with another-and if a wall of the cell is broken, the performance of rubber becomes largely lowered. Geoprene has a perfectly independent cell (perfectly closed cell). In essence, every cell in your suit has “the other cells’ back.” Keeping things tight like that. This last point means that your suit will keep you warmer longer.

In any case, because of this unique independent closed micro-cell structure, Geoprene keeps you warmer, lighter and just as flexible. These are some of the reasons why Geoprene puts a beatdown on standard, kitchen-sponge-like neoprene.

THIS RUBBER DOESN’T SUCK

Unlike standard neoprene, Geoprene doesn’t suck up water. Its closed cell content is over 98%—over 30% higher than most competing materials. And with virtually no water absorption, the weight of this rubber remains nearly identical in wet or dry conditions.

THIS RUBBER HAS GAS—AND THAT’S A GOOD THING

Each independent closed cell is filled with Nitrogen gas, enabling excellent thermal insulation and optimum heat retention.

THIS RUBBER BACKS ITSELF UP

Geoprene’s uniform microcell structure ensures that if your suit’s surface gets scratched, new independent concave microcells are exposed to ensure continued functionality.

THIS RUBBER’S GOT MORE STRETCH THAN YOUR OWN SKIN

Geoprene’s maximum elongation is 480-530%. The human skin’s greatest elongation—found in the armpit—is only 60-70%. Even better, Geoprene never gets stretch marks.

THIS RUBBER’S GOT 3-DIS (I.E. 3-DIMENSIONAL INTELLIGENT SKIN)

Geoprene has a state-of-the-art technology that’s a part of its basic DNA. In addition to the “Regular Carbon Black” application, Geoprene has “Spherical Carbon Black”—which disperses all force loads: stretch, elongation, pressure and compression. Geoprene also has a “FE Polymer” which prevents self-curing and reduces aging (i.e. hardening) that affects inferior foam rubber compounds.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR GEOPRENE TIP-TOP

GET A MANICURE (OR AT LEAST CUT YOUR NAILS)

Don’t claw your ichiban game like a lion grabbing a zebra. Instead, remove the suit with your fingertips.

BE GENTLE, SENSITIVE AND RESPONSIBLE LIKE

Hang it neatly. Treat it like you bought it. Don’t leave it in the sun, on your patio, under your truck, in your friend’s Jacuzzi, with your puppy—well, you get the picture.

BE BETTER THAN A BARNEY (EVEN IF YOU ARE ONE)

If you don’t know, check with someone. There’s no stupid questions—only unfortunate outcomes.

Matuse Product Warranty

We offer a 1 year limited warranty from the date of purchase on manufacturing defects for all Matuse Geoprene Wetsuits for the original owner with proof of purchase.

The warranty does not cover Geoprene damaged from use other than normal recreational use. Warranty does not cover, and is not limited to, damage/cracking due to sun exposure, improper care, fin cuts, finger nail nicks, shark attack, spontaneous combustion, alien abduction, general negligence or natural aging over the course of the product’s lifetime.

Accordingly, if the Geoprene is in such a state that it cannot be used for repair or was repaired by an unauthorized repair service, the warranty will be voided. This warranty is ultimately limited to repair or replacement at the discretion of Matuse and does not include consequential damages, incidental damages or damages to person or property.

HOW TO GET YOUR SUIT REPAIRED

• Product Warranty Form must be included
• Copy of purchase receipt
• Suit must be clean and dry

You must print out and completely fill out the Product Warranty Form. Download the proper form below and send it in with your wetsuit. Be sure to include a copy of your purchase receipt. Any suits sent in without the Product Warranty Form or Product Receipt will not be processed until both are received. If suit is sent in wet and dirty a $15 dry and clean fee will be billed to the customer. Be sure to pack the suit loosely in a box. Over folding can cause crease damage to the wetsuit.

Send To:
Attention: Matuse Warranty
5040 Shoreham Place
Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92122