What is No Stitch Technology (NST)?

When BARE started manufacturing drysuits and wetsuits back in 1972 (under the name FitzWright), we were limited to the manufacturing techniques of the day. Stitching and gluing seams were our only options at the time. As technology advanced, we experimented with different techniques and materials to improve durability, execution, and flexibility. The result? Our patented No Stitch Technology (NST), a method of construction that brings you enduring performance.

NST allows us to make suits without a single seam stitch. Instead, the seams are double-glued and heat-taped inside and out. This technique was originally developed for the BARE neoprene drysuit line-up to allow for added pliancy, but the applications to wetsuits quickly realized.

HOW DOES NST WORK, AND WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT HAVE?

Warmth: Without a single stitch in the construction, there are very few points in which water can enter. For a drysuit, that is essential. For a wetsuit, it reduces flushing, the act of water moving in and out of your suit. The less flushing a suit has, the warmer you are. The double glued seams have gone through extensive testing and have proved to be as durable, if not more, than traditional sewing methods. To seal the deal (literally), we added heat-sealed tape inside and out. Not only does this protect the glued seam, it further protects against leakage and flushing.

Flexibility: Other wetsuits and drysuit brands have tried the glued seam method. Unfortunately, many have resulted in rigid seams that limit flexibility. The No Stitch Technology allows for glued seams that are extremely flexible, enhancing the suits overall stretch characteristics.

Durability: The combination of double-glued and heat-tape makes this method of construction not only flexible but durable. Just the act of sewing can compromise the integrity of your exposure suit’s construction. With NST, the sewing step is replaced by gluing and taping. Simply put, the No Stitch Technology maximizes the life of your wetsuit and drysuit.

The No Stitch Technology (NST) is on our Neoprene Drysuits Sentry, Guardian, XCS2 and D6 HD Pro Dry, and is essential to keeping these drysuits dry. So why would we apply NST to the Reactive wetsuit? When we set out to make the world’s warmest dive wetsuit, we pulled out all the stops. Not only did we incorporate the ground-breaking Omnired Infrared Technology into the material, but also applied the NST to diminish flushing. Stitched seams can be a failure point when trying to prevent water from flowing in and out. The NST on the BARE Reactive Wetsuit eliminates this entirely.

Want to get a look at the No Stitch Technology (NST) for yourself?

FIND A DEALER  today to get your X-Mission.

See the Reactive in action by following us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram. #bareNST

Read More Stories