| When purchasing a cheap wetsuit there are some | | | | the material used for the wetsuit. Superstretch |
| things to be taken into consideration before you | | | | material, used in high performance suits will be |
| choose which one to buy. The most important | | | | comfortable and highly flexible but will have reduced |
| consideration is always going to be the fit. A wetsuit | | | | durability. In general, higher performance, more |
| that does not fit well will be uncomfortable, may | | | | expensive wetsuits are less durable than cheaper, |
| cause chaffing and will not be warm. Your wetsuit | | | | lower performance suits. If you are purchasing a |
| should allow some water to enter which is warmed | | | | used wetsuit look for wear at the knees as this is |
| by the body and provides a layer of insulation. If the | | | | the area that tends to show wear first. |
| wetsuit is too big too much cold water will enter and | | | | Performance |
| you will be cold and saltwater and sand between | | | | A wetsuit that stretches with you and offers very |
| your skin and the suit will cause rashes and be | | | | little resistance will give good performance and is |
| uncomfortable. Always check the fit at the ankles, | | | | very dependent on the price of the wetsuit. Expect |
| neck and wrists to make sure water cannot enter | | | | to pay for an expensive wetsuit if you need the |
| through any gaps. If your wetsuit fits well it should | | | | highest performance. |
| stretch and move with you. | | | | Comfort |
| In addition to the fit other things to look for include | | | | All the preceding factors contribute to the comfort |
| warmth, durability, performance and comfort. | | | | of a wetsuit. In addition the number and placement |
| Warmth | | | | of the seams can contribute to how comfortable the |
| A thicker wetsuit will be warmer but will also be less | | | | suit is. More panels, with more seams will improve the |
| flexible and have lower performance. For a winter | | | | fit but the seams can be uncomfortable and reduce |
| wetsuit the neoprene should be between 3mm and | | | | the flexibility. The suit needs to stretch enough to |
| 5mm (sometimes 6mm is used) and for summer | | | | feel comfortable and allow freedom of movement. |
| wetsuits a thickness of 2-3mm is adequate. Warmth | | | | The more stretchy a wetsuit is generally the more |
| can also be affected by the lining. Coated, mesh or | | | | expensive and less durable. A cheaper, less stretchy |
| lined neoprene is often used to improve warmth and | | | | suit will be warmer but movement will be more |
| help to reduce wind chill but again the use of these | | | | restrictive. |
| lining will reduce the performance. It is therefore a | | | | In the end it comes down to a balance between |
| balance between warmth and performance so keep | | | | cost, comfort and durability. If performance is |
| your particular needs in mind when choosing the | | | | ultimately important to you choose an expensive |
| thickness of the material and the type and thickness | | | | wetsuit and be prepared to replace it more |
| of the lining. | | | | frequently. If cost is the deciding factor be prepared |
| Durability | | | | for a less comfortable suit that is slightly more |
| Durability is affected by the type and thickness of | | | | restrictive but will last longer. |