Wetsuits Buying Guide

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What Does A Wetsuit Do?

It is important to know how a wetsuit operates. It is common knowledge that they keep you warm but how do they do that? First look at the neoprene fabric used for wetsuits: There are tiny bubbles of nitrogen inside of the neoprene because nitrogen gas has low thermal conductivity. This way heat from inside will not escape out into the water.

You should note that wetsuits do not prevent all water from getting inside. Most will allow a small layer to enter but the divers skin will warm it up. This creates a barrier against the cold water. So that slight amount of water that is warmed by your skin coupled with the wetsuit itself will create a solid insulation when diving in cooler water.

What to Look for in a Wetsuit

The wetsuit is arguably the most important piece of apparel worn during any scuba diving excursion. It must adhere to the body so as to allow easy movement under water. If the wetsuit is not form-fitting, it will hinder your ability to swim freely. The most important reason for a well-fitting wetsuit is that if it fits loosely the water exchange in and out of the suit will be too quick and rapidly cool the body instead of keeping the diver warm. You will expend energy, use more air, absorb more nitrogen and ultimately shorten your dive time in a best case scenario. In a worse case scenario, you can experience hypothermia and or decompression illness.

One very important feature to watch out for when purchasing a wetsuit is the ability to turn your arms in a full circle with no constriction. It must be snug but not uncomfortable. Most suits are made of neoprene material which can be helpful when a diver is experiencing acute conditions in the water. This includes adjusting to temperature changes in the water and protection from cuts, scrapes, and jellyfish. In order to attain the most protection while remaining comfortable, the wetsuit should have 5mm of neoprene thickness throughout, double lined, and 5mm of steamers as well. A suit needs to be picked based on dive environment only -- this is why a large variety of millimeters is used by all divers and no one suit will be appropriate for every excursion.

Those divers with more discriminating tastes might be compelled to buy a suit with Titanium lining. This can be found between the neoprene and inside the lining of the wetsuit. Titanium is very beneficial because it will prevent heat from escaping the body as well as cold getting inside.

Most Adaptable Wetsuit

One wetsuit available today is the Henderson Trilam wetsuit. It contains three materials necessary for the most pleasant diving or snorkeling experience you have ever had. It has a waterproof membrane between two layers of lycra and fleece.

The Henderson wet suit can be used in hot weather because it allows your skin to breathe. It is also capable of holding your body warmth in whenever you hit cold waters. It will even protect you from stinging fish that you may encounter underwater.

This wetsuit performs no matter what conditions you may experience. It can adapt to any climate or any predicaments you may encounter while diving.

Other Versions Of Neoprene Wetsuits

There are a few variations of the neoprene wetsuit that offer certain advantages over basic neoprene. One in particular is called smooth skin neoprene which contains nylon fabric on the inside and outside of the suit. The smoother the surface, the less water absorption takes place, so it will keep you much warmer in the long run.

The other also has nylon fabric on both sides and it is called nylon 2. It is a little more substantial than the smooth skin neoprene and is a lot easier to pull on and off. These suits can be made using one of two methods known as gas blown or chemical blown. The former creates a more durable, slightly more costly suit while the latter creates a more luxurious feel.

Staying Warm Depends on The Fit

How well your scuba wetsuit fits is heavily dependent on how it fits on your body. If it is too loose then that thin layer of water along with your body heat may escape creating a cold feeling. If it is not a close fit then water will be able to enter in larger amounts preventing the small amount that should be let in from warming up. Also, seals around the hands, feet, and neck will also help you stay warm and keep water out. Warmth is also determined by the thickness of the neoprene. The thicker it is, the warmer you will remain.

Your scuba wetsuit should fit as tightly as comfortably possible without hampering your range of motion. One thing you should not concern yourself with is shrinkage inside the water. Wet suits almost always stay their original size.

Stitching

There are two basic types of stitching in wetsuits: over lock stitches and blind stitches.

Over lock stitches tend to be associated with cheaper, lower grade quality wetsuits. This is where the neoprene and the seams edges are stitched together. The ridge on the interior of the suit can become uncomfortable after a short period of time. Also, if the seem is extended too far, it may open and let water enter inside.

Blind stitches are the polar opposite of over lock. They are of the highest quality of construction for wetsuits. Here the material is first adhered by glue then stitched on one side. Then that same stitch is done on the opposite side and is combined with the original stitch. This does not allow for water to be able to enter and is a little more comfortable than over lock stitched wetsuits.

What Style Fits You Best?

There are some things that must be thought of before purchasing a wetsuit. One key issue is location, location, location!! Where will you be diving? Are going into cold or warm water? Does a full wetsuit (covered from neck to ankles) strike your fancy or would you rather have a shortie (short arms with legs ending above the knee)? Should you buy a hood? All of these questions will be answered below:

• Shortie suits are ideal for those diving in warmer climes such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, etc. They are approximately 2mm thick. You must consider this option carefully because there is still a possibility of becoming cold even if the water is warm.
• Full suits can pretty well work in both warm and cold water but is necessary in cold water. If you have a tendency to become cold easily, it may be in your best interest to stick with this style so your dive does not become uncomfortable.
• Hoods are really needed in cold water only. It will contain the heat inside of your head and it is rarely used in warm water.