Who we are
LIKON.
In 2014, we launched our company under the MONKEYSUB brand, which was later permanently replaced by the brand LIKON.We immediately specialized in creating custom wetsuits for spearfishermen and freedivers. We focused our wetsuit production on the sole purpose of creating garments that guarantee maximum comfort, allowing spearfishermen to tackle entire days of fishing in any conditions, even in the coldest months of the year.
True to our principles and thanks to past experience, about two years ago we decided to produce our wetsuits exclusively with YAMAMOTO neoprene, as we believe it to be the best on the market.
YAMAMOTO
True to our principles and thanks to past experience, about two years ago we decided to produce our wetsuits exclusively with YAMAMOTO neoprene, as we believe it to be the best on the market.
Of all the manufacturers, we chose YAMAMOTO because its production is based on chloroprene rubber (CR), commonly known as neoprene derived exclusively from the processing of pure limestone from Mount Kurohime and therefore containing 99.7% calcium carbonate (limestone-based CR).
Why choose YAMAMOTO CR rubber over petroleum-based rubber or NR (natural rubber)?
In general, NR may contain impurities and depends largely on the production batch, as it may in turn incorporate various additives such as accelerators, anti-aging agents, ozone depleters, etc., used during processing to improve the product's characteristics.
However, the use of these additives requires special care, as some have sensitizing potential and can therefore cause allergic contact reactions (dermatitis). Thiourea, an organic compound containing sulfur, for example, is primarily known as an accelerator in the vulcanization (or cross-linking) process of rubber, making the material more elastic and durable.
Unfortunately, many allergies have been reported on the market, affecting regular users in the diving industry, as also reported in scientific studies published in the Journal of Dermatology.
In contrast, CR rubber, with its good performance balance, doesn't require many additives and can minimize this risk of allergies.