The Flow & The Echo

What are the differences?

Which model is right for me?

See The FlowSee The Echo

Below is a comparison of the Ruby Fresh Flow and Echo wetsuits, focusing on buoyancy profiles, materials, and pricing.

Ruby Fresh Wetsuit Models Comparison (Flow vs. Echo)

  • Feature

    Target Swimmer

  • Flow

    All genders, suited for swimmers needing higher buoyancy (primary). More warmth (secondary)

  • Echo

    All genders, suited for swimmers needing lower buoyancy

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  • Buoyancy Profile

  • Higher buoyancy with thicker neoprene (5mm aerodome in legs/torso) for enhanced lift, ideal for swimmers needing support in freshwater.

  • Lower buoyancy with 4mm and 3mm Yamamoto neoprene panels, designed for proficient swimmers in fresh water or a neutral swim position in salt water.

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  • Materials

  • Yamamoto #40 SCS smooth-skin limestone neoprene, 5mm aerodome panels in key areas for added buoyancy. Arm and latissimus dorsi panels 1.6mm highly malleable and supple #40 grade neoprene.

  • Yamamoto #39 & #38 SCS coated limestone neoprene (4mm and 3mm main panels), Arm and latissimus dorsi panels in 1.6mm less supple #39 grade neoprene.

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  • Warmth

  • Higher thermal insulation from thicker Yamamoto #40 and prodigious Titanium-Alpha membrane in torso, arms, and calf panels, ideal for colder waters.

  • Moderate thermal insulation from thinner 3-4mm panels but utilises the same Titanium-Alpha membrane in torso, arms, and calf panels, suitable for milder temperatures.

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  • Flexibility

  • Highly flexible, especially in shoulders & latissimus dorsi, due to large usage of Yamamoto #40 grade neoprene. The most supple and malleable of neoprenes.

  • Flexible shoulder panels, but slightly less flexible than the Flow due to use of Yamamoto #39 in the shoulders & latissimus dorsi panels

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  • Visibility

  • High-visibility elements for safety in busy waterways; tow buoy recommended

  • High-visibility elements for safety in busy waterways; tow buoy recommended

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  • Durability Vs Performance

  • The shoulder section is the first panel to show signs of deterioration. Yamamoto #40 grade deteriorates quicker than #39 grade but has superior performance. More expensive. Wetsuit life expectancy - 350Km

  • Yamamoto #39 grade lasts longer i.e. more durable, but does not perform as highly. Less expensive

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  • Price

  • $869.95 NZD

  • $649.95 NZD

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Panel Thickness

  • Flow

    Panel 1: 5mm #39 Aerodome with SCS

    Panel 2: Ti-Alpha 3mm #39 with SCS coating

    Panels 3, 9, 5, 11: Ti-Alpha 1.6mm #40 with SCS

    Panel 6: Ti-Alpha 3mm #39 SCS

    Panel 7: 4mm #39 SCS

    Panel 8: Ti-Alpha 2mm #39 with SCS

    Panel 4: 3mm #39 SCS

  • Echo

    Panel 1: 4mm #39 with SCS

    Panel 2: Ti-Alpha 3mm #39 with SCS coating

    Panels 3, 9, 5, 11: Ti-Alpha 1.6mm #39 with SCS

    Panel 6: Ti-Alpha 3mm #38 with SCS

    Panel 7: 3mm #38 SCS

    Panel 8: Ti-Alpha 2mm #39 with SCS

    Panel 4: 3mm #38 SCS

Key Differences

Buoyancy Profile:

Flow: Higher buoyancy with thicker neoprene (5mm Aerodome in legs/torso), ideal for freshwater. Suits beginners, triathletes, or those seeking a “downhill” swim position to reduce drag.

Echo: Lower buoyancy with 4mm and 3mm Yamamoto #39 & #38 panels, designed for proficient swimmers or neutral positioning, better for breaststroke swimmers avoiding excessive leg lift. Also suitable for saltwater.

Materials:

Flow: Uses premium Yamamoto #40 SCS smooth-skin limestone neoprene with 5mm aerodome in key areas, enhancing buoyancy and warmth. Titanium-Alpha membrane in torso, arms, and calf panels reflects body heat for superior insulation.

Echo: Uses Yamamoto #39 & #38 SCS coated limestone neoprene (4mm/3mm). Again Titanium-Alpha membrane in torso, arms, and calf panels reflects body heat, though less insulating than Flow due to thinner neoprene.

Warmth:

Both models feature a Titanium-Alpha membrane extensively applied in torso, arms, and calf panels to reflect body heat, enhancing warmth in freshwater.

Flow: Offers greater warmth due to thicker 5mm aerodome neoprene, ideal for colder conditions.

Echo: Provides moderate warmth with thinner 3-4mm panels, better for milder freshwater.

Performance and Use Case:

Flow: Best for swimmers needing high buoyancy or added warmth in cold freshwater, ideal for mid-range ability swimmers or triathletes aiming for speed and streamlined positioning.

Echo: Optimised for experienced swimmers preferring flexibility and a natural swim feel. Suitable for milder conditions. Suitable for breaststroke. Also works in saltwater.

Recommendations

  • Choose Flow (NZ$869.95) if you need high buoyancy or additional warmth for colder freshwater. Ideal for open water swimmers, triathletes, or those seeking lift. The Yamamoto #40 ensures the best arm movement and Titanium-Alpha membrane ensure excellent insulation.
  • Choose Echo (NZ$649.95) if you’re an experienced swimmer or prefer lower buoyancy for a natural swim feel. It offers flexibility and cost savings.