Mens wetsuits are pretty expensive so before you splash your cash, I would like to give you some buying advice.
Neoprene has excellent insulating qualities and as such is the perfect material for wetsuits. They are often made from panels of different thicknesses, described by numbers e.g. 3/2 (this would describe a wetsuit with a material thickness of 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the limbs). Panels are usually either 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:
Shorties are ideal for warm water, above 75F / 24C. They're mostly constructed from thinner material; 3/2 or even 2/1. They are ideal for diving in warm water, or for active sports like surfing where freedom of movement is desirable.
If you plan to use your wetsuit in spring conditions (65F - 75F / 18C - 24C), you might consider a three quarter length wetsuit, they're mostly available in either 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
For winter / cold water conditions (less that 60F / 15.5C) you're almost certain to require a Full wetsuit "steamer". Full wetsuits have full length sleeves and legs. They come in thicknesses between 3/2 and 7mm. Some modern winter suits are available with attached hoods which pull over your head and zip at the front, for extra warmth.
Extra warmth can be achieved by layering. A rash vest is a good choice for adding extra warmth to your torso, this thin, tight vest helps to trap more heat next to your body. If you're still cold, you may want to consider adding a neoprene hood and boots.
Choosing the appropriate wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct requirements from a wetsuit.
Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing - All require a wetsuit that allows good freedom of movement. Stretchy neoprene and thinner panels are a likely choice (unless you plan to be in very cold water). Welded seams will be better than stitched seams, as they help to prevent you losing too much insulating water out through the seams.
SCUBA Diving - If this is your sport, make sure you choose the correct thickness / style for the temperature of water you plan to dive in. With many diving suits, you'll find nice additional features like extra padding at the back, where your bottle sits.
Triathlon - If this is your sport , you'll be looking for maximum buoyancy and slick surfaces to speed your passage through the water. These specialized wetsuits are usually cut differently for maximum range of movement.
Other influencing factors can come into play when choosing a sport specific suit, but covering each o0ne in detail is beyond the scope of this article.
To surmise:
a) What water temperature do you plan to operate in? If it's only the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a wider temperature range, you might consider a spring suit. A 3/2 full length suit is good for all but extremes of hot and cold, but if you're plan to primarily operate in cold water you'll need to go for a thicker full length suit (5/3 or thicker).
b) Budget - More expensive suits will use better materials and will give you more flexibility, but they will usually wear out faster. If you're on a budget, bear this in mind. If you want to use your suit really often and you don't want to have to keep replacing it, you might to choose a more durable but less comfortable wetsuit. If your wallet is bulging and you perhaps don't plan to use the wetsuit as often (or you can afford to replace the suit every year) you can go for the best quality, most comfortable wetsuit.
c) Choose a wetsuit suitable for your sport or choice.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
Neoprene has excellent insulating qualities and as such is the perfect material for wetsuits. They are often made from panels of different thicknesses, described by numbers e.g. 3/2 (this would describe a wetsuit with a material thickness of 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the limbs). Panels are usually either 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:
Shorties are ideal for warm water, above 75F / 24C. They're mostly constructed from thinner material; 3/2 or even 2/1. They are ideal for diving in warm water, or for active sports like surfing where freedom of movement is desirable.
If you plan to use your wetsuit in spring conditions (65F - 75F / 18C - 24C), you might consider a three quarter length wetsuit, they're mostly available in either 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
For winter / cold water conditions (less that 60F / 15.5C) you're almost certain to require a Full wetsuit "steamer". Full wetsuits have full length sleeves and legs. They come in thicknesses between 3/2 and 7mm. Some modern winter suits are available with attached hoods which pull over your head and zip at the front, for extra warmth.
Extra warmth can be achieved by layering. A rash vest is a good choice for adding extra warmth to your torso, this thin, tight vest helps to trap more heat next to your body. If you're still cold, you may want to consider adding a neoprene hood and boots.
Choosing the appropriate wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct requirements from a wetsuit.
Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing - All require a wetsuit that allows good freedom of movement. Stretchy neoprene and thinner panels are a likely choice (unless you plan to be in very cold water). Welded seams will be better than stitched seams, as they help to prevent you losing too much insulating water out through the seams.
SCUBA Diving - If this is your sport, make sure you choose the correct thickness / style for the temperature of water you plan to dive in. With many diving suits, you'll find nice additional features like extra padding at the back, where your bottle sits.
Triathlon - If this is your sport , you'll be looking for maximum buoyancy and slick surfaces to speed your passage through the water. These specialized wetsuits are usually cut differently for maximum range of movement.
Other influencing factors can come into play when choosing a sport specific suit, but covering each o0ne in detail is beyond the scope of this article.
To surmise:
a) What water temperature do you plan to operate in? If it's only the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a wider temperature range, you might consider a spring suit. A 3/2 full length suit is good for all but extremes of hot and cold, but if you're plan to primarily operate in cold water you'll need to go for a thicker full length suit (5/3 or thicker).
b) Budget - More expensive suits will use better materials and will give you more flexibility, but they will usually wear out faster. If you're on a budget, bear this in mind. If you want to use your suit really often and you don't want to have to keep replacing it, you might to choose a more durable but less comfortable wetsuit. If your wallet is bulging and you perhaps don't plan to use the wetsuit as often (or you can afford to replace the suit every year) you can go for the best quality, most comfortable wetsuit.
c) Choose a wetsuit suitable for your sport or choice.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
About the Author:
Ali Mason is an experienced surfer, scuba diver and has a love of the ocean. You can find more information about mens wetsuits at his blog: mens-wetsuits.com
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