Finding the right wetsuit

[dylanC56]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone can offer any help on the world of the wetsuit. I've been reading up a bit and have noticed that there are a lot of variations on all the wetsuits and a lot of terms that I am not familiar with.

What is the right wetsuit to dive with in warmer waters (probably around 70F on average)? Does the thickness (3mm, 5mm, etc.) matter much?
Also, is it okay to dive in a short wetsuit or is it always better to dive in a full-length suit?

I have been seeing the term open-cell, also. What does open-cell mean, and what other types of suit are there other than open-cell?

I know there are a lot of questions there, but I guess I'm pretty confused.

Aloha,
Dylan

 

[okamotoa]

try pm jimdoe2you

 

[SWEETDUDE]

Could you please post the response in the forum as so others can view the answer too? (Isn't that the point of a forum, to share knowledge?) I am also curious to the queston asked as well.

I am a noob but from my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong), the thicker the wetsuit, the more buoyant you become.

 

[okamotoa]

yes for the most part that is tru

 

[DivingDane]

Well here we go:

the thickness of the wetsuit does increase your bouyancy therefore you need to use more lead.

the thickness of the wetsuit has a massive effect on the warmth of the suit (the main reason we wear suits is to keep us warm) so bas you increase thickness you increase the thermal insulation the suit gives.

i would generally recommend a 2 piece full length suit with integrated hood and no zips, these are the most popular suits found in the marketplace.

shorty suits are ok but if you are in a suuny area or have alot of stingers then you will not be fully covered, i also prefer full length suits as they provide greater protection rom coral etc when diving recreationally.

not much good with temperature rating in degrees F but i wear a 3.5mm suit in almost all water temps from 17+ degrees celcius anything below that i'd go to a 5mm if your spending any serious amount of time in the water.

As for open cell this refers to the way the suit is constructed, open cell is when raw neoprene is exposed and not covered (e.g. with nylon or lycra) this is generally used for the inner side of the suit as it sticks to your skin and reduces water flow (increasing warmth) also generally opencell suit are more flexable.

other options are:
- lined inner suits, which are easier to get on and harder wearing but are not as warm or flexible.

- Metallite lines wear a thin layer of normally titanium is sprayed on the inner layer of the suit giving you a suit close to opencell in warmth but a bit easier to get on.

that a ruff guide, hopefully i answered some of your questions.

regards

DD