The USSAC Guide To..Buying a Suit
For diving, there are three different types of suit available. Each one has it's own pros and cons, and each type has a particular niche within SCUBA diving. The three suit types are:
Wetsuits
Semi-Dry Suits
Dry Suits
In this rough guide, we'll take a look at all three kinds of suit, and
hopefully we'll be able to offer some advice of what you should be looking
for in both a new, or used suit.
The Wetsuit
Wetsuits are designed primarily for surface-based water sports such as windsurfing and water-skiing, although they have several useful applications in diving. During pool training, a wetsuit can be a welcome piece of kit.
After several hours in the pool, even the "hottest" of people will begin to feel the cold, and it is here where a wetsuit will be an advantage. Although not much use for diving in UK waters, a wetsuit may also prove ideal for diving holidays aboard in warmer climates.
A wetsuit is constructed from neoprene rubber. This material, common in diving has good insulating properties, and can help keep the body warm. The suit works on the principle of keeping a layer of water close to the skin. This thin layer of water helps the human body retain it's heat. Insulation against the cold is also provided by fine air bubbles in the neoprene rubber. Air by it's very nature is a very good insulator of heat, and is put to good use in these suits.
Wetsuits are available in a wide variety of colours, and are probably the most colourful of all diving suits - mainly because they are designed for surface based water sports, where they will be on show more. Two main styles are available, the "shorty" and the "steamer".
Longer wetsuits are available from between £100 and £200, and are available in a variety of colours, styles and material thicknesses (usually 3mm and 5mm). Of the different suits, 5mm are probably best suited to summer diving in warmer UK waters, and for diving abroard. 3mm suits do not provide the degree of warmth required for diving in UK waters for most of the year, although you will still find one a great comfort if being used in warmer tropical waters, or in the pool.
The "shorty" style wetsuit has limited applications for diving, especially in colder European waters, however it can be an inexpensive and ideal suit for pool training. Prices for new suits range between £50 and £75.
If you're buying second hand, expect to pay anything from £25 to £150 depending upon the age and quality of the suit. When buying, check for damaged or frayed stitching, worn material (especially around the knees) and look at the overall condition of the suit. If the neoprene is full of creases, the suit will have been roughly folded after use, not hung up in the proper manner. Suits with an excess of creases should be avoided.
Semi-Dry Suits
These are a hybrid between conventional wet and dry suits. They still allow a layer of water to be trapped between the body and the inner layer of the suit, but this layer of water is held in place by dry suit style seals to prevent loss of warm water from around the skin. They are a cheaper alternative to drysuits, and can be suitable for the majority of UK based diving (although it would be hard to recommend using a semi-dry in the middle of winter). During the summer months they can be a great alternative to drysuits, which may prove to keep you a little too warm.
Semi-dry suits are - like wetsuits - made from neoprene, although the material may be slightly crushed to trap more air inside the suit.
The suits are usually available in two thicknesses - 5mm and 7mm, and the thicker the better when it comes to keeping warm. However, the thicker suits can restrict your mobility whilst wearing them, so this is something to keep in mind at all times.
New semi-dry suits tend to appear on the market for approximately £250-£300. Although not as comfortable in UK waters as a drysuit, they can be ideal for people looking to dive on a limited budget.
Second-hand suits vary in price according to their condition, although expect to pay between £100 and £175 for a good, nearly new example.
When buying second-hand, make sure that the neoprene does not show any sign of creasing, cuts or gouges, especially on the knee and elbow areas. Also check that the stitching is of good quality and there are no noticeable defects.
Dry Suits
There are two main types of dry suit, trilaminate and crushed neoprene. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and at the end of the day you should choose the type of suit that you feel happiest with.
However, all dry suits share one common feature - they keep you dry. Unlike both wet and semi-dry suits, you are protected from the coldness of the water by having your whole body protected from it by the suit itself. There are latex seals at the neck and wrists to keep the water out, and the boots are permanently attached to the suit so that no water can enter via your feet.
You are also able to inject air into your drysuit while wearing it. All suits are fitted with an inflation valve, which connects to the air supply from your cylinder. The ability to put air into your suit is provided for two main purposes:
Allowing you to control your bouyancy by inflating or deflating the
suit (although a BCD is still needed)
Air inside the suit will act as an insulating layer to retain your body
heat, and prevent "squeeze" caused by the air in the suit
becoming compressed at depth.
Neoprene drysuits have the advantage they they don't usually require
a separate under suit as the thick neoprene material provide the majority
of thermal insulation you will require. However, you may find it useful
to wear a thin layer of clothes underneath. However, some people find
that the thick 7mm or 12mm neoprene restricts their movement in an uncomfortable
manner.
New neoprene suits cost in the region of £350-450 depending upon their exact configuration. You should expect to pay anything from £90 updwards for a second-hand suit, although as usual, the price paid reflects both the age - and the quality of the suit you're buying. Check the suit over carefully, and if possible - try it in a pool for water leaks. Pay careful attention to the latex seals around the wrists and neck. Over time, the latex naturally degrades and they seals should be replaced approximately every 5 years.
Membrane suits usually give better mobility, although they do have the appearance of a rather large plastic bag. While the suits themselves tend to be priced the same as their equivalent neoprene suits, they do not have the thermal insulation properties of neoprene. Instead you must purchase/beg/steal/borrow an under suit (sometimes known as a thinsulate) which will provide you with the necessary thermal insulation.
Even on hot sunny days some thermal protection is required, although in the summer months you can usually get away with wearing just your normal clothes underneath.
As with neoprene suits, you can expect to pay between £350 and £500 for a good drysuit new, and prices begin at £90 for second-hand suits. Check all seams carefully on second-hand suits, and make sure that areas such as the knees have not been damaged / worn.
Care for Your Suit
A suit is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you will make for scuba diving. It is important that you look after it carefully to help protect it and keep it's value for years to come. Here are a few tips.
Always was your suit down with a hose once you've used it in either
the pool or the sea.
After washing, allow the suit to dry properly before putting it away.
Try to store the suit unfolded, preferably hanging up.
Avoid getting oils near the latex seal, since this will cause them to
perish.