Nylon In or Out?

[superbongos]

Well it appears I am enjoying freediving often enough to justify getting a purpose built wetsuit. My 4mm surf wetsuit was just too cold at Jade Cove and Fort Ross this past month.

I like what I have read about Oceanos and the price is right. Could anyone help me with making a decision regarding the open cell/nylon choices? I don't have any experience with this kind of wetsuit at all.

I'm diving a couple times a month in rugged Nor Cal, seems like I'm doing a lot of shore entries with rocks and boulders. Maybe a boat soon. I'm not an abalone diver or spear fisherman, I'm diving for recreation and to enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Deepest is around 30-40 ft. at the moment.

In the collective experience of the forum, which option would suit me best, nylon in or nylon out?

 

[IanAHaley]

Hi Superbongos,

Shore entries with rocks and boulders? I'd suggest nylon on the outside is essential. Uncoated neoprene is quite fragile and probably won't last long if subjected to repeat scrambles over rocks.

Nylon on the inside is a question of convenience versus comfort. An open cell suit will certainly be a lot warmer, but will very probably require the use of lube to put it on. However a suit with an inner nylon liner you can slip straight on and off with ease - but won't be as warm.

When I'm diving in cooler waters (say 18 degrees C or less), comfort definitely rules the day and I'd go for open cell - the mild inconvenience of lubing up is a price well worth paying.

It is worth spending a bit of time and effort (and cash) to get the suit right. A poorly fitting 5mm suit won't be as warm and comfortable as a perfectly fitting 3mm one.

Ian.