The Different Sorts of Wetsuits Revealed11.25.09

It is easy to get confused about the various types of wetsuits for sale. Advances in manufacturing processes and materials are in some way to blame, as are the new uses that wetsuits are being used for. Occasionally ‘new’ wetsuits are only produced as part of the marketing campaign of the manufacturer. Selecting the right wetsuit is however simpler when we have a better understanding of the styles of wetsuit that are available.

Popular Wetsuit Styles

Shorty Wetsuits or Spring suits – cover the torso and the upper parts of your arms and legs, although they also come with long sleeves for the arms or legs.

Long Johns – like a fullsuit with uncovered arms. The terms Farmer John and Farmer Jane are also used.

Full suit wetsuits – these have long sleeves for the limbs so give good insulation in colder conditions.

Wetsuit Vest – pretty straightforward – useful for added body insulation.

Wetsuit Jacket – gives additional insulation for the upper body and arms. Available in both short sleeved and long sleeved version.

The Thickness Of The Wetsuit

It is easy to work out that how thick the wetsuit is will affect how warm it is. There is in some ways a balance that has to be found between being warm enough and having the flexibility to enjoy using the wetsuit. Since wetsuit design and components have advanced it has become simpler to buy wetsuits that give us warmth and flexibility.

5/3 is also a common wetsuit thickness – this indicates that the body material is 5 millimeters while the arms and legs are protected with 3mm material.

Wetsuit Stitching

It is not necessarily obvious but today’s wetsuits incorporate complex technologies. The type of seams used in the wetsuit will have a critical role to play in determining how warm we will be. The kinds of stitching that you will often see are -

Overlocked Stitching

This is fairly old technology and is more likely to be seen on a cheaper, warm water wetsuit. Overlocked stitching wetsuits have ridged seams which are not great, in both comfort and insulation. Overlocked seams are however pretty durable and will last for quite some time.

Flatlocking Stitching

This sort of stitching does not result in the problematic ridges that overlocked seams can produce. Not to be ideal for colder water use as some water will seep through the seams and reduce your insulation.

Seams With Blindstitched Stitching

This is carried out with curved needles that do not puncture the entire material. Glue is combined with the stitches to make the seam stronger which produces a watertight seam. Eventually the seam’s watertightness will reduce. Further maintenance is therefore essential to maximize the insulation of the wetsuit.

The Blindstitched & Taped Seam

Taping, in addition to blindstitching increases the amount of insulation in the wetsuit. Fabric, neoprene or liquid tapes may be used to strengthen the seam.

I hope that this brief summary has been useful. Check out affordable wetsuits for sale now. If you would like to grab a bargain wetsuit then see our cheap wetsuits.

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Mares Trilastic 7-5-3 Model 200708.27.09

Mares Trilastic 7-5-3 Model 2007. The Intelligent Wetsuit – Strategic placing of super elastic Neoprene – Unparalleled comfort – Easiest donning & Doffing Excellent seals and heatretention The best combination of materials and thicknesses designed to achieve incomparable comfort warmth durability and functionality all together in one single product. Incredibly easy to put on it ensures flexibility and warmth. – 7mm neoprene chest for greater resistance to compression at depth and greater thermal insulation – Tricore technology – Arms and legs in 5mm elastic neoprene to ensure comfort flexibility and freedom of movement – Seals at the neck wrists and ankles in 3.5mm neoprene with Sapphfire skin lining. The reduced thickness makes it easier to put on – 5mm neoprene on the thighs and gluteus for greater durability. At the level of the thighs a vertical elastic neoprene strip was also added to make the suit even easier to put on – Custom Closure neck – Back Zip incorporating skin on skin seal for less leakage and lumbar thumb loop for easy zipping – Lined inside with Sapphfire plush lining – Trilastic Knee Protection that is also applied to the shoulder area for increased durability The hood is not include with the suit

 

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Bass Pro Shops XPS Venom Full Wet Suit for Men08.27.09

The XPS Venom Full Wet Suit combines the warmth of a full suit with plenty of performance features to deliver a suit you can have lots of fun in during cooler situations. Its soft, lightweight, flexible, ozone resistant Aqualite Neoprene delivers great performance and ease of motion in all water sports activities. This special four-way stretch blended neoprene delivers better durability and warmth than standard neoprene. Neoprene measures 3mm in the torso panels and 2mm on the arms and legs. The Venom Full also features Aquaflex high stretch neoprene in the underarm, side, and lower lumbar panels to provide extra flexibility and performance. The suit’s shoulder panels sport anti-fray polyurethane ink protection. Wrist and ankles feature glideskin seals to prevent flushing. Durable four-needle flatlock seams deliver strength, comfort, and durability without the rash or discomfort other seams can cause. Mesh Skin finish on the chest and back panels of the Venom increases the neoprene’s strength and abrasion resistance, as well as shedding water and the wind better for a warmer suit. Anatomically designed for an all-important superior fit. Lockout zip closure features a specially designed neck flap that provides a comfortable fit to keep water from making its way down the back. Velcro strap below the zipper prevents it from sliding down. Imported. Features: Flexible high performance full wetsuit for full water activity in cooler situations Soft, lightweight 3/2 Aqualite Neoprene construction Four-way stretch neoprene blend for durability and warmth Special, high stretch Aquaflex neoprene in the underarm, side, and lower lumbar panels Anti-fray protection on shoulder panels Strong, durable, and comfortable flatlock seams Mesh Skin finish on chest and back panels – sheds water and wind for warmth Lockout zip closure Great fit thanks to anatomical design suit

 

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Bass Pro Shops XPS Venom Full Wet Suit for Men08.17.09

The XPS Venom Full Wet Suit combines the warmth of a full suit with plenty of performance features to deliver a suit you can have lots of fun in during cooler situations. Its soft, lightweight, flexible, ozone resistant Aqualite Neoprene delivers great performance and ease of motion in all water sports activities. This special four-way stretch blended neoprene delivers better durability and warmth than standard neoprene. Neoprene measures 3mm in the torso panels and 2mm on the arms and legs. The Venom Full also features Aquaflex high stretch neoprene in the underarm, side, and lower lumbar panels to provide extra flexibility and performance. The suit’s shoulder panels sport anti-fray polyurethane ink protection. Wrist and ankles feature glideskin seals to prevent flushing. Durable four-needle flatlock seams deliver strength, comfort, and durability without the rash or discomfort other seams can cause. Mesh Skin finish on the chest and back panels of the Venom increases the neoprene’s strength and abrasion resistance, as well as shedding water and the wind better for a warmer suit. Anatomically designed for an all-important superior fit. Lockout zip closure features a specially designed neck flap that provides a comfortable fit to keep water from making its way down the back. Velcro strap below the zipper prevents it from sliding down. Imported. Features: Flexible high performance full wetsuit for full water activity in cooler situations Soft, lightweight 3/2 Aqualite Neoprene construction Four-way stretch neoprene blend for durability and warmth Special, high stretch Aquaflex neoprene in the underarm, side, and lower lumbar panels Anti-fray protection on shoulder panels Strong, durable, and comfortable flatlock seams Mesh Skin finish on chest and back panels – sheds water and wind for warmth Lockout zip closure Great fit thanks to anatomical design suit

 

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