Finding the Best Wetsuit for Scuba Diving
Getting a comfortable wetsuit is extremely important. One that is too tight can make you feel like you can’t breathe. Getting one that is made for the type of diving you plan to do will make the difference between a great dive trip and one where you were more concerned with keeping warm (or cool!) than the dive itself.
First you need to determine if you want a wetsuit
Which Type of Suit is For You?
Warmer diving sites may not need a full wetsuit, with full length arms and legs. Sometimes some kind of spring suit is preferred. A spring suit has shortened arms and/or legs. There are many combinations. Some spring suits have bicep length arm sleeves or even a shoulderless, torso-only design. Some have full length arms, but mid-thigh length pants.
Shorties have short arms and legs (like shorts) but fully cover the torso. Steamers cover all parts of the body except the head, hands and feet. A convertible suit is a steamer with removable arms or legs.
In all designs, suits are measured by the thickness of the neoprene material. A suit designated 3/2 has 3mm (1/10th inch) thick neoprene in the torso, 2mm thick neoprene in the arms and legs. This specification works well for diving in water that is 60F (15.5C) or above. For colder waters, get a thicker suit, such as a 4/3. Some have three numbers – for torso, arms and legs.
Fit is Key
Most importantly, get a suit that fits well. A wetsuit needs to be flexible enough to allow easy breathing and movement under water, without binding. A wide range of movement is essential in the shoulders since you’ll be using your arms to navigate.
Snug is great, squeezing is uncomfortable. If the blood flow near the surface of the skin is restricted, you are likely to get sore and fatigued sooner. You’ll want to shorten your dive instead of enjoying your dive to the fullest extent.
All About Seams
Some seams are glued or welded. Choose a suit with the least amount of seams if possible. For the seams that are in the suit, make sure they are well made and secure. When examining seams know:
- Splits in material commonly happen at a seam.
- Poorly made seams can introduce sore spots.
- A suit may be less flexible at the seam if not manufactured properly.
Seams are required in some wetsuit designs to provide extra features. Removable headgear, integrated knife holders, hydrolock collars, fireskin linings for wicking… the list of innovations in modern suits is endless. However, a well made suit has the smallest number and the most ’seamless’ seams.
Dry Suits
Drysuits enable divers to safely and comfortably dive for longer periods in colder weather. Cold water, even as warm as 50F (10C) can kill an adult within minutes. Having a good drysuit under cooler conditions is vital. There are special certifications for wearing a drysuit to fully understand how to wear and care for one.
Drysuits have attached booties to seal off the feat, as well as watertight seals around the wrists and neck. They’re worn with thermal underwear and the sealing keeps it dry, while the wicking of the underwear keeps moisture off the skin. As you know, a standard wetsuit allows a layer of moisture that is warmed by skin.
Take your time and try on lots of models in order to get the one that fits and moves as near perfect as possible. A good wetsuit will last years, so it’s worth taking the extra time to get just the right one.
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