Question 1

Will irønskinn commercial dive suits or surf armor garments protect me against a shark attack?

Accepted Answer

irønskinn materials have been tested both in the field and the laboratory and proven to be highly resistant to penetration and cutting from great whites and bull sharks in testing. However, Sharks are wild animals and vary in size and aggression of attack. Irønskinn is not designed or intended for deliberate shark interaction. It is designed to provide robust protection in the event of an unwarranted shark attack. If you see a shark, you are advised to leave the water. User assumes all risk from water activities.

Question 2

What about the pressure/crushing force of a bite? Can irønskinn prevent injury from that?

Accepted Answer

Irønskinn is designed to reduce or eliminate cutting and puncture from a shark bite, which is overwhelmingly the most damaging element (and cause of fatalities). It is the cutting and puncture that results in severe hemorrhaging, tissue loss, vascular damage, muscular damage, ligament damage and nerve damage. Even light attacks from smaller sharks can cause permanent damage to nerves and ligaments, which irønskinn products can reduce or eliminate. Irønskinn cannot eliminate the total pressure from a bite. But irønskinn products do spread the pressure over a greater surface area (over 500% greater surface area than the pointed teeth) which can reduce pressure induced injuries. Additionally, irønskinn commercial dive armor features specialized hardened alloy plates, which are harder than shark teeth. Under extreme pressure the teeth will break against the plates. As sharks’ teeth are full of nerves, this can help deter a bite from reaching maximum pressure or duration.

Question 3

What is the difference between Irønskinn Surf Armor/Shark Resistant and irønskinn Reef Guard™?

Accepted Answer

Surf armor is shark resistant – Reef Guard is NOT shark resistant.

Shark Resistant products have been tested with shark bites and are highly resistant to puncture and cutting from the teeth. In testing with great whites and bull sharks, teeth have not penetrated through irønskinn armor panels. These armor panels have thickness and weight to provide the protection , about 2.8kg for a pant, and 5mm in thickness. Irønskinn  Reef Guard™ products are highly resistant to cutting and abrasion – but are NOT resistant to puncture from shark teeth. Reef Guard products are thin and light, about the same weight and thickness of a traditional rash guard – only Reef guard products are ENN Level 4 cut resistant. They offer outstanding protection from cuts and scrapes, from reefs, barnacles, foil edges, etc. We also offer Reef Guard™  in full suits, worn over your favorite thermal suits to protect it and you from cutting and puncture.

Question 4

Why a surf pant?

Accepted Answer

Shark attacks are most frequent to the lower body, over 70% of attacks according to the global shark attack file. The surf pant is designed to provide armor to the body area that requires it most.

Question 5

What is irønskinn Reef Guard™?

Accepted Answer

Thin and light similar to a typical rash guard, Reef Guard products are cut and abrasion resistant (ENN 388 Level 4 cut resistant). This can reduce or eliminate cutting and abrasion from reefs, barnacles, foil edges, etc. These can be worn alone/with swim suits in warm water, over wetsuits in cool water, and over full diving  thermal suits to protect them from cutting/abrasion. Reef Guard products are NOT shark bite resistant.

Question 6

Will you release a full suit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, irønskinn is developing a full suit for surfing, diving, and swimming. Our soft armor products can be adjusted for almost neutral buoyancy (for diving) or positive buoyancy (for surface sports).

Question 7

Are irønskinn products considered personal protective equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, irønskinn products have been used by commercial and professional divers to reduce risk from injury from an unexpected shark attack, as well as cuts/punctures from other marine hazards. Irønskinn products can improve focus for divers to the task at hand, reducing anxiety in murky or sharky water, thereby reducing heart rates and oxygen consumption. For professional and commercial use, irønskinn can increase productivity, reduce risk, and provide more longevity for thermal suits since irønskinn is worn over them.

Question 8

How do I look after my irønskinn?

Accepted Answer

Your irønskinn product should be rinsed in fresh water after each use and dried and stored away from direct sunlight. Do not machine wash or dry.

Question 9

Does my irønskinn product have a warranty?

Accepted Answer

irønskinn products come with a 12-month warranty – which is subject to a fair use policy. If your suit becomes defective during the warranty period, please contact our office and we will either repair your suit or replace it free of charge if it cannot be repaired. If your suit is damaged from use, our office can generally repair or replace elements without having to replace the entire suit.

Question 10

Can irønskinn be worn with an electronic shark deterrent device(s)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Irønskinn commercial dive suits utilize alloy plates enclosed between two layers of cut resistant material. No alloy plates are exposed to the body, and no alloy plates are exposed outwardly. Irønskinn soft armor products are completely non-conducting, which means they will better insulate the wearer from an accidental shock.

Question 11

My garment is damaged from use, is it repairable?

Accepted Answer

Irønskinn products are made from some of the strongest materials on earth, and almost always repairable. Best is to send us a photo of the issue and we can usually advise of the cost and timing of the repair in advance.

Question 12

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

Irønskinn products are fully returnable within 60 days of purchase for any reason (except blatant damage or abuse). Our purpose is your protection, as well as your satisfaction. We’ll even pay return shipping.

Question 13

Is irønskinn an Australian or New Zealand company?

Accepted Answer

irønskinn is both a New Zealand and an Australian Company. The commercial dive suits have been sold by the Australian company, whereas all research, development, prototyping has been in New Zealand. Additionally, manufacture of soft armor garments is in New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions