Which Wetsuit Do I Choose

Today, we're going to talk about the different types of wetsuits available. The range of styles, thickness, material and stitching is vast. There are many wetsuit variations for different sports whether your passion is water-skiing, scuba diving or surfing.

Two of the most important features to consider are thickness of material and the stitching of the seams.

First, thickness. Its essential to do your research and get a wetsuit that is the right thickness for your own personal preferences and the environment/temperature where you're going to use the wetsuit.

Wetsuit thickness is always measured in millimetres - this is universal. Thickness usually varies between 3mm and 5mm. Often wetsuits are slightly thicker in the body area and slightly thinner in the arms/legs. This ensures that your body is kept sufficiently warm and the thinner material in the arm and leg sections helps ensure adequate range of movement.

If you're swimming in warmer water (50 to 60 degrees F/ 10 to 16 deg C), you can probably get away with a short arm/short leg wetsuit also referred to as a springsuit or shorty.

If you're going to be in water colder than this, or for extended periods of time (scuba diving or winter surf breaks etc), you're better off choosing a 5mm suit and you should also consider purchasing a hood. Some wetsuits include hoods attached to body of the suit or you can get a separate hood that has a lip that fits under the neck of the wetsuit to keep excess water out.

Stitching. This is also quite important, if you are spending the money and are already established in your chosen water sport - its worth paying for quality workmanship. The stitching of the seams should be of top quality - usually stitched and glued (for extra strength and durability). Ensure there are no loose threads or exposed stitching.

When you try on a wetsuit; and you should try on a few different brands to get a feel for whats comfortable, you should ensure its not too restrictive, especially around the chest area. It should be a firm, snug fit. All wetsuits will stretch a little over time and with use.

Most, if not all suits are made from Neoprene (or variations of this material). Neoprene has been around for a long time, it comes from a family of synthetic rubbers and its insulating properties are well proven.

There is another thing that is worth mentioning. After each use, its really important to rinse off your wetsuit in fresh water; this will help keep it in good condition for many years to come. Hang it on the washing line and hose it down with fresh, cold water. Also, keep it out of direct sunlight - this will keep the material firm and supple and prevent fading and shrinking.

Kurt Walther

Wetsuits: Choosing the Right Fit for You

Scuba diving is a sport that is enjoyed by people the world round. Scuba diving trips take place everywhere from the Bahamas to the shores of Alaska to Australia, the gear that divers need is as unique as the sport as well as the people who enjoy it.

The use of a wetsuit is as important in scuba diving as an air tank. It is an essential piece of scuba gear. Choosing the appropriate wetsuit, however, depends upon many factors and preferences. For example, where will the dive be taking place? What will the water temperature be? What type of neckline or stitching do you prefer a wetsuit to have?

When buying a wetsuit, the thickness of the material that is needed is the most crucial decision to be made. The thickness of the wetsuit will be the determining factor to your warmth and comfort underwater. Most suits are sold with thicknesses of 3mm or 6mm, these two choices will be sufficient in most temperatures of water where the average dive will take place.

Another choice that needs to be made is the type of wetsuit that you will need. Wetsuits most commonly are found with short legs and sleeves and long legs and sleeves. The choice of which is right for you depends upon where you are diving, the temperature of the water and your personal tolerance level for temperature changes.

The water temperature will help you when making the decision regarding thickness and length of the wetsuit needed. If you are diving in water that is above 85 degrees, a 2 mm short suit is what you would need. However, if the dive is in water that is 60 to 70 degrees, look for a 6-7 mm long suit. The final decision regarding the thickness and type of suit that is best for you rests upon your own body characteristics.

The type of neoprene that the wetsuit is made of is as important as the thickness of it. The neoprene that a suit is made from will have an affect on several aspects of the suit, including the durability, overall look as well as cost of the wetsuit.

There are three types of neoprene used for wetsuits that are worth mentioning here. They are Gas (chemical) blown, skin and titanium. The purchase of a gas blown suit will result in a more expensive, stronger wetsuit. A chemical blown suit will have a softer feel but will tend to wear quicker as a result, this is less expensive.

The most expensive option is to get a suit that is made with Titanium. These wetsuits have the Titanium either as a coating for the inside or as threads that are woven through the suit. The thought behind adding the Titanium to the wetsuit is that it is supposed to keep you warmer by preventing heat from leaving the body while under water, however, some divers are still skeptical about the validity of this claim.

When trying on a wetsuit for size be sure to check that there are not big gaps in the armpits, that the crotch of the suit is snug, the ankles and wrists of the suit need to be snug, not loose or water will get in. Finally, if in order to close the suit, the zipper needs to be held, it is probably too small and needs to be at least one size larger. On the other hand, if it zips easily and isn’t snug, try a smaller size. If you can’t find a wetsuit that fits exactly right, it can and should be altered.

Use these tips along with recommendations from seasoned divers to ensure the right wetsuit for your needs. Enjoy!

Linda Moore writes on a variety of subjects including family matters, travel, personal enrichment, http://www.scuba-adventure-wetsuits-n-diving-equipment.info and http://www.cabo-san-lucas-villas-bonaire-adventure.info/
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Breathable Fabrics Are Not for Wetsuits Alone - So Many Other Usages are Available

Breathable fabrics are gaining in popularity day by day due to its great usability in different spheres of life.

A general person cannot even imagine how neoprene is getting used around the world these days. We all can name at least one very common product made of it “wet suits”. But there are so many other products made of the same stuff available in the market. Let’s have a quick look.

People are using breathable fabrics for great performances in extreme-weather sports and expeditions for its great insulation and protection against intense cold weather conditions.

These suits also offer you utmost freedom of movement apart from regulating optimum temperature and providing protective shield against harsh wind, rain, sleet or snow. These suits can even release excess body heat and perspiration as and when required.

Sport-stars use these fabrics to fight against hot, humid or other most extreme conditions around the world. These suits are almost a must for snow sports, equestrianism, Motorcycling & mountain-biking, parachuting, field and water sports.

Very common use of breathable fabrics can be found in wet suits or surf suits, fishing apparel and equipments, sports shoes and apparel, industrial shoes, casual shoes and medical care.

At the same time, some forms of neoprene is used to make Gaskets and die cut parts, Absorbers and insulators, Steam applications, Plumbing seals, Box liners and Weather stripping. Though neoprene foam is the primary material of most diving suits, Neoprene is a common material for o-rings.

Neoprene is very useful at elevated temperatures and is also used for heavy-duty applications. Neoprene rubber is a great elastomer with medium resistance to sunlight oxidation and some petroleum products.

Another advantage of neoprene is its medium resistance to water and selected chemicals. Neoprene rubber is used for rubber mats, rubber gaskets, and rubber strips.

Airprene, Ventoprene and Breathable fabrics are widely used as orthopaedic bandages and other medical supports for the treatment of muscle, ligament and joint strains, back supports and the management of long-term chronic conditions. Some of them work well with significant advantages over traditional Neoprene-based elasticised supports by stimulating the vasodilatation of blood vessels and improving blood flow to the affected area.

To add to all of the above, breathable fabrics are widely adopted throughout equestrianism, particularly in the design and manufacture of modern saddle pads and flatwork, training and mud fever boots.

One can even find these breathable fabrics are being used by horticulture specialists as a ground cover blanket to increase the development of shoots during the first five days of growth.

This is not all. So much more is yet to be written and discovered.

Peter Mason is an investigative freelance writer. For further details regarding breathable fabrics, wetsuits or neoprene, he recommends you to visit- http://www.stomatex.com - Manufacturer of breathable neoprene fabrics and neoprene materials used for protective clothing, sports and orthopedic supports.