3 or 5 mm wetsuit

Hello Martas and welcome to DB....

As for your question, for 18-24C water, a 5mm suit might be a little bit uncomfortable at the higher end of this range whereas a 3mm might be a better option. Also a 3mm suit will be more flexible for movements. If im not wrong, then I remember that a 5mm suit is recommended for temperature range of 12-18C

I guess other DB members will add to my comments as well....

Best regards

A nylon layer on either side will make the suit tough. Having it on both sides will make the suit stiff, especially if you're talking about a 5mil.

I suggest you go with an open cell interior and nylon exterior. The open cell will keep you warmer than with nylon inside. Or, if you want the suit to be easier to put on, go with a coated interior. Slightly less warmth, but easier to put on.

If not, you could go with a reversible suit. Elios makes those. It's nylon on one side, smoothskin on the other. You can wear it either way.

I would avoid the thermic filling and get the open cell interior nylon exterior, for the thickness, those are the same temperatures that I face in Brazil, the problem is when the water is 18 to 20 degrees you are going to be cold with the 3 mm (I am at least), I am also somewhat cold when the water is 24C, but it will depend how long are the dives, the cold normally sets in after the first break on the boat, when all the warm water leaves the suit. So for single dives the 3 mm would probably be enough but if you are looking at whole day dives, may me not.
We also normally we have a 5 mil jacket on the boat with an extra weight belt, so I keep the 3mm farmer and use the 5 mil jacket. Lately I've being think about a 4 mm set up, but I am not sure yet. When the water is warmer nothing beats a 3 mm set up.

salibandy said:

A nylon layer on either side will make the suit tough. Having it on both sides will make the suit stiff, especially if you're talking about a 5mil.

I suggest you go with an open cell interior and nylon exterior. The open cell will keep you warmer than with nylon inside. Or, if you want the suit to be easier to put on, go with a coated interior. Slightly less warmth, but easier to put on.

If not, you could go with a reversible suit. Elios makes those. It's nylon on one side, smoothskin on the other. You can wear it either way.

Click to expand...

hi:

I'll agree 100% with Salibandy statement. Having n-2 both sides would be really tuff to put on and to take off if for a close cut custom.
I suggest to go with a "reversible" nylon/smooth . " i have one and love it"
Also a good sugestion would be open cell &/or painted cell in and nylon out.
All work good for me.
Hope this help's.

the Gar.........................