What is a Yulex Wetsuit?
Wes Severson November 4th, 2024 Posted In: Articles
Wetsuits have made surfing, SCUBA diving, and other popular ocean activities possible in the chilliest water temperatures. For decades wetsuits have been made with petroleum-based neoprene, which does a great job of keeping you warm. However, petroleum and the ocean do not mix. Petroleum-based products are harmful to the ocean’s vast wildlife. It makes sense that we’ve been looking for new ways to create wetsuits that don’t pose any environmental danger.
That’s where Yulex wetsuits come in. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about these more eco-friendly wetsuit options, and why they appear to be redefining the future of wetsuits to keep our oceans as clean as possible while we enjoy them!
What is Yulex?
Unlike petroleum-based neoprene, Yulex is a natural latex rubber substance that is sustainable. It is created using sap from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, also known as Paŕa rubber tree, native to rainforests in the Amazon region of South America. The trees are also typically grown on plantations in the tropics.
How is Yulex Made?
Yulex is made by creating V-shaped gouges into the tree that allow for the extraction of milky white latex found directly under the bark of the Hevea tree. The latex is filtered, washed, and treated to remove impurities and then coagulated to create a thick solid rubber.
The filtering process in the creation of Yulex is very important. It consists of removing the proteins in latex that are associated with latex allergies. That means it is a healthier choice for people who suffer from latex or neoprene allergies.
The creation of Yulex also requires a much smaller carbon footprint compared to neoprene, and one of the best features of Yulex is that it is biodegradable and supports biodiversity.
How Yulex Wetsuits Are Made
Once the natural rubber is prepped and dried into various thicknesses, it gets covered with the materials that are typically used for Yulex wetsuit linings. They often consist of graphene made from recycled fibers, recycled polyester, or recycled nylon, which are glued onto the Yulex with AquaA glue. According to Patagonia, the outdoor brand widely known as the original creator of the Yulex wetsuit, AquaA glue is made without harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and has the same durability as conventional, solvent-based wetsuit glues. Check out our selection of Patagonia Yulex wetsuits today!
The lined sections of Yulex are then measured and cut into pieces to create the different parts of the wetsuit, which are then stitched and glued together to create the final product.
How Yulex Wetsuits Compare to Neoprene
Like neoprene, Yulex features plenty of elasticity which allows your body to move with flexibility and comfort without feeling too restrictive. Yulex and neoprene are both strong materials which means they are both made to withstand prolonged exposure to sun, saltwater, and sand. Extensive testing has proved that both neoprene and Yulex wetsuits offer similar insulating properties and will both keep you warm in cold water.
One area that neoprene does not compare to Yulex wetsuits is sustainability. There are several environmental drawbacks associated with neoprene, especially when it comes to how neoprene is produced. Chemical byproducts and extensive energy use are huge issues with neoprene. Also, since neoprene is not biodegradable, old wetsuits are often doomed to landfills.
Pros & Cons of Yulex Wetsuits
Yulex wetsuits obviously have features that make them stand out among neoprene wetsuits but they might not be the right choice for everyone.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Hypoallergenic and safe for those with latex sensitivities
- Comparable warmth and performance to neoprene
- Responsibly sourced materials
- Smaller carbon footprint to create
Cons:
- More expensive than neoprene wetsuits
- Limited options and availability, however, more brands are creating Yulex wetsuits each year
- Feels slightly different than neoprene, which may take some getting used to
- Not all Yulex wetsuits are created the same way. Some brands use different tactics for responsible sourcing and also emphasize additional environmental initiatives when making their Yulex wetsuits. Make sure to research each brand’s sustainability practices before making your choice!
Tips For Buying a Yulex Wetsuit
If you think a Yulex wetsuit is right for you and you are going to make the switch, make sure to consider many of the same things you considered when you bought your last neoprene wetsuit.
Like neoprene, Yulex comes in various thicknesses depending on how cold the water is where you’ll be using it. Make sure to get the proper wetsuit thickness for your location and water temperature.
Also, comfort is a huge factor when purchasing any type of wetsuit. Make sure the Yulex wetsuit you decide on has a snug fit but is not too restrictive. Generally, the more comfort you feel in your wetsuit, the longer you will be able to stay in the water.
Conclusion
Yulex wetsuits are becoming more and more popular as more brands get on board with the new material. This will inevitably drive prices lower, making the costs more comparable to neoprene. Many surfers, SCUBA divers, and other ocean sports enthusiasts know how precious the ocean ecosystem is to our planet’s well-being, which makes the choice to switch from neoprene to Yulex a no-brainer.
So, if you’re an eco-conscious individual, we highly recommend that you consider a Yulex wetsuit to help care for the ocean and our planet!
