Fourth Element Dry-Sac

Roll-top dry bag for transporting and isolating wet or sensitive gear

Fourth Element Dry-Sac
Bags and cases
Fourth Element

The Fourth Element Dry Sac is a simple storage solution designed to keep contents dry or to isolate wet equipment during transport. Constructed from flexible, waterproof fabric with welded seams, it uses a roll-top closure system that creates a watertight seal when folded and clipped, helping protect contents from water ingress during boat dives, shore entries or travel.

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Fourth Element, Then and Now: A Conversation With Jim Standing

A return visit, 20 years on, became a conversation about change, responsibility and what may be left to protect.

Words:
Peter Symes
Images:
Peter Symes
Jim Standing, co-founder of Fourth Element
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Profiles & Interviews

The first reaction was instant and entirely human.

“Gosh… I look so young.”

Jim Standing had just revisited the old interview and profile we had published in 2005. His co-founder, fellow director and visionary, Paul Strike (“Strikey”), had expressed pretty much the same sentiment when we put the old article in front of him. Both men, who built Fourth Element from the ground up, were looking back, not just at themselves, but at the early articulation of an idea we were now returning to, two decades on, to revisit and reassess.

Fourth Element Xenos Arc

Effortless‑donning wetsuit with eco‑material performance

Fourth Element Xenos Arc
Wetsuits & Rashguards
Fourth Element

The Xenos ARC wetsuit uses a high‑stretch composite material called Ocena, comprising natural rubber and recycled tyres, to deliver enhanced durability, insulation and flexibility compared with traditional neoprene. 

Seams are triple‑glued and blind‑stitched; wrist seals use Hydrolock, the neck seal uses Glideskin and the 7 mm model adds internal silicone ankle seals—features crafted for repetitive dives, liveaboards and multi‑dive days. 

Fourth Element Pelagic

Swiss‑made dive watch built for extreme conditions and ocean advocates

Dive Watches
Gifts
Fourth Element

The Pelagic dive watch from Fourth Element is a Swiss‑built mechanical timepiece designed for serious underwater use, combining traditional dive watch aesthetics with professional-grade specifications. Rated to 500 metres, it is engineered for functionality in demanding environments while reflecting the brand’s commitment to ocean conservation.

Fourth Element Seeker Mask

The Cornwall-based manufacturer states that their new Seeker mask was designed with two main objectives: maximise the diver’s field of vision to be as close as possible to the experience of not wearing a mask using a single lens and to fit nearly everyone.

Masks, Fins & Snorkels
Fourth Element

The low-volume construction enables effortless equalization and clearing, offering a brighter and broader view of the underwater world. Its soft silicone skirt and unique facial geometry ensure a comfortable, universal fit, making it suitable for nearly everyone. You can choose between two lens options, Clarity and Contrast, for optimal visibility. Plus, it is eco-conscious, compatible with recycled elastic straps, and comes with a sleek low-profile case for added durability and convenience. Dive with unmatched clarity and comfort with the Seeker mask.

Fourth Element Rec Fin

In 2017 David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II spurred a passionate global response to change how we use plastic.

Fourth Element, Rec Fins, recycled plastic products, Rosemary E Lunn, Roz Lunn, XRay Mag, X-Ray Magazine, scuba diving equipment, flippers
Masks, Fins & Snorkels
Fourth Element

The nature documentary was public service broadcasting at its finest, and it highlighted the environmental emergency that many of us, as divers, have seen in our oceans. 

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There was a call to arms to think about how we utilise plastic—which is a brilliant material when employed correctly. Many viewers embraced the idea of eliminating one-time-use plastic (straws, plastic bags, disposable coffee cups and water bottles, etc) and to start getting clever about how we purpose plastic.

There is no such thing as 'away'. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.

Annie Leonard, Greenpeace USA 

 

Fourth Element states that "the Rec Fin generates thrust on both the down and upstroke of the fin, whilst the stiffening ribs ensure excellent control." The Rec Fin comes in three blade lengths (small, regular and extra large), and two colour combinations (OceanPositive Aqua/White and Black/Grey). 

The only virgin material used on the Rec Fin is the silicone heel strap. This innovative honeycomb strap "can be adjusted to accommodate different shoe sizes with up to six different heel-strap lengths."

Fourth Element Cave Line Markers

Fourth Element has today announced that something positive is being created from used PPE items and face masks. Cave diving safety markers!

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Technical gear
Fourth Element

As much as possible, Fourth Element embraces two principles; Zero Waste and Zero Plastic. They achieve this by re-purposing as much plastic as possible, whilst finding new uses for products at the end of their lives. The company has therefore carved out an environmental niche by producing "grave to cradle" 'Ocean Positive' products for scuba divers. 

“We believe that this is the way,” said Jim Standing, co-founder of Fourth Element. “We are all going to have to tackle the challenges of a post covid world and one of these will be how we deal with the waste we have created as part of keeping ourselves and in particular, our frontline workers protected. We intend to play our part.”

First Impression

Michael Thomas, a respected TDI cave diving educator, has already used these line markers in a cave class. 

Fourth Element launches new Glove range

Fourth Element's long-standing range of gloves have been a popular choice for divers since 2008. Redesigned using new materials and construction for even greater fit, flex and warmth, their new gloves offer even better performance than before.

Hoods, Gloves & Boots
Fourth Element

You'll find four new neoprene styles in the range; 3mm, 5mm, 5mm Kevlar and a 7mm mitt. Each has been carefully considered for purpose.

The 5mm, 5mm kevlar and 7mm mitt all feature Hydrolock technology; taken from fourth element's wetsuit seals, these provide an advanced seal at the wrist for minimal water ingress.

The 3mm has been improved with addtional bartacks meaning you can cut it to your desired length and the seam won't be damaged.

Last chance to enter 2021 'Underbathwater Photographer of the Year' competition

One of the better things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an unexpected photography competition.

Dive Industry News and Matters
Fourth Element

Fourth Element - the UK-based thermal protection manufacturer - came up with the idea in April 2020 with the aim of lifting divers' spirits, whilst they remained at home during the first British Government lockdown.

The idea was simple. Take the best photo you can underwater in your bathtub. And if you don't have a bath, just get creative. A sink, bucket, water butt or just about anything that can hold water was perfectly acceptable. 

Fourth Element Xenos 7mm Wetsuit

When Fourth Element was designing the 'Xenos', they sought inspiration outside the scuba diving world, and looked at other sports that also use wetsuits.

Fourth Element, Xenos 7mm wetsuit, Jim Standing, Paul Strike, Rosemary E Lunn, Roz Lunn, XRay Mag, X-Ray Magazine, scuba diving equipment, dive gear,
Wetsuits & Rashguards
Fourth Element

The British manufacturer noted and liked the fast transition features of triathlon suits. This influence and fresh thinking has resulted in a wetsuit made from stretch 7mm neoprene, that is has been made "as easy as possible to get on and off". Apparently this is achieved by cut away ankles, and smooth linings in the arms and legs.

Key Features

  • Stretch neoprene for optimum fit
  • Designed for rapid donning and doffing
  • Watertight glued and blind stitched seams
  • Thermal lining
  • Wrist seals to minimise water ingress
  • Flattering lines
  • Internal PU seals at ankle
  • Cutaway ankle for easy donning
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