A heavy-duty drysuit receives industry recognition
Level Six's Emperor Exhaust Pro has been named 2027 Apparel and Equipment Product of the Year at the Paddle Sports Show in Strasbourg. The updated Emperor is designed as a heavy-duty drysuit for paddlesports, featuring the company's new Exhaust Pro fabric and revisions to the rear-entry zip and internal suspenders. The award acknowledges a familiar piece of specialist gear being developed rather than an entirely new clothing category.
Drysuits play an important role for people paddling cold water, where immersion can rapidly create a serious hazard. A suit's purpose is to reduce water ingress and support an appropriate thermal layering system, but it does not make a person immune to cold-water shock or hypothermia. The correct clothing should always be selected with the planned activity and water conditions in mind.
What the revised fabric is expected to deliver
Level Six describes its new Exhaust Pro fabric as part of the updated Emperor's construction. Heavy-duty paddling clothing needs to balance abrasion resistance, waterproofing and wearer comfort, especially when used repeatedly against boat fittings or on rocky shorelines. A promising fabric specification should be considered alongside the quality of seam construction, cuffs and any repairs that may eventually be needed.
It is tempting to compare protective garments solely using one laboratory waterproof figure, yet fit and the ability to move comfortably are also significant. An overly restrictive drysuit can interfere with effective paddling and rapid manoeuvres. Buyers should examine the manufacturer's actual test information rather than assume a category award establishes superior protection across every conceivable situation.
A rear zip changes everyday use
The new Emperor retains a rear-entry approach with an updated zip design. Entry configuration influences how easily a paddler can get dressed, how the seal lies when seated and whether a particular cut creates discomfort under a buoyancy aid. There is no universal solution that works for every body shape or paddling style.
Removable suspenders are another practical detail. They may help with fit and make the garment more convenient between sessions, but adjustment should not compromise the way the suit seals or moves. Trying the complete outfit, including base layers, helmet and personal flotation equipment, is more informative than considering the drysuit in isolation on a shop hanger.
Care and inspection matter after purchase
A drysuit needs regular attention to seals, zips and fabric condition if it is expected to remain effective. The owner should follow the maker's guidance on cleaning, drying and storage, avoiding improvised chemicals or lubricants that might damage components. Periodic inspection is especially important before a cold-water trip where a leak could turn an ordinary capsize into a more serious event.
Proper thermal insulation underneath is essential because a waterproof outer layer does not itself provide enough warmth for all conditions. Paddlers must also practise re-entering or exiting a craft while wearing their complete cold-weather equipment. Learning these movements in controlled conditions can reveal problems with clothing fit before a demanding river or coastal outing.
What the Strasbourg award means for customers
The Paddle Sports Show's equipment award gives the new Emperor visibility among specialist retailers, instructors and enthusiastic paddlers. Level Six has long been associated with technical paddling apparel, and the Exhaust Pro revision extends an established product line. The achievement should be regarded as a reason to inspect the garment's construction, not an assurance that it fits every customer.
The official show announcement confirms the award and the named updates but does not substitute for a complete product specification. Prospective buyers should ask about sizing, warranty coverage and repairs through Level Six or an authorised retailer. The best protective equipment is the suit that remains comfortable and dependable when it is actually needed.