Mens wetsuits are pretty expensive so before you splash your cash, I would like to give you some buying advice.
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:
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.
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.
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 right wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct 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 - When choosing a diving wetsuit, just ensure you have the correct thickness / style for the water temperature you plan to dive in. Some diving suits also have extra padding on the back where the 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 other influencing factors that may affect your choice for each of these sports, that are beyond the scope of this article. We'll cover those in more detail in another post.
Let's sum everything up:
a) Decide on the temperature of the water that you'll be using the wetsuit in. If you're only going to be using the wetsuit in the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a bit more temperature range, you might want to consider a spring suit. You can use a 3/2 full length suit for all but the extremes of hot and cold water, and if you're planning to mainly operate in cold water you're going to be looking 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 or choice.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
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:
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.
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.
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 right wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct 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 - When choosing a diving wetsuit, just ensure you have the correct thickness / style for the water temperature you plan to dive in. Some diving suits also have extra padding on the back where the 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 other influencing factors that may affect your choice for each of these sports, that are beyond the scope of this article. We'll cover those in more detail in another post.
Let's sum everything up:
a) Decide on the temperature of the water that you'll be using the wetsuit in. If you're only going to be using the wetsuit in the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a bit more temperature range, you might want to consider a spring suit. You can use a 3/2 full length suit for all but the extremes of hot and cold water, and if you're planning to mainly operate in cold water you're going to be looking 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 or choice.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
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