Salvimar sent me another new item from their 2023/2024 catalog: the new 5-millimeter Comforty. As soon as I opened the package, I found a transparent plastic bag protecting it. I opened it and began examining the details dry. The areas of the suit that might risk damaging the neoprene due to the folding necessary to fit it into the box were wrapped in foam "sausages" to preserve the original shape of the garment without damaging the material. The company chose to use ultra-elastic CR neoprene, a blend that ensures durability while also providing flexibility and consequently freedom of movement. The neoprene is combined with a double-layer Nylon Stretch lining placed both internally and externally; this allows for easy and rapid dressing without the need for soapy solutions. To be clear, it is similar to a double-lined suit but with superior quality. The cut is anatomical with "horizontal/gradual" compression to facilitate movement and breathing and avoid the "cage" effect on the chest and adjacent areas. When we talk about horizontal compression, we are referring to the double layer of nylon stretch (inside and outside the neoprene) and particularly to the fact that the fibers of this polyamide have a vertical and a horizontal stretching plane (unlike, for example, Superstretch, which can stretch in every direction). Knowing this property of the fibers, Salvimar places the two layers of nylon stretch on the neoprene in the "horizontal" compression direction to avoid obstructing and making breathing difficult (as the rib cage expands and contracts horizontally). The garment is completely black with acid green writing, the company's trademark. Specifically, on the jacket, the Salvimar logo is positioned on the front of the hood, on the chest, on the right forearm, and vertically along the left side of the back; on the pants, it is printed on both thighs. The Comforty logo is printed on the generous sternum support. One of the first things I like to observe in wetsuits is the stitching, which I believe indicates the level of craftsmanship. In this case, it is a double internal/external stitch with a GBS system, consisting of an internal double-needle stitch with central bicomponent gluing. This ensures optimal waterproofing and offers greater durability and water resistance. On the wrists, ankles, waist, and face, the finishes are defined by Overlock (serger), which means visible stitching. This detail has also been refined to ensure quick dressing without any obstacles. In short, every feature and detail of the Comforty aims at speed and ease of dressing while maintaining overall robustness. To confirm this thesis, a quick-release button by Salvimar was chosen for the beaver tail: a practical, secure, and immediately usable system. In areas where extra protection is needed, such as the chest/sternum support and the knees, the Aris system (Abrasion Resistant Ink System) was adopted, studied and designed in-house; it consists of hot-printed polyurethane scales that aesthetically imitate crocodile skin, applied to protect areas where contact with the seabed (such as the knees) or with the speargun (such as the sternum support) would more likely cause wear or cuts. The Comforty is produced in two thicknesses, 3 and 5 millimeters, and in sizes ranging from S to XXL.

Into the Sea!

Let’s start by saying that the Comforty, given its internal stretch nylon lining, which has slightly lower thermal properties compared to, for example, open-cell neoprene, is designed for milder water temperatures, typically from mid-April to November. Confirming this, Salvimar only produces the suit in 3 and 5 millimeter thicknesses, excluding the 7 millimeter.

It’s April, a sunny day with rather calm seas; I have about three hours and decide it's a good occasion to take the first dive with this new wetsuit. I put it on dry, without any soapy water solution, thanks to the Nylon stretch. The pants go on in a few seconds. The jacket, once worn, is adjusted by positioning the arm seams on the upper limbs' joints without any problem. In just a few minutes, I'm ready! I wear a size three, and I must say the anatomical cut fits my build very well. To complete the outfit, I wear 3-millimeter Salvimar Tactile gloves and booties.

I enter the sea, and small infiltrations sneak in through the ankles, but they remain confined to that area; since the booties are also lined, the linings of the two garments (booties and pants) don’t adhere in a watertight manner but let some trickles of water in. As soon as I fully immerse, the same trickles of water pass under the jacket, but anticipating this, I tightened the elastic weight belt just enough to minimize the phenomenon; and I must say it works (another solution could be using classic shorts).

Loading the speargun is done without any discomfort on the sternum thanks to the generous support and without dangerous slipping of the weapon, thanks to the Aris system.

The Comforty fits really well, and breathing is smooth and unobstructed. I prepare the dive and immerse myself; I’m waiting in just two meters of water, the temperature is about 17 degrees. I see some undersized sargos swimming around, so I prolong the wait, hoping something bigger comes within range. Here comes a nice school of mullet, which, unconcerned about my presence, literally overwhelms me, but I don’t shoot, searching the school for possible sea bass, but find none. So, I let the whole group pass and aim at one of the last ones, trying to hit the spine to limit its thrashing and not disturb the rest of the fish to have a chance in subsequent dives. The trick works four times until, despite more mullets appearing, I don’t shoot, as dinner for the following days was assured.

Regarding the color of the wetsuit, though important, camouflage is not essential for me. Even with black models like the Comforty, you can make good catches, as long as the behavior during fishing actions does not appear aggressive or threatening to the prey; in my opinion, it’s crucial to adopt some correct precautions (for example, having the sun at your back, proper positioning, etc.) and movements that do not alarm the fish.

Almost two hours have passed, and I start feeling cold; I decide to end the fishing session. I am happily surprised by this. In fact, with a 5-millimeter lined suit and water at 17 degrees, it’s not bad at all!

This model is undoubtedly designed for higher temperatures, for summer and spring adventures. I find it perfect, given its ease of dressing, versatility, and durability, for those fishermen who are new to this world, so they can "mistreat" this garment with the confidence that it will last over time, thanks to its solidity, without neglecting the quality, which, as with all Salvimar products, is an essential priority!

Ratings!

Fit: 8.5 - The Comforty fits various body types well, and there are five available sizes.

Finish Level: 9 - Nothing to complain about, as is tradition with Salvimar garments.

Durability: 9 - The outer lining offers good protection. On the sternum, protection with a padded neoprene cushion covered with the Aris system, as well as on the knees. The result is a suit that withstands rough treatment.

Comfort: 8 - Definitely good, thanks to the revised cut and the right material choice.

Dressing/Undressing: 9.5 - These operations are carried out very quickly thanks to the double Nylon Stretch lining that does not require soapy water.

Quality/Price Ratio: 8 - It’s purchased at an average price of 220 euro; some might think this is a high price for a lined suit, but one must consider that such a garment requires more work (hence higher costs for the company) compared to a classic lined/open-cell suit. For this reason, I find the price justified.

Technical Data Sheet

Material: CR neoprene with double Nylon Stretch lining

Cut: Anatomical with horizontal/gradual compression to facilitate movements and breathing

Seams: Double (internal/external) blind stitching with GBS system and bicomponent central gluing

Aris (Abrasion Resistant Ink System): Positioned on the center of the chest and knees to increase protection in areas of greatest contact

Beaver Tail: With single quick-release button