How to choose a wetsuit

Called to improve heat transfer and protect the body from hypothermia, the wetsuit became popular among outdoor enthusiasts, swimming, as well as among divers and underwater hunters. All that remains for the buyer is to determine the specific parameters and select the appropriate model.

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1. Top Wetsuit Manufacturers
   
2. Types of wetsuits
3. The main criteria for choosing a wetsuit

Top Wetsuit Manufacturers

Modern models of wetsuits are technically sophisticated solutions, the quality and functionality of which directly depends on the quality of production. Experienced divers and underwater hunters, as well as employees of various special services, speaking of such models, distinguish the following manufacturers:

1. Marlin Skiff;

2. Omer;

3. Sopran;

4. AquaLung;

5. ScubaPro;

In addition to the characteristics and performance properties of a particular model, it is necessary to study the numerous reviews of divers and underwater hunters who had time to familiarize themselves with this or that model. You can do this by talking to them live, watching reviews on Youtube and reading reviews on forums and social networks.

Types of wetsuits

Modern models of wetsuits differ quite strongly, each of them has both strengths and weaknesses.

Wet wetsuits

Very interesting models that are, moreover, also inexpensive. During operation, a small amount of water penetrates inside the suit, for which there is no return way. It is her that heats the human body, transforming subsequently into a special warm layer that equalizes the temperature and provides comfort. Initially wet wetsuits were used exclusively in the warm season, but now thick-skinned wetsuits suitable for autumn and winter use have become popular. Primary wetting of such models is carried out with the help of warm water with the addition of shampoo, which is poured inside before the diver puts it on.

Virtues

• Inexpensive;

• A variety of models for any operating conditions;

• Comfortable style, not chilling movements;

• High thermoregulatory properties;

disadvantages

• It is hard enough to wear if you do not use shampoo or special gels;

Dry wetsuits

Models whose principle of operation is completely opposite to those described above. They are a waterproof, sealed spacesuit, combined with a pressure helmet and equipped with shutters in the area of ​​wrists and feet. They have a very different thickness, and due to the fact that they are well protected from the cold, they are suitable for use both in summer and in winter.

Virtues

• Maximum thermal insulation;

• Various thickness under certain conditions of operation;

• They allow you to hook warm clothes or thermal underwear;

• Full water tightness;

disadvantages

• Very expensive;

• Not able to provide natural movements;

Dry Wetsuits

According to divers, this type is largely universal due to excellent thermal insulation, similar to that of dry models. Due to the design features, water leakage is allowed, however, its amount is significantly less than that of traditional wet models. The thickness of such wetsuits, as a rule, ranges from 2 to 8 millimeters, and the more severe the operating conditions are assumed, the thicker the wetsuit should be.

Virtues

• Decent thermal insulation;

• Adequately tolerate contact with hard objects;

• Lightweight and durable;

• Availability of models for use in any conditions;

• The convenient cut which is not delivering discomfort;

disadvantages

• Enough expensive;

• Not suitable for long stay in water;

The main criteria for choosing a wetsuit

Having decided on a specific type of wetsuit, which is acceptable for use in specific conditions, it is necessary to get acquainted with its most important characteristics.

Choosing a wetsuit size

It is easiest to choose a specific wetsuit by fitting several models and selecting the most suitable one. Ideally, the wetsuit should not constrain movement and cause discomfort in the chest, waist and hips, wrists and ankles should be firmly fixed and isolated from moisture, and the implementation of various manipulations should not cause discomfort.

If there is no opportunity to measure a wetsuit before buying, it is necessary to measure the circumference of the waist, hips and chest, as well as the biceps, wrist, hips and ankles. The obtained measurement results must be compared with each other and compared with the initial parameters specified in the reference tables of manufacturers of wetsuits. If the obtained values ​​lie between two sizes, it should be rounded to large numbers, since a small model will not provide decent comfort during operation.

The material of which wetsuit

Modern models of equipment for underwater hunting and diving are made of neoprene - a special synthetic material, in its properties resembling a dense foam rubber mass. This material has excellent thermal insulation, it is not afraid of excessive water pressure when diving to a great depth, it is easy to use and unpretentious in maintenance.

Depending on the technology, wet wetsuits can be divided into three conditional groups:

1. Wetsuits from pure neoprene. Functional, lightweight and durable models that perfectly protect against the effects of cold. The disadvantages are the very mediocre mechanical strength and poor resistance to ultraviolet rays;

2. Duplicated neoprene suits. The two-layer material provides high mechanical strength, and its protection against cold is better by about a third than single-layer models;

3. The so-called "open time". The outer layer of this suit is very similar to duplicated neoprene, while the inner layer has a kind of half-open pores, which, being in contact with the body, stick to it, like suckers, thereby reducing heat loss and improving heat resistance.

As for dry wetsuits, in the course of the following materials:

1. The crushed neoprene is distinguished by high strength characteristics and is well resisted by mechanical stress. At the height and protection from the cold - such wetsuits are used in the cold season;

2. Trilaminate is a special synthetic material that is a mixture of traditional rubber and neoprene. It is very ergonomic and does not hinder movement, but practically does not protect against cold;

3. Neoprene, compacted by pressing, on the contrary, has a decent thermal insulation, but inhibits the swimmer's movements. It is used when operating in the cold season;

Materials used in duplication

The strength characteristics of duplicate wetsuits are significantly higher compared to their single-layer models. Characteristics of such suits entirely depend on what material was used as a backup layer:

1. Nylon is a material that increases the strength and mechanical stability of a suit. It is used as an outer layer and covers neoprene on both sides;

2. Plush - a great heat insulator, which is applied to the inner surface of the wetsuit;

3. Metal spraying is applied to the outside of the wetsuit and prevents mechanical damage, and also reduces heat loss by 10-15 percent. Popular aluminum or titanium coating;

What thickness to choose a wetsuit

It is the thickness of a particular wetsuit that determines the possibility of operation in certain conditions, and also influences how comfortable the diver's movements will be.

1. Thin, about 1-3 millimeters, wetsuits are exclusively summer models. Designed for operation at a water temperature of 20 degrees and above, and due to the small thickness they practically do not constrain movements;

2. Wetsuits from five to seven millimeters thick are a good option for autumn and spring swims and spear fishing. Such models provide acceptable comfort and are suitable for operation at a water temperature of +12 and above;

3. Thick wetsuits, more than 7 millimeters, are designed for use in cold water. It is they who apply most often for underwater hunting in late autumn and early spring, when the water temperature is close to zero. Owing to their high thickness, such suits are capable of holding down movements, which can affect the effectiveness of spearfishing.

Wetsuit type and fit

There are three main types of wetsuits:

1. Lightweight summer models, called shorty. Different form factor, having the image of shirts and shorts, open top and bottom. They protect only the torso and do not hinder movement while swimming;

2. Classic two-piece wetsuit, which is a separate upper and lower part. Comfortable, functional and not bad protecting against cold and moisture penetration;

3. Monosuit, or overalls, as divers call this model. It is an integral product with a zipper, inside of which a person is placed. All dry and some wet wetsuits have a similar design.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.