A well built, correctly fitted wetsuit goes the distance in capitalizing on your enjoyment of water sports. Regardless of whether you’re involved in scuba, jet skiing, surfing or triathlons, there are things you need to consider before investing in high-tech water gear. Begin with these 7 questions:
- What would be the chief function for my suit? Would it be warmth, security from abrasions, buoyancy, or shelter from the sun? Buy gear particularly suited for your sport.
- What selling price range can I afford? Do your homework, and don’t forget to factor in shipping costs and also the value of a good warranty. Luxury wetsuits come with extra characteristics. Look for a design you are able to live with at a selling price you possibly can afford. A Billabong wetsuit including the Solution Gold 5/4/3 mm Steamer, for instance, is a full bodysuit treated with Dry Max Coating and built with the company’s second generation Superflex neoprene – reportedly “the most advanced stretch material on the market today.” The wetsuit also functions Gold Hollow Fiber Brushed Tricot Thermal Material in the back and chest panel. It runs in the $245 selection. You possibly can discover an O Neill wetsuit with similar functions.
- Is the wetsuit manufactured of multi-directional fabric that will give in the perfect places, allowing ease of movement? Surfers need a wetsuit with super-stretch neoprene (30-100%) to allow for mobility while throwing tricks. A jet ski junkie in New England, however, might be looking for a suit that conserves body heat – something with thicker neoprene specs.
- Where are stitches placed on the wetsuit? Chafing is a real issue, especially when raw skin and salt water meet. Body gear suitable for windsurfing is probably not comfortable for surfers who may have to paddle their boards out to meet waves. Pay attention to seam placement. Also look for terminology like “flat-lock stitching,” that is appropriate for warm water above 62 degrees F. “Glued and blind-stitched seams” are narrower and seal out cold water 55 degrees F and up. “Sealed and taped seams” add increased durability and stop seepage in water below 55 degrees F.
- Do I require a warm or a cool-water suit? May be the material light enough for scorching days at El Martillo or made for semi-dry protection needed for kayaking Alaska’s waterways in the fall? Check the thickness of the material which will ranges from 2 millimeters of neoprene for warm-weather suits as much as 4-6 millimeters of material for cold-water situations.
- Do I require booties, gloves or perhaps a hood? They’ll increase the cost.
- Is the suit loose, snug or tight? Snug is where you want to be. If it’s too tight, your movements will be restricted and you will chafe. If it’s too loose, heat conservation will be minimized, as well as the bodysuit may slide around hindering variety of motion. Seriously consider sizing charts. If possible, go to a store and try the wetsuit on. Many reputable businesses allow you to test the wetsuit in the water and make it easy for size exchanges.