Elios - Which neoprene?

[youngstu]

Hello
I am looking at getting myself an Elios suit for spearfishing in North Devon and I was hoping for some advice on what type of neoprene to go for.
I was not going to go for an open cell suit, I doubt I'd be in for as many hours as some of you and I'd rather go for strength, especially as I've heard that they're warm enough.
I was planning on 5mm as I'm unlikely to go in the winter, mainly because of the murkiness.
How strong is the smoothskin outer? there are different linings, I fancy it being pretty flexible although I'm aware that it won't be as flexible as the open cell but I'm used to the flexibility of surf suits.(they've improved greatly over the years). so which of the linings are recommended, superstretch or normal?
Any advice welcomed, also what sort of cost will I be looking at.

Thanks
Stuart

 

[sanso]

I just got an offer from elios that looks something like this:
3) Suit complete of Jacket with torso and hood in 6mm + arms 5mm /
> High waist pants in 5mm, Neoprene Heiwa, NEW Black coating SMOOTH inside / Nylon
> elastic Black outside Price Euro 240,00 (it's the ultimate coating over the smooth inside, super-slippery to get into, can wear like a t-shirt)

I can forward You my request via pm or You could just ask them. They're really helpful.

HTH,
Sanso

 

[Pinggene]

I'm waiting for my Elios as we speak! (5mm green camo, open cell inner) If you want strength, you will want to get one with a nylon outer as it will resist tearing much better than the smooth skin outer. You may also want to get knee pads and elbow pads as well.

You also may still want to go for the open cell inner as it will stop any influx of water if warmth is at all a concern (going to 5mm, tells me that it must be).

Gene

 

[samdive]

Go for Heiwa very stretchy, very comfy and reasonably tough

 

[dave]

For a first spearfishing suit, get a 5mm cell interior/ nylon outer. The cell interior is really no extra hassle, and is well worth it for the extra flexibility and warmth. Dont get too hung up on neoprene types at this stage, with a nylon outer it is not so critical. The main reasons for a smooth outer for spearfishing are quicker drying for boat diving, and extra flexibility if combined with a cell interior. For a 5mm, a lined smoothskin exterior suit is a bit of a pointless combo, as it is both colder, more delicate and less flexible than a cell/ nylon exterior suit

cheers
dave
Spearguns by Spearo uk ltd finest supplier of speargun, monofins, speargun and freediving equipment

 

[youngstu]

Thanks for your replies guys.

I understand the benefits of open cell but I really don't fancy all the lubing up for a couple of hours of diving.
Of the linings available which can you put on without lubing and do they last? I see they do a superstretch, is that a nylon lining which is very stretchy or something else?

Any more advice appreciated before I commit myself

Stuart

 

[dave]

Lubing takes about 5 seconds, just slosh water conditioner mix inside suit, and put it on. It actually goes on easier than a lined suit
cheers
dave
Spearguns by Spearo uk ltd finest supplier of speargun, monofins, speargun and freediving equipment

 

[spaghetti]

Sure, trust Dave: lubing open cell suit inside is a quick thing. Me I just drop a little in the wrists and shoulder area. In the warm season I don't even use lube: just drop the jacket in the sea water to make it slippery enough.

 

[Fondueset]

I recommend nylon out - open cell with new black coating in. I was put off by the prospect of lubeage too - however open cell is much warmer than any fabric coating - and also a good deal warmer than smooth. As you are apt to be diving in coolish waters its the way to go.

The 'new black' coating I have in both my cold water suits - a 5 mil black shadow with nylon out and a 6 mil with smooth out (much warmer in cold air and wind). Both are heiwa neoprene - open cell/new black in. The nylon out suit is very very stretchy and tough. The 'new black' is quite a bit less frictive than plain open cell - which means you will need less lube. Use diluted hair conditioner - get the suit wet inside then spray the hair conditioner around in there - particularly along the sides of the suit, neck hole and arms. You can rub the inside of the suit against itself to distribute it. Sounds complicated but the process takes just a minute or two - and not much hair conditioner if you dilute it right. Don't scrimp though - esp in the begining - the suit should slide on easily to prevent tears.

I've used both suits down to about 2c. You'll never do that with a fabric lined suit. Maybe with smooth in - but not for long.

 

[BladeRunner]

I'm waiting for my Elios as we speak! (5mm green camo, open cell inner) If you want strength, you will want to get one with a nylon outer as it will resist tearing much better than the smooth skin outer. You may also want to get knee pads and elbow pads as well.

You also may still want to go for the open cell inner as it will stop any influx of water if warmth is at all a concern (going to 5mm, tells me that it must be).

Gene

what does the green camo look like that elios offers. I only saw there brown camo on there webpage.

 

[Pinggene]

Green Camo Photo - on the Elios site, go to Catalogue, Spearfishing, Camoflage lined, scroll to second picture...this is it.

This is the one I am waiting for...5mm. :inlove

Gene

 

[Fondueset]

Mine are the top and bottom on that page - black shadow and green 'benthos'