As every diver knows, a good wetsuit can make a real difference. You want to be comfortable, and you want your wetsuit to stand up to keep you warm. There are several important things to look for in a wetsuit, beyond color and other appearance-related details.
Thickness
One of the most important factors in comfort and safety is wetsuit thickness. For example, a 2mm wetsuit, which is designed for use in warm water, should never be worn in cool water since you can quickly succumb to hypothermia.
Many wetsuits come in thicknesses that look like fractions, such as 4/3mm or 3/2mm. The top number indicates thickness at the torso, while the bottom number indicates thickness throughout the extremities. Cold water wetsuits, like 6/5/4 suits have thinner neoprene at the joints. Thinner neoprene is more flexible, while thicker neoprene is warmer.
A good choice for an all-around wetsuit for diving in moderate temperatures is a 4/3. If you plan to dive in cold water as well as in warm tropical water, you’re going to need to buy more than one wetsuit – aim for a springsuit or shorty for the warm dives, and a 5/4/3 or 6/5/4 for the coldest dives.
Wetsuit Construction
Not just any neoprene will do; in fact, the neoprene used to make diving wetsuits is different from the neoprene used to make wetsuits for surfing and other water sports. For instance, while surfers like ultra-stretchy neoprene for flexibility, divers need wetsuits that can stand up to wear and tear; in addition, diving wetsuits are thicker than wetsuits designed for surfers.
Seam construction is an important factor to consider, particularly if you are going to be diving in cold or temperate water. While wetsuits are not designed to keep you dry, they are meant to allow a small amount of water to enter, which is then warmed by your body. The water that enters adds an extra thermal layer, and it’s not meant to circulate, or “flush”. While a neoprene zipper barrier and flush resistant arms, legs, and neck can prevent major flushing from occurring, the type of seam construction is an important factor.
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Warm water wetsuits have flatlock stitching, which looks a lot like the stitching used in other apparel items. While this type of stitching is comfortable, seams are not water tight, so seepage can occur.
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Most wetsuits for diving in cooler water have sealed seams. These seams are glued together before they are stitched, and hardly any water can enter your wetsuit via a sealed seam.
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Sealed and taped seams have an extra layer of reinforcement that prevents any seepage from occurring. Designed for use in cold water, they are often referred to as semi-dry suits.
For extra comfort and warmth, you can wear a poly fleece rash guard under your wetsuit, or you can look for a wetsuit with poly fleece lining which is designed to help your body retain heat by wicking away moisture.
Zippers
Wetsuits come with a variety of zipper types. Full zipper wetsuits are very easy to put on and take off, but they allow more water to enter than short zippers and chest zippers. Short zippers increase your flexibility, while chest zippers increase flexibility even further, and prevent zipper breakage from occurring. Try on a variety of wetsuits with different zippers to see which one you prefer, and keep in mind that metal zippers rarely break, while plastic zippers can break easily.
When you go shopping for a wetsuit be sure to try on several and be sure to try different brands to see which suits you best. In addition, talk to instructors and other divers to see what kind of advice they can give you. Last, but not least, once you do choose a wetsuit, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for caring for it; when you do, it will last longer, allowing you to enjoy it for years to come.