>Wetsuits are traditionally made with closed-cell foam neoprene, a material that starts as a rubbery, white chip with a consistency like the sole of a sneaker. Plasticizing and foaming agents are used to soften the material, which is then vulcanized so it maintains its shape. Carbon black is added to improve tensile strength and turn the milky-white neoprene black, which makes it more resistant to sunlight.
>There's a lot of science behind modern wetsuits, and the materials used can significantly affect the manufacturing cost. "When you buy a wetsuit, the price is related to its contents," said Allan Edmund, president of Henderson Aquatics. "Neoprene is a relatively expensive ingredient. Wetsuits made from pure neoprene maintain their flexibility longer. They're easier to put on, and they tend to be more expensive than wetsuits made from combinations of neoprene and other materials."
>The type and quality of fabric placed over the neoprene affects price, too. Wetsuits made with higher-stretch fabrics such as Lycra® and spandex are more expensive than suits with nylon exteriors. Although it's difficult to generalize, less-expensive suits often have a lower percentage of neoprene. Such suits may wear down more quickly, becoming stiff and hard to put on.
>It's a common misconception that wetsuits keep you warm by allowing your body to heat the layer of water between the neoprene and your skin. If the water is 70 degrees at the surface, and your body has to warm a layer of water at that temperature, it's not energy efficient — you have lost too much heat from the outset.
>A wetsuit's ability to keep you warm has more to do with limiting water circulation. In general, the more tightly the suit fits, the less circulation you'll get; the theoretically ideal wetsuit would have no water flushing through.
>Thus, wetsuits should fit snugly. For beginner divers who may not fully understand wetsuit efficiency and may not be accustomed to the sensation of pressure on their chests, the tendency can be to select a wetsuit that fits too loosely and allows too much water flow. But poor fit compromises the potential warmth of even the best suit.
>The desire to minimize water flow through the wetsuit has led manufacturers to focus on more efficient sealing of the wrists, ankles and upper chest area to reduce water flushing. Many brands use features such as double cuffs or skin-in seals to reduce water entry and thereby improve insulation.
>In addition to protecting your body from the cold, wetsuits have other advantages. The layer of neoprene serves as a comfortable buffer against heavy gear and tight straps. While divers should always strive for neutral buoyancy and no reef contact, wetsuits offer some protection against accidental run-ins with stinging marine life and sharp objects on wrecks.
>Most wetsuits have back zippers, but some continue to be made with zippers in the front. "Front zips provide a seamless surface for the weight of the tank on the back," said Alexandra Schweickhardt of Camaro. While front zips were not popular in the past due to the pressure they sometimes put on divers' throats and necks, Schweickhardt said the rise of asymmetric zippers and water flaps has made them more comfortable.
>© Alert Diver — Fall 2012