Whether you're searching for mens wetsuits, ladies wetsuits or children's wetsuits, a good place to start is with some good, old fashioned buying advice before you part with your heard earned cash.
Neoprene is the primary choice of material for wetsuits, because of it's superb insulating properties. Wetsuit panels are often different thicknesses; thicker around the torso, and thinner on the limbs. The thickness of the material is measured in millimeters and described in numbers; a 3/2 wetsuit will be 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the limbs. The panels are welded or stitched together.
Neoprene is expensive so many manufacturers will use other, cheaper materials for some of the panels of your wetsuit. Other materials can also be used to add additional insulating properties (e.g. merino wool linings).
Selecting the appropriate wetsuit for the conditions:
Warm water (75F / 24C) - A shortie wetsuit is the ideal choice. Constructed from thinner material, they are ideal for those seeking a good range of movement for active sports (like surfing).
Three quarter length wetsuits are a good choice for spring conditions, where the water is between 65F/18C and 75F/24C. Three quarter suits are usually available in 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
Winter / cold water conditions (less that 60F / 15.5C) will require you to choose a Full wetsuit "steamer". Full wetsuits have full length sleeves and legs and are available in thicknesses between 3/2 and 7mm. Winter suits are often available with attached hoods which pull over your head and zip at the front, for additional warmth.
Layering can be used as a way of getting more warmth from your wetsuit. A good option is a rash vest, a thin, tight t-shirt which can be worn beneath your wetsuit for additional insulation. Wetsuit boots can be warm to keep your feet warm. If your wetsuit doesn't have a hood built in you can add a separate one.
Choosing the right wetsuit for your sport:
Every sport has it's own set of requirements from a wetsuit.
Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing - If one of these is your sport, you'll be looking for freedom of movement, which will probably mean thinner panels and/or super stretchy neoprene. Welded seams are better than stitched ones, as they trap insulating water more effectively.
SCUBA Diving - For diving, it's imperative you choose the correct thickness / style for the water temperature you plan to dive in. Many diving suits have additional padding on the back where your bottle goes, to protect your back.
Triathlon - Triathlon wetsuits are extremely specialized. They require maximum buoyancy and slick surfaces to speed your passage through the water. They're also cut differently to improve your range of movement.
There are additional influencing factors, beyond the scope of this article, for choosing a sport specific wetsuit. However, the advice here should be enough to get you started.
To sum up:
a) What water temperature do you plan to operate in? If it's only the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a wider temperature range, you might consider a spring suit. A 3/2 full length suit is good for all but extremes of hot and cold, but if you're plan to primarily operate in cold water you'll need to go for a thicker full length suit (5/3 or thicker).
b) Budget - More budget usually equals better materials and flexiblity, but they do tend to wear out more quickly. If you're strapped for cash, bear this in mind. You may want to choose a cheaper, more durable suit if you plan to use it really often. If you're thinking you won't wear it that often and/or you can afford to replace every year, you can go for the more comfortable , costlier wetsuit.
c) Choose a wetsuit suitable for your sport.
All the best in choosing your new wetsuit. - 31512
Neoprene is the primary choice of material for wetsuits, because of it's superb insulating properties. Wetsuit panels are often different thicknesses; thicker around the torso, and thinner on the limbs. The thickness of the material is measured in millimeters and described in numbers; a 3/2 wetsuit will be 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the limbs. The panels are welded or stitched together.
Neoprene is expensive so many manufacturers will use other, cheaper materials for some of the panels of your wetsuit. Other materials can also be used to add additional insulating properties (e.g. merino wool linings).
Selecting the appropriate wetsuit for the conditions:
Warm water (75F / 24C) - A shortie wetsuit is the ideal choice. Constructed from thinner material, they are ideal for those seeking a good range of movement for active sports (like surfing).
Three quarter length wetsuits are a good choice for spring conditions, where the water is between 65F/18C and 75F/24C. Three quarter suits are usually available in 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
Winter / cold water conditions (less that 60F / 15.5C) will require you to choose a Full wetsuit "steamer". Full wetsuits have full length sleeves and legs and are available in thicknesses between 3/2 and 7mm. Winter suits are often available with attached hoods which pull over your head and zip at the front, for additional warmth.
Layering can be used as a way of getting more warmth from your wetsuit. A good option is a rash vest, a thin, tight t-shirt which can be worn beneath your wetsuit for additional insulation. Wetsuit boots can be warm to keep your feet warm. If your wetsuit doesn't have a hood built in you can add a separate one.
Choosing the right wetsuit for your sport:
Every sport has it's own set of requirements from a wetsuit.
Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing - If one of these is your sport, you'll be looking for freedom of movement, which will probably mean thinner panels and/or super stretchy neoprene. Welded seams are better than stitched ones, as they trap insulating water more effectively.
SCUBA Diving - For diving, it's imperative you choose the correct thickness / style for the water temperature you plan to dive in. Many diving suits have additional padding on the back where your bottle goes, to protect your back.
Triathlon - Triathlon wetsuits are extremely specialized. They require maximum buoyancy and slick surfaces to speed your passage through the water. They're also cut differently to improve your range of movement.
There are additional influencing factors, beyond the scope of this article, for choosing a sport specific wetsuit. However, the advice here should be enough to get you started.
To sum up:
a) What water temperature do you plan to operate in? If it's only the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a wider temperature range, you might consider a spring suit. A 3/2 full length suit is good for all but extremes of hot and cold, but if you're plan to primarily operate in cold water you'll need to go for a thicker full length suit (5/3 or thicker).
b) Budget - More budget usually equals better materials and flexiblity, but they do tend to wear out more quickly. If you're strapped for cash, bear this in mind. You may want to choose a cheaper, more durable suit if you plan to use it really often. If you're thinking you won't wear it that often and/or you can afford to replace every year, you can go for the more comfortable , costlier wetsuit.
c) Choose a wetsuit suitable for your sport.
All the best in choosing your new wetsuit. - 31512
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