Fusion ICE Fabric - Sun Protection (SPF 800) & Cooling
The highly technical Fusion ICE fabric provides unrivalled Sun Protection and Cooling. With SPF 800 and active cooling. The following provides some background on the R&D as well some additional information and technical details.
Having supported elite athletes racing conditions with high sun and heat, such as Kona, over many years, Fusion went to work on designing a fabric which will best aid athletes in these conditions.
The Fusion ICE fabric was developed with the following design criteria:
- Sun Protection
- Cooling
- Aerodynamics
- Comfort & Performance equally across Swim, Bike and Run.
We all probably intuitively know it but when in hot conditions, by keeping the engine i.e. you, running cool this supports efficiency and speed. Not dissimilar to motor racing, when running hot and fast, keeping the engine cool is key.
Patrick Lange, 3rd place, Kona 16. Including run course record 2:39 marathon.
Speed Suit, with ICE (white) fabric on the top.
Sun Protection
Being based in Australia, where currently 2 out of every 3 will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, we are acutely aware of the risks associated with sun exposure. Especially when you think of endurance racing and the significant exposure time. In regard to sun protection consider two aspects:
- The SPF / UV rating.
- Coverage i.e. how much skin is covered / protected.
Traditional fabric fibres have limited sun protection due to the nature of fibres themselves. The technical solution to improve the Sun Protection of the Fusion ICE fabric has been to uniquely integrate a ceramic compound into the fabric fibres themselves. Maximise UV reflection, working much like zinc sunscreen. The image below is a magnified picture of the ICE fabric, showing the ceramic (white circles) within fabric, and which provides the SPF 800 level protection.
Also meaning the fabric does not absorb water in the same way, drying quickly and remaining lightweight. Plus also making it a Super Opaque white fabric i.e. not see-through.
Sleeves - Traditionally triathlon suits and 2 piece options have been sleeveless, and while much of the talk around the evolution of the sleeved tri suits (e.g. Fusion Speed Suit) and tops (e.g. Fusion Speed Top) has been around the aerodynamic advantages, the benefits associated with additional sun protection are terrific and should not be undervalued. We've all seen, or experienced, the likes of the following before....
No longer any reason not to cover up... read on re cooling. Cover up and stay cool...
Cooling
Firstly, Fabric Colour and Heat Absorption. In short White reflects the most heat while Black absorbs the most. So while black from head to toe may look stealth, if racing in the blazing sun it may not be the best choice.
No only is white naturally the best colour choice to reflect the most heat but with the addition of the ceramic compound to the fabric, this further enhances not only its UV reflective capability but also heat. Reducing heat absorption even further.
Not suggesting you need to go white from head to toe, but white ICE fabric on top and darker on the bottom makes sense.
Secondly, how well the Fabric Breathes and in turn promotes the body’s natural cooling mechanism is key to cooling. As we sweat this evaporates and is cooling, known as the evaporative cooling effect. A fabric which is highly breathable promotes, or facilitates, this cooling effect.
Additionally, putting water on the ICE fabric helps promote cooling further. For example as going through aid stations.
Check out some of the customer reviews on Speed Suit (NRG), click here). The same ICE fabric is used in the Speed Suit (the top half) and the Speed Top, ICE TOP and Cool Wings.
Comfort
With increased heat and moisture when racing in warm conditions, the risks around chafing, rubbing, etc. only become greater. A good overall fit is important, as always. However the breathability of the fabric referenced above once again becomes super important as it promotes moisture transfer, keeping you dry, which in turn contributes significantly to providing sustained comfort.
Additionally the degree the Compression has been targeted to as to provide a snug aero fit, but not be restrictive. In particular relating to the range of motion during the swim and run specifically, but also so as not to restrict breathing on the chest and / or stomach area for digestion of nutrition.
Range
Given the benefits the ICE fabric is used across a number of key items including. Click through to see more details on each, as well as customer reviews.
Custom Printing Option: The ICE fabric is also ideal for custom printing. For further details on our sublimation custom printing and examples click here. Including our offer of 2 for FREE on Speed Suits, or 2 piece purchase including ICE-Top.
Hopefully the above helps and of course any questions or if you would like to discuss further please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thanks for having a read.
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