Underwave is a company new to the US and Bay Area Kitesurf, the North American distributors, sent us the Underwave Imperial to try out.

The X3 Kite Compression Kit includes three large vacuum bags and an adapter that allows you to use your kite pump to suck the air out of the bags to shrink your kites, making them easier to pack. The bags are made out of a heavier material than we've seen on consumer vacuum bags made for traveling and feature a large one-way valve.

Designed to keep you warm while you are on/under the water for 1.5 to 3 hours, the product consists of a traditional short sleeve lycra modified to accommodate Thermalution’s waterproof battery system with non-metallic Heating Wire Technology and temperature controller.

My first impression after opening the box was that they looked kind of goofy as they look like a combination of sunglasses and goggles. Once I adjusted the headband to fit my extra large head I was blown away with the colors of the water. The Spex I tested came with polarized gray (smoke) lenses. The frame fit my face nicely and was very comfortable, but they might be too big for smaller faces and children.