 How to buy a wetsuit
A wetsuit is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a watersports enthusiast. It allows the user to stay out in the water for much longer and endure much colder conditions. They can however be very expensive, so getting the right wetsuit for you is very important.
What are wetsuits made of?
Wetsuits are made out of neoprene. Neoprene is a type of rubber with fantastic insulation properties. Usually, the neoprene is coated with a protective fabric on the outside, usually nylon or lycra, and a warm fabric on the inside, usually jersey. The thickness of the neoprene can vary to create a warmer suit or a more flexible suit. Generally a thinner, lycra coated neopreme will make a much more flexible wetsuit. Different brands have different names for their neoprenes, all of which work in a similar way.
How does a wetsuit work?
In order to pick the right wetsuit for you, it is important to understand how they work. A properly fitted wetsuit allows a fine layer of water between your body and the wetsuit which is warmed by your body heat. Cold water can however still enter your wetsuit: through the stitching, zips, wrists, ankles and neck. It is therefore vitally important you get a wetsuit that fits properly. It should be tight, without being overly uncomfortable, especially around the openings.
What types of wetsuit are there?
Wetsuits are generally classified by the thickness of their neoprene. Common thicknesses are 2mm, 3mm, 4mm all the way up to 8mm. A 3/2 wetsuit has 3mm in the core and 2mm in the extremities. 3/2's are common for summer and spring conditions whilst in the southern states a 4/3 would be recommended for winter use.
There are also many styles of wetsuit to consider. A 'steamer' has full length legs. They are commonly long sleeve but do come in short sleeve. A spring suit or springy has short legs and commonly short sleeves. A 'John' has no sleeves and either short or long legs. The more of your body that is covered by the suit, the warmer you are going to be!
Within these types there are also Chest Zip and Back Zip options. Back zips are more traditional. They are simpler and cheaper often with less leakage. A chest zip is easier to get on and off and can be more comfortable.
Types of stitch
There are a few different ways of stitching the neoprene together to make your wetsuit.
Flatlock - flatlock stitching is where two pieces of neoprene end to end and stitching the whole way through. This is a quick and strong way to make a wetsuit which results in a comfortable fit, and a lower price. By having hole go the whole way through the neoprene does however compromise the waterproof nature of the neoprene.
GBS - Glued Blind Stitched is the most common method for producing up market wetsuits. First the neoprene is glued together. Then, using a special machine the needle does not go the whole way through the neoprene, leaving the inner surface hole free. GBS wetsuits have greater waterproofing properties but are more expensive and can be less durable.
Wetsuit seams can also be taped and sealed. Taping adds to the durability of the wetsuit and can be either done at critical points or all of the seams. Liquid Sealing the seams creates 100% waterproof stitches. These features however come at a cost and are usually found on more expensive wetsuits.
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