JOHN DAY HECS isnt just for hunters anymore.

HECS technology designed to reduce the electric signal emitted by the human body has been a popular innovation for hunting. Now its offered in the form of a wetsuit.

HECS president Mike Slinkard of John Day said that the companys signature fabric, with uniquely spaced conductive carbon grid, is bonded to neoprene for the wetsuits produced and marketed in the product line of the global company, Xcel International of Haleiwa, Hawaii.

The Xcel wetsuit with HECS Stealthscreen will be in use by divers and other underwater enthusiasts worldwide in this new year.

The product and the relationship with Xcel is a natural progression for HECS technology, said Slinkard.

In the early stages of the research for the HECS technology, we realized that the potential use for aquatic species was huge and that we needed to focus on this aspect of the business while at the same time developing the land-based product, he said.

And so, the John Day company dove into a new facet of work.

Last year, HECS conducted independent testing in John Day, complete with a live captured shark. The initial testing was enough to gain the interest of some serious research groups, said Slinkard.

A prototype wetsuit was tested by the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation of Santa Cruz, Calif., which provided the endorsement that helped open doors for HECS.

Slinkard detailed some of the facets of the investigation.

We knew that sharks and rays possessed the most advanced electromagnetic receptors on the planet, and there was considerable research that had been done on this subject. Also, more recent research found that most species of fish have some degree of electromagnetic reception as well, so we began our physical research with a wild, live capture Arabian Catshark, said Slinkard. We located a good 26-inch long specimen and had him shipped to our facility in John Day, where he still resides in our saltwater tank.

To test, we found comprehensive research that had been done in the United Kingdom, in which they used an electromagnetic-emitting probe to test shark response. We obtained one of these probes and set the electromagnetic field to approximate the human cardiac signature. From the first attempt, it was obvious that the shark was responsive to the field, and that it was triggering a feeding reaction when the probe was in the water, he said.

In fact the shark would approach and sometimes bite the probe, even when no food was present. This was consistent with the findings of the other research we had examined, Slinkard said. Through several experiments we soon found the correct makeup of carbon fiber grid material that proved very effective in reducing the reaction of our shark to the field. This represented the first step in research that has now cumulated into the current wetsuit introduction.

“Our product has major benefits to divers. The wetsuit will be popular for anyone who desires to get closer to marine life – spear fishermen as well as general recreational divers will find the HECS technology will help them to get closer and remain undetected by a wide variety of sea life,” said Slinkard.

Xcel promotional materials note: “Whether you are surfing or diving, HECS Stealthscreen gives you the freedom to focus.” A disclaimer explains the product works “against electroreception of aquatic life, but that many species are also sensitive to visual and olfactory stimulation.” Wearers are advised they must assume responsibility and risk around sharks, rays and other marine mammals.

“All living things, including humans, emit faint electric signals. Many marine species are able to detect and react to these signals. The inner lining of conductive carbon fibers (in the wetsuit) is designed to reduce the human body’s electric signal, allowing divers to experience life underwater in its natural undisturbed state,” said Slinkard.

The wetsuits are produced at Xcel’s plant in Hawaii. They come in a variety of thicknesses and camouflage-patterned colors aimed at providing visual concealment in underwater environments.

Slinkard saw the wetsuit for the first time at the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association trade show early last month in Orlando, Florida.

“They had it front and center in the trade show booth and it was getting a lot of attention. Finally seeing the HECS wetsuit on the market is very satisfying,” he said.

To learn more about Xcel, see www.xcelwetsuits.com. For more information about HECS, see www.hecsllc.com.