Before spending your money on a new mens wetsuit, you should gain some basic knowledge about what to look for.
Wetsuits are primarily made from neoprene because of it's excellent insulating properties. They are made up of several panels which are either welded or stitched together. In most cases the panels are different thicknesses; thicker around the torso to protect your major organs, thinner on your limbs to allow you freedom of movement. The thickness of the material is described in millimeters, and where there are different thicknesses, usually described just by the numbers e.g. a 3/2 wetsuit will have 3 mm material on the torso and 2 mm material on the limbs.
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).
Choosing the appropriate wet suit for the conditions:
For warm water (above 75F / 24C) the ideal choice is a Shorty wetsuit. They're usually made from fairly thin material 3/2 or 2/1. Shorties are ideal for active sports like surfing, where a good range of movement is required. They are also suitable for diving in warm water.
For spring conditions (65F - 75F / 18C - 24C) a three quarters suit "Spring suit" is ideal. These wetsuits have three quarter length sleeves and legs. They're usually available in 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
A full wetsuit, often called a "Steamer", is the ideal choice for winter conditions, where the water is below 60F/15.5C. A full wetsuit will have full length sleeves and legs and will typically be between 3/2 and 7mm thickness. Many modern, winter wetsuits are available with a pull-over hood which zips at the front.
You can get extra warmth from your wetsuit by adding extra layers. A good choice is a rash vest, a thin, tight vest which can be worn beneath your wetsuit. Hoods and boots are also useful.
Choosing the appropriate wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct requirements from a wetsuit.
Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing - All require a wetsuit that allows good freedom of movement. Stretchy neoprene and thinner panels are a likely choice (unless you plan to be in very cold water). Welded seams will be better than stitched seams, as they help to prevent you losing too much insulating water out through the seams.
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) Choose a thickness of suit appropriate t the water temperature it'll be used in. If it's going to be the warmest temperatures a shorty will suffice. If you need a wider temperature range, you may consider a spring suit. A 3/2 full length suit will be OK for all but the extremes of hot and cold, and if you're planning to be in really cold water you'll need 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.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
Wetsuits are primarily made from neoprene because of it's excellent insulating properties. They are made up of several panels which are either welded or stitched together. In most cases the panels are different thicknesses; thicker around the torso to protect your major organs, thinner on your limbs to allow you freedom of movement. The thickness of the material is described in millimeters, and where there are different thicknesses, usually described just by the numbers e.g. a 3/2 wetsuit will have 3 mm material on the torso and 2 mm material on the limbs.
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).
Choosing the appropriate wet suit for the conditions:
For warm water (above 75F / 24C) the ideal choice is a Shorty wetsuit. They're usually made from fairly thin material 3/2 or 2/1. Shorties are ideal for active sports like surfing, where a good range of movement is required. They are also suitable for diving in warm water.
For spring conditions (65F - 75F / 18C - 24C) a three quarters suit "Spring suit" is ideal. These wetsuits have three quarter length sleeves and legs. They're usually available in 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
A full wetsuit, often called a "Steamer", is the ideal choice for winter conditions, where the water is below 60F/15.5C. A full wetsuit will have full length sleeves and legs and will typically be between 3/2 and 7mm thickness. Many modern, winter wetsuits are available with a pull-over hood which zips at the front.
You can get extra warmth from your wetsuit by adding extra layers. A good choice is a rash vest, a thin, tight vest which can be worn beneath your wetsuit. Hoods and boots are also useful.
Choosing the appropriate wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct requirements from a wetsuit.
Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing - All require a wetsuit that allows good freedom of movement. Stretchy neoprene and thinner panels are a likely choice (unless you plan to be in very cold water). Welded seams will be better than stitched seams, as they help to prevent you losing too much insulating water out through the seams.
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) Choose a thickness of suit appropriate t the water temperature it'll be used in. If it's going to be the warmest temperatures a shorty will suffice. If you need a wider temperature range, you may consider a spring suit. A 3/2 full length suit will be OK for all but the extremes of hot and cold, and if you're planning to be in really cold water you'll need 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.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
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