New elios suit... help please!

[mystiach]

Hi,

I'm about to get another Elios suit (I already have one that's for scuba) for freediving... They sent me some test patches of various materials. I was going to get smoothskin or superskin, but I'm freaking out over how fragile it is. Mind you I don't spear and am a sensible kinda gal, but would like it to last a while. I'll need a 5mil yamamoto and would prefer open cell inside.

Should I get external lining? They have sent so many options my head's spinning. Though I eventually want to compete, I'll get another suit just for that, for now, I just want one I can use to enjoy myself. With that in mind I think I should get one with a stretch external lining, but then again, I don't really know how fragile the smoothskin is in practice. If anyone has any info and feedback on what they have (5 mil yamamoto in various combinations) I'd really appreciate it!

Cheers from Down Under!

 

[azapa]

5mm slick/slick is firm enough if you always put on lubed up and take off wet. if you need it to last a while get a lined iner (will be colder and less comfy) if you need it to last even longer get a lined outer (will be warm but less slick). If you want to be a scoobie get lined/lined

 

[mystiach]

Haha I think I'm 99% freediver 1% scoobie. Just for lazy days, I think
I already have that suit, now for the fun stuff!

How long do you think I could expect slick/slick to last? And, if I am not expecting to compete in it, realistically will slick inner/lined outer make that much of a difference in performance?

Thanks for your help!

 

[sross]

I think I should get one with a stretch external lining, but then again, I don't really know how fragile the smoothskin is in practice.

Hi Mysitach,

In our experience the nylon lining does reduce flexibility a lot, and then the fit isn't as good and the suit feels colder.

There's another thing about nylon on the outside of your suit. When you get out of the water, the nylon holds a lot of wicked up water, and this water starts to evaporate, causing evaporative coolong- and we've found when we get out of the water in a wind, or when the boat starts moving, we can get very chilled.

OTOH- smoothskin rubber on the outside of the suit sheds the water when you come out and is dry within minutes, and you actually stay incredibly warm in the suit, even in the wind. In fact, it's perfect for windy weather or a windy boat ride because it's absolutely impermeable to the wind, and creates a thick insulating layer.

We're basically only going with smoothskin now.

 

[..Sam..]

Hi,
Couldn't help but notice you were in Melbourne.
We have a group of us that train down here if your interested.
(unless you already are, can't tell from your user name)
Anyway, we have a bit of page where we keep in touch Victorian Freedive Network | Google Groups

Just by the way, I have a 5mm, open cell inside, lined outside suit for down here.
Open cell keeps you warm, lining makes it a bit tougher.
But not hugely flexible.

 

[mystiach]

That much difference, eh? Thanks everyone - definitely go no lining then. Any suggestions re. smoothskin or superskin?

And, I met you last week, Sam - real happy to make your acquaintance Hope that this suit arrives in time for me to go up to Piccaninnie - last time they took significantly longer than 45 days...