Wet Suits & Dry Suits

Whether looking for a wetsuit and dry suit, a diving suit is used to protect a diver from the uncertainties that are found underwater, be it weather, coral, fish stings or other underwater hazards.

To break them down a wetsuit is inexpensive and made of neoprene that thermally insulates the wearer and most commonly used in water that is between 50 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a good choice for diving mostly in the Caribbean or other year round warm weather destinations.

On the other hand, dry suits are used mostly in cooler water from 28-60 degrees Fahrenheit. The diver’s body is kept dry with the use of seals around the neck and wrists and insulates in two ways, either by pockets of air between the suit and cold water, or with foam neoprene that contains isolative air. While cold water diving may not be for everyone, having the option for a safe dive is best.

In between the wetsuits and dry suits is the semi-dry wetsuit. These suits are used when the water is between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, are made from a thin neoprene and have the best seals at the wrist, neck and ankles. These seals limit the water entering and leaving the suit. The water, as it enters the suit is warmed and slowly leaves the suit keeping the wearer warmer, in addition is often cheaper and simple to use. For the periodic diver, this may be a better choice, since most diving will take place on vacation in warmer weather areas.

Diving suits are worn to protect the diver from the underwater environment. While they can protect from the cold water and underwater life, however, it is still important to be aware of the surroundings as a suit will not protect a diver from everything, a suit is helpful, but being aware of the surrounding is most important.

One of the best combinations of wetsuits and dry suits is the pro tech extreme, cold water is kept at an absolute minimum. Often cold water is allowed in a suit through a non-water tight zipper, this is eliminated by using a waterproof dry suit sipper, adding this zipper to a one piece suit many points where cold water can enter are eliminated. For added protection attaching a hood to the suit prevents cold water from entering at the neck and face.

Some included features in wetsuit and dry suits are preformed bent legs and arms, spine pad and re-enforced knee pads.