Which type of neoprene?

[CEngelbrecht]

I'm considering getting a tailored wetsuit from Elios, because I'm trying to get back into Scandinavian waters, and my gut is just too damn big now for standard store sizes. I'm trying to navigate the many options on Elios' website, and I've asked them some questions, but I feel totally overwhelmed especially about all their listed types of neoprene that I don't remember existed back in the ol' days. I'm hoping for just the one easy recreational suit to get in and out of, just for random recreational snorkelling down to 5-10 meters, maybe a bit more, and lasting a good many seasons, 'cause custom-made is probably a bit dear. I'd prefer nylon on the inside to avoid using the soap water, smoothskin on the outside is not a deal-breaker, but otherwise nylon too. Elios talks about a "vintage" option, which I don't understand what the hell is, but it allows for a central front zipper 007 Thunderball style, which would make a jacket much easier to use (I personally don't like zippers in the back, what does that abomination even exist for?). There may even be the possibility of mixing up the colors of the individual neoprene panels, so I'm currently dreaming of a red and black suit in 5mm with long johns, a jacket and a separate hood, so I could mix the set-up across the year with changing Nordic water temperature (it can be anything from 1 to 20 C).

But, after all those dreams, I get lost in the choice of neoprene. Elios sent me a pdf listing a million choices, and I don't know what to pick. Don't know what type keeps insulating for the most seasons, what is most elastic, so I can maybe order 5 or 10cm shorter than my actual waist to "slim into" such a custom "fat suit"?
What the hell is "Aurora", "Yamamoto 45", "Black Shadow", "Heiwa", "NJN", "Daiwabo", "Linea Ecoline" neoprene types? What on Earth is all this rubber evolution while I was away? Any experience on what to pick for longevity coupled with custom colors, nylon and that front zipper?

This is how their site shows a custom color mix. The light brown is supposed to be metallic red, which looks a lot "redder" on photographs. That could become a really cool looking suit, but I don't know if all neoprene types allow for such mix of colors.

 

[Bill McIntyre]

I can't help with neoprene types but I would strongly suggest an attached hood. Separate hoods let a of water in. the warmest of Scandinavian water must be very cold.

 

[CEngelbrecht]

I can't help with neoprene types but I would strongly suggest an attached hood. Separate hoods let a of water in. the warmest of Scandinavian water must be very cold.

No, I'm fine with 5 mil even on my annual New Year's dive. I boil in a 7, I'm just not that cold shy. A separate hood was to be flexible all year using the same suit, losing the hood in warmer months. And Elios has the option of a "bib" extension on the hood, so it overlaps more, which I think I'll go with.
Right now, I'm just panicking about which neoprene family to choose.

 

[rollerGR]

Basic materials I know are Sheico, Heiwa, Daiwabo and Yamamoto (39, 45). The rest seem to be derivative of these but I could also be wrong. A lot of them do behave similarly though (Elaskin is similar to Sheico based on my experience with it).

Sheico is the best value for money and is a good soft material overall, but only up to the first 15-20 meters.

Heiwa has good warmth but tends to decrease in size with time. It becomes tighter.

Daiwabo is very soft but doesn't have a lot of warmth. For the warmth of a 5mm Yamamoto you'll need at least 7mm in Daiwabo.

Yamamoto 39 is similar to Sheico, maybe a bit better. Haven't tried it yet but the price range is indicative.

Yamamoto 45 is the best, very soft and very warm but also very positively buoyant. Expensive.