Pathos: Nerò Freediving
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A dedicated line designed specifically for freediving. This 2-millimeter one-piece wetsuit paired with carbon fiber fins is the best solution for your deep diving needs. Read below to find out about our in-depth test of the Nerò’s suit and fins.
Nerò Suit
With the evolution of competitive freediving, developments in gear technology are making huge strides forward.
Pathos has created a new line dedicated to freediving to support the ever-deeper ambitions of athletes. We tested the Nerò wetsuit and fins in the sea and in the pool. This freediving line, appropriately dubbed “water", embodies the intimate relationship freedivers seek in their favorite element. Let’s talk about the Nerò Wetusit first:
It is a one-piece suit with a back zipper, made from smooth 2-millimeter neoprene with a jersey lining inside. The internal lining ensures maximum elasticity, while the external glide skin ensures remarkable smoothness, minimizing water friction and turbulence. This feature is particularly appreciated during deep dives when, beyond a certain depth, divers free fall, utilizing the energy spent during the initial part of the dive.
Noteworthy are the double-lined jersey inserts under the armpits, which are designed to aid with forward arm mobility, thereby enabling the best hydrodynamic posture for the initial part of the dive and potentially for free fall, should you retain the forward arm position. The same findings applied during dynamic tests in the pool, where we found it easy to maintain a posture that guaranteed maximum smoothness. This comfort attribute is also appreciated during free fall, when divers need total relaxation. During free fall, the initially extended arms may return back along the body to promote relaxation of the neck in order ease equalization.
The double-lined inserts reduce friction, that the smooth external neoprene would otherwise produce. These details are what makes the suit highly comfortable, while keeping you warm and hydrodynamic. This makes the suit a leader in its class.
Despite its mere 2-millimeter thickness, the insulation is excellent. Personally, I have completely many dives dives between 40 and 55 meters wearing the suit, and despite significant thermoclines starting from 18 meters, my cold perception was minimal. I deduce that the compression of the neoprene is limited, despite the depths I was diving at. Given that the first thermocline brought the water temperature to 16 degrees, I was truly impressed that this thin suit kept me as warm as it did.
Lastly, but not of least importance, is the suit’s design. Characterized by cobalt blue and white against the classic black background, bringing the focus to the "Nerò" element — the suit is unique and good looking. The finishing was equally impressive, with an extremely precise cut for all internal seams.
The fit is excellent. The back zipper can be easily opened and closed independently thanks to the provided cord, which can be secured by the Velcro closure at the neck.
Available sizes are: S, M, L, XL, and XXL, and the price-to-quality ratio is excellent for only 222 euros.
Nerò Fins
The fins are as light as feathers! As a result, you hardly feel them on your feet.
I tested the fins in both the sea and the pool and must say that the light kicks during depth dives back to the surface were a real pleasure to experience, as these provided surprisingly good upward propulsion.
This is in part thanks to 33-degree angle between the foot pocket and the blade, which allows for good leg alignment during descents, aiding in buoyancy control, and making surface movements really effortless.
The foot pockets, already tested for spearfishing models, have been adapted to the blades by shortening the longitudinal inserts. The double "S" shape of the blades, when kicking, makes for very effective and economical finning.
Crafted from recycled, pure vulcanized latex at the Pathos facility in Greece, using specially designed injection machines. The foot pocket consists of three different blends of pure latex and the purpose is to make it soft at the toe and heel, medium on the lateral sides, allowing the blade to move freely, and hard on the metatarsus and the sole of the foot to optimize stability.
This solution, combined with the new blades, positions the Nerò fins among the top-tier products in the global market. The foot pocket is directly glued to the blade to improve performance, minimizing energy dispersion during action.
The fins cost 240 euros only
Let’s have a look at the features of these fins, available in two stiffness levels: medium and soft. They measure 820 millimeters in length and 190 millimeters in width, showcasing the carbon fiber pattern, although part of the blade is covered by an eye-catching cobalt blue serigraphy, just like that used for the wetsuit. Alongside the name Nerò, with the name of the new line is prominently displayed: Freediving.
There are also subtle gray channels that stabilize finning on the frontal plane, preventing the blade from skidding and facilitating the foot's alignment with the ankle/knee axis to optimize the stroke.
After conducting various tests in the sea and in the pool my conclusion is truly positive. To fully harness the thrust, it is necessary to adopt ankle finning, where hip movement is minimized. This way, you will fully appreciate the effectiveness of the Nerò fins while exerting minimal muscular effort. Minimum effort with these fins results in maximum performance. This is truly the smartest way to freedive!
