SIZE UP!! Very good tech style shorts.
The media could not be loaded. Delivery Review of size and design. TLDR: Size up a lot. Very good design. Longevity TBC. SIZING: This is not a demerit, just be aware. I bought these in three sizes because the SCUBAPRO size guide is based on full wet suits (all but useless). As others have said, these run very small (think Italian sizing) - do not be tempted to buy your regular size. I am 6’ 4” / 193cm tall, usually 34” or 36” in shorts and trousers and medium or large T shirt. I work in the Caribbean and will use these over Lycra swimmers. I instantly ignored Medium and couldn’t get Large past my knees. XL fits like you would want a wetsuit and I will try XXL in the hope they are snug but not stretched. These are not the right design concept to go over a dry suit (look at the Mares Tek ones). For comparison to the XL, the same level of snug is Medium in the Fourth Element shorts and Apeks Large is just a bit bigger. DESIGN These are like a lightweight shorty wetsuit bottom in feel and very thoughtfully designed. Things to like - the biggest pockets of any tech shorts I have seen with some but not lots of stretch. Bungees are anchored by a fabric loop sewn into the seams - a firm anchor (unlike sewn in bungee) and swappable if needed. Good amount of Velcro and a rigid insert in the flap to make them easy to use. Really big zip pocket in the flap (the bungee inside is sewn down but easy to replace). Sides have a hidden stretch panel below them to help with fit. Inside all stress points have a backing to dissipate the stretching tension and reduce the risk of rips (Fourth Element could learn from this). Tabs sewn into the inside of the waist to hang the shorts from a hanger. i don’t know how durable these will be. My impression is that they might not last like others but they are also cheaper so the balance feels good. Read more
