Choosing The Best Full Wetsuit For Your Diving Needs

Wetsuits are not something to be taken for granted when scuba diving.  These special garments are critical for many divers because they provide an extra layer of protection to guard against the loss of body heat in cool waters.  Without these garments most deep water dives would simply not be possible.  Wetsuits are designed to be form fitting on the body.  This isn't just for looks either.  Wetsuits are designed to be snug fitting for the insulation they provide.  The garments function by allowing a small amount of water to enter and then be trapped.  This water quickly warms up where it provides additional insulation for the user.  Because a proper fit is extremely important for these garments to be able to do their job properly, it's very important to take your time in selecting one of these garments to make sure you get one that gives you the best fit possible.

Wetsuit material thickness is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for one of these garments.  The location and temperature of your dive location should determine how thick the neoprene is on your wetsuit.  For diving in warm, tropical waters, in shallow locations, like what you typically find off the coast of The Philippines, a wetsuit made from 2mm or 3mm neoprene is usually sufficient.  For cooler waters, however, you will definitely want a wetsuit made from thicker material.  The thickest wetsuits are usually made from 6mm neoprene.

Making sure you purchase a wetsuit that fits well and doesn't cause any discomfort are two more things to consider before making a purchase decision.  This is extremely important for two important reasons.  First, a wetsuit that is too tight can impede your movement and your ability to swim.  It could even cause some degree of discomfort or pain.  In addition, you definitely want to make sure that your wetsuit is not too loose fitting either.  You have to keep in mind that these garments depend on a proper fit to hold water in to provide warmth for the wearer.  If a garment is too loose, it will allow warm water to leave too quickly and cool water to enter.  Essentially, all of the insulating benefits of the garment would be lost.

Although most people don't really give much thought to their wetsuit, you can see that having a wetsuit that both fits well and is very comfortable is extremely important.  These garments are really just as important as your regulator or dive computer.  They act as a second skin you can rely on to protect you from the elements.  So, if you are currently in the market for a new wetsuit, don't even bother looking at those cheap wetsuits at your local wetsuit outlet.  Instead, only go for the best.