So, you’ve decided that you want to take up Scuba Diving and now you need to get some good Dive equipment so that you can spend more time Underwater. Whether you are completely new to shopping for this type of gear or a seasoned pro at it, we hope that our Advice below help you to find just what you’ve been looking. You don’t have to have a body like an Olympic athlete to enjoy the sport and many wetsuit brands for people on the larger size.
Buying A WetSuit
One of the most important aspects when considering wetsuit warmth is the thickness of the neoprene. Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters, represented with two or three numbers separated by a slash. The first number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the torso area, the second number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the extremities (or just the legs if there is a 3rd number), and the third number (if present) represents the neoprene thickness in the arms.
The thicker neoprene (first number) is used for your torso in order to maintain your core body heat. Your core heat is extremely important to maintain in order to prevent hypothermia. The thinner neoprene (second/third numbers) is used for your extremities. The thicker the neoprene, the more warmth but less flexibility; thus the thicker neoprene is placed where you need less flexibility (your core) and the thinner neoprene is used where your body is constantly in motion (arms & legs).
How the suit fits is very important, as an incorrectly fitting wet suit will add no protection against the cold water. Finding the right size suit can be very challenging for people who are on the large size.
NeoSport Wetsuits Full Body Sports Skins Review
Sizes X-Small – XXX-Large
This suit would be great for people who are worried about the correct fit. As the suit is mad of Lycra it allows more stretching than a Neoprene suit. The long front zip makes donning and doffing fast, while foot stirrups prevent the suit from riding up at the legs.
What I did not like about this suit was it does not have kneepads and does not offer as much insolation as a Neoprene wetsut.
What I did really like about this suit is that it can be worn under another suit for extra protection against the cold. Also the stretch in the suit is very forgiving when it comes to sizing but can be very reviling.
O’Neill Wetsuit men’s 3/2mm Reactor Suit Review
Sizes X-Small – XXX-Large.
One of the best benefits of this wetsuit is due to it being thinner it does not weigh so much witch makes it idea for people wishing to travel. I also like that this suit has kneepads built in as they come in very handy when kneeing on the Ocean floor or a Swimming pool during training sessions
O’Neill Wetsuits Mens 4/3 mm Review
Sizes X-Small – XXX-large
Being slightly thicker than the Reactor suit the flexibility is not the same and due to the increased thickness of the suit is does weigh a little more.
I really like the Kneepads as they come in very handy when kneeing on the bottom of the Ocean or Swimming pool during training sessions
In Conclusion
The three suits I have spoken about offer a good level of protection against the cold water and would be a good starting point for anyone who is looking at buying a reasonably priced wetsuit.
Some things to take in consideration with wetsuits are,
- The thicker the suit the more weights needed to be worn by the diver.
- Wetsuits when first used will be more buoyant, due to never being compressed.
Caring for your Wetsuit
Washing your wetsuit after use is very important and will prolong the life of it. I recommend hanging the Wetsuit inside out to ensure that it is dry on the inside. Once the suit is dry on the inside turn it back the right way.
I hope you enjoyed the read and if there are any questions regarding choosing the correct wetsuit please do not hesitate to contact us.