Welcome to “The Product Pro-File” at Kayak Session! This new section is all about helping paddlers learn more about the latest products on the paddlesports market. By chatting with designers and experts within the brands, we uncover the design and function behind these products. Explore the stories, craftsmanship, and innovative features that make these products stand out. Join us as we bring you exclusive insights to help you to make the right decisions for your paddling sessions.
We caught up with Alex Lowman – Marketing Coordinator at Level Six where we managed to learn a bit more about the new Loki Suit. The latest product to be brought to Level Six’s Drysuit line.
Hi Alex, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions on the all-new Level Six Loki Drysuit. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you find yourself here at Level Six today?
“Hey Josh, I started at Level Six in January 2023 and before that worked as a whitewater rafting guide, kayak guide, and rafting manager. I’ve always been very involved with paddling and water sports, from canoeing growing up to getting involved in whitewater later in life.”
Firstly, tell us a bit about the Loki and where the idea developed for the design of the Loki?
That’s a really good question. The answer is there is a lot going on with this suit. For us, this is a groundbreaking suit in two main ways. The first is that this is our first PFAS-free dry suit and represents a new era for Level Six. All new production of our waterproof fabrics will follow in these footsteps.
The next is that this is the first neoprene and latex-free dry suit on the market. The gaskets are made out of PU coated Lycra and are completely adjustable. This means that they can be loosened off for more comfort on flatwater and tightened when needed. The Loki can be dry or semi-dry depending on the customer’s needs. It also means that for anyone with a latex allergy, this suit is truly a game changer.
This system is actually from our rescue suits that police and firefighters use and has undergone significant testing. It is designed to stand up to long days of professional use.
The Loki doesn’t have a double chamber for decks, can it still be used in whitewater? If not, who is this suit best aimed for, is it multi-discipline?
The Loki is a multi-discipline suit, but I do think there is a certain customer for whom it is perfect. That customer is anyone doing multi-day canoeing or day kayaking/SUPing where they might deal with some rough chop? This suit is mega for that as you can keep it comfortable with the gaskets loose, but if you are headed for some rough paddling, you can tighten up the gaskets quickly. For a whitewater kayaker, this suit will work but a latex system is still the go-to if you are flipping and rolling a bunch. This new gasket system has very little flex to it so when tightened all the way it is not as comfortable as latex. The real advantage is how adjustable it is. This is why it doesn’t have the spray deck chamber.
It is designed to be the most accessible and comfortable drysuit on the market for new paddlers and casual paddlers who want a dry suit but don’t need all the fancy features of a whitewater suit.
How long does it take to develop a product like the Loki from design to production? Did it undergo vast amounts of testing before completion?
A long time Josh, a long time haha. Our designers have been working on this for years as the concept really started with our professional rescue suits. We got feedback from policemen that they wanted to be able to loosen off their gaskets but couldn’t take the suits off while on the job. This, paired with the number of new paddlers who hate latex gaskets, really inspired this suit.
What new features can we find on the Loki Suit? Which ones are you personally proud of?
Personally, it is being PFAS-free. For us that is a very emotional achievement as we and many others have used these toxic chemicals in manufacturing for years and are just in the past few years realising how toxic they are. Not just for the environment and our own health but the health of the factory workers who have to work with them. The health effects on them and their families are staggering across industries and once you know that type of thing, you work overtime to find a solution. The Loki is our first solution to this problem and we are going to continue to evolve this fabric technology to keep PFAS chemicals away from our factory workers and their families at all costs.
We can see there are many environmentally friendly features integrated into the Loki, tell us a bit more about them. Does this increase production costs at all?
Hahaha I feel like I just ranted about this. Aside from being PFAS-free free the suit is also made from fully recycled Nylon fabrics, as are all of our current dry wear. We also don’t use any plastic when packaging our dry wear.
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Check Out the Loki on Level Six’s Website Here
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Check out below some technical info on the Loki! Including the features, colours and much more.
Features;
- PU coated lycra neck and wrist gaskets
- Specialized neck and wrist closure system
- Front relief zipper
- Reinforced knees
- 3-ply built-in socks
- Front entry
Colours;
Citron & Sea Blue