What is the best brand of wetsuit for scuba diving?
Top Wetsuit Brands and Recommendations In the vast ocean of scuba equipment, some brands shine brighter—Bare, Cressi, Mares, Ocean Pro, Enth Degree. These names are synonymous with quality, innovation, and a commitment to the diver’s experience, making them popular choices among other divers. Best Scuba Regulator Line Up 2025 Brands include Scubapro, Apeks, Atomic Aquatics, Mares, XS Scuba, SEAC, Aqualung, Dive Rite, Cressi, and Halcyon.
How tight should a 5mm wetsuit be?
A wetsuit should fit like a second skin. It should feel tight but not restrictive, with no gaps in the nooks and crannies of your body such as under your arms, the lower back and behind the knees. Here’s how to achieve the ideal wetsuit fit: Snug but Not Restrictive: The wetsuit should fit snugly around your body without restricting your breathing or movement. If you feel constricted or unable to bend comfortably, the wetsuit might be too small.If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.A wetsuit that is too small will feel uncomfortably tight and may restrict your movement, making activities like swimming or surfing difficult. You may also experience trouble zipping up the suit, especially around the chest or shoulders. If the wetsuit digs into your skin or causes discomfort, it’s likely too small.It should fit like a second skin, tightly wrapped around your body. After all, a wetsuit only works when the fit is right. On the other hand, you don’t want it to be too restrictive or tight, and want to avoid excess material in areas like your armpits, lower back and behind your knees.To Sum It Up But we hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll know that in order to save yourself time and grief, it’s simply easier to get into a wetsuit when you’re wet and to get into a dry wetsuit when you’re dry. Opposites just don’t attract in this case, so don’t force it.
How much weight should I use with a 5mm wetsuit?
Medium thickness 5mm – 3/I6 inch two-piece wet suit, add 10% of your body weight. Cold-water 7mm – 1/4-inch two-piece wet suit with hood and boots, add 10% of your body weight, plus 1. Neoprene drysuits, add 10% of your body weight, plus 3 – 5 kg/7 – 10 lb. Wetsuit Buoyancy: Minimal buoyancy, about 1–2 pounds (0. Wetsuit Buoyancy: Moderate buoyancy, about 2–3 pounds (0. Wetsuit Buoyancy: High buoyancy, about 4–6 pounds (1. Wetsuit Buoyancy: Very high buoyancy, about 7–8 pounds (3.Recreational Diving: For tropical waters, a 2-3 mm wetsuit will keep you comfortable. If you’re diving in temperate waters, go for a 4-5 mm wetsuit to avoid overheating. In colder waters, a 5-7 mm wetsuit is essential to prevent hypothermia.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit. Balancing these four attributes makes the perfect wetsuit.One of the primary distinctions between scuba wetsuits and surfing wetsuits lies in their thickness and insulation. Scuba wetsuits are typically thicker to provide better insulation against cold water temperatures. This extra insulation helps divers stay warm during prolonged periods underwater.Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit This will give you several thickness options. The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350.
How tight should a scuba wetsuit be?
Check if there is any area where the wetsuit restricts your movement or feels uncomfortable. No excessive stretching around the neck and wrists. The collar should be snug without being too tight, while the wrist seals should sit smoothly against your skin without feeling too tight or loose. They will often come with a range of features specifically designed to keep you warm as the water temperature starts to seriously dip.Wetsuits A 6mm surfing wetsuit is designed for use during the coldest winter months. This thickness is one of the thickest offered by the well-known brands and these suits commonly include a hood for additional warmth.This will give you several thickness options. The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350.If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.
Should I get a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit?
A 7mm is generally recommended for water temps between 50 and 70 F, but individual cold tolerance varies so dramatically that some will be fine at 50 and below even in a 5mm, while others will want a drysuit at 70. For me, in the local temperatures, a 5mm is not enough but a 7mm generally is. If you haven’t used your wetsuit in a while (eg since last winter) give it a rinse in fresh water then dry before your first use. This will soften the rubber and reduce the risk of damage when you go to use it again.Avoid Vaseline You probably know this already but just to repeat, don’t use Vaseline or other petroleum-based lubricants with your wetsuit. Most wetsuit manufacturers will tell you that doing so voids the suit’s warranty because it’s proven to degrade neoprene.Neoprene Tops and Shorts A 1-2mm neoprene top and shorts will give a good extra layer of warmth, more so than thermals and will give your core extra protection. Go for zip free options to wear under wetsuits, so you don’t get marks. Zips can get really uncomfortable when pressed close to you under the wetsuit.The Benefits of 5mm Wetsuits Protection: The added thickness provides more protection against cold winds and water, keeping you comfortable during longer sessions. Best for: Winter surfing, cold-water diving, or exploring chilly marine environments.One effective method to soften a wetsuit is to soak it in a tub filled with lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the neoprene to absorb moisture and become more supple.
How to choose a wetsuit for scuba diving?
Your wetsuit should fit tightly from top to bottom, conforming to your body without gaps or pockets. It should feel like compression shorts – snug with a bit of pressure. The seals at your neck, wrists, and ankles should be snug but comfortable. If any feel too tight or painful, you may need a different size or suit. Consider your overall body type, including height, weight, and body proportions. Wetsuit sizing charts often categorize individuals based on these factors. Experience Level: If you’re a beginner diver, a slightly snugger fit may provide a more secure and comfortable feel underwater.If you land between two sizes, or you’re at the top of the size range and are unsure which would be best suited to you then we would always advise sizing up, wetsuits are already designed for a tighter fit without restricting your range of movement therefore its best to accommodate for this by sizing up.A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.Your wetsuit should fit tightly from top to bottom, conforming to your body without gaps or pockets. It should feel like compression shorts – snug with a bit of pressure. The seals at your neck, wrists, and ankles should be snug but comfortable. If any feel too tight or painful, you may need a different size or suit.