Wetsuits have become more than just a protective gear for divers. Today, different types of wetsuits are available for different seasons. There are also more choices in smaller details, such as stitching. With all the different options, choosing the right wetsuit can be a challenge for first-time buyers. Here is a quick guide to the features you should look for when buying a wetsuit.

Design and coverage

There are four major styles of wetsuits: spring suits, full suits, farmer johns, and short johns. Each type is best suited for a certain season or the type of weather and water temperature. For instance, spring suits are popular on summer or early parts of fall. Full suits have long sleeves and ankle-length bottoms, making them ideal for cold weather. OnShort johns offer the least protection from the heat, but they allow maximum comfort and movement

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Materials and construction

Most wetsuits are made from a rubber-based fabric called neoprene, which provides insulation and waterproofing. A layer of spandex or 'superflex' is usually added to keep the neoprene layer from shrinking. Some wetsuits have additional fabric layers, such as merino wool for added comfort and titanium fiber for insulation.

Also check the seams for any holes or loose stitches. Make sure the seams are tightly and evenly stitched so that water cannot leak through the needle holes.

Proper fit

Wetsuits work best when they fit snugly and conform to your body, without being too tight or limiting your movement. To check for proper fit, make sure it clings tightly to your skin and provide just enough space for water to escape. Stretchable fabrics like spandex usually provide the best fit.

Author: Ilse Hagen

MORE INFORMATION AND BUYING TIPS

A complete guide to wet suits is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

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However, choosing your own wetsuit has always been a bane in the water sports community. You have to get one which has to fit snugly around your body and not be too tight that it restricts your movement.

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Neither must it be too loose that it flaps uselessly when you move around. So, for the first-time wetsuit buyers, here are a few tips on choosing wetsuits:

1) First of all, make sure you got the right place. A wetsuit isn't exactly the type of clothing you will get at a bargain bin. Go to the appropriate store to get the wetsuit for your own individual sport. If you're getting a wetsuit for surfing, go to the surf store. If you want to go scuba-diving, go to the diving store. You get the idea.

2) Next, choosing the brands. Now, you don't have to buy the most expensive brand to be assured of quality. It's better to do your homework first, by checking up the brands on Internet forums and neutral third-party review sites. When you get to the store, it won't hurt to ask the attendant for his or her opinion on the best wetsuit for you. After all, they have way much more experience than you. And try not to buy at shops which only sell one brand. They espouse the virtues of their respective brand and criticize the others. So, choose wetsuits at stores which sell multiple brands to ensure neutrality.

3) Now; trying it on. You will have to make sure that the wetsuit you choose fit you comfortably around your body. Also, the sleeve and leg openings should close down tight against your skin to prevent water flushing. There are certain areas which the suit have to be skintight, namely around the crotch, under the armpits and the shoulders. Sagging suits will be extremely uncomfortable and if you choose your wetsuit right, you'll feel as though it's a bit tight. Don't worry, that's normal.

So, for the adrenaline junkies that are getting their first wetsuit, choose well. And for those who haven't gotten a wetsuit yet, what are you waiting for?

Author: Clement C.

Clement runs a website about wetsuits where you can find answers to any questions you might have about wetsuits. Learn how to choose the right wetsuit size and how to choose the right wetsuit thickness for different water temperatures.

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There are individuals around, although they are few and far between, who have the tools and the skills necessary to custom design a wet suit without altering its heat-loss properties or its buoyancy which can result in a beautiful, colorful and still effective infant wet suit should someone need it. But no company is going to manufacture them, with the same input and features as an adult wet suit, for such a tiny market.

There are, however, a vast array of choices for infant wet suits depending on the cartoon character your child likes or the color patterns he might look best in. In addition, there are infant wet suits with varying degrees of buoyancy built in, depending on the swimming ability of your child.

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O'Neill Toddler Series  of Wetsuit & Rash Guard for the kid's.

Obviously, the Barbie Princess wet suits are for that sweet little girl in your life and those Superman ones are for the little guy who thinks he's a superhero. The most important feature to look for when purchasing an infant wet suit is maximum swimming help. Many have built-in flotation devices while some are made out of the same materials as triathlon swim suits, only more so. Since competition is not a factor, the suits can be a bit thick and clumsy, but as long as they're keeping that little one safely afloat, that's all they have to do.

Author: Peter Emerson

Wet Suits Info provides detailed information about triathlon, scuba, and surfing wet suits, as well as wet suits for kids and infants. Wet Suits Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

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Having determined the main difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit, we have to consider the material used for the wetsuit function. The main material that is used in the manufacture of these wetsuits is that of neoprene. This material can vary in thickness which is in relation to the desired wetsuit function in terms of the temperature of the water that the wearer will be utilizing or expecting the wetsuit function to be achieved effectively.

The wetsuit can be purchased in thicknesses varying from 1mm to 4mm in most cases. The wetsuit function is determined by the environment in which the wearer will wear the suit and the thicker material or neoprene will be more suitable for the colder water regions. Hence the colder the conditions the thicker the suit to enable correct wetsuit function.

Popular Kids Wet Suits: 

O’Neill Reactor kids full body wetsuit for surf, scuba, snorkel, swim

Girls UV Protective Tuga Thermal Sunsuit

Boys UV Protective Tuga Thermal Sunsuit

A variety of wetsuit designs, provide the purchaser with a selection that will suit their needs. The wetsuit can be found in a version known as the shorty, which is sleeveless and legless, covering the torso; or the full sized which covers the entire body. New technology allows detachable arms and legs of the suit and one will effectively have a combination of the two types of wetsuits previously mentioned.

The design or construction of the wetsuit is enhanced by the technique that the manufacturer uses in terms of assembling the suit. Some manufacturers may stitch and glue the suit, whilst others may either just stitch or just glue the suit together. A combination of the two is normally recommended as this will add to the durability of the wetsuit, and considering the amount that will be invested ensures that the suit will last a long time.

The care and maintenance of a wetsuit is vital to ensure correct and continued wetsuit function; and as stated especially due to the amount that is invested in this item. If cared for correctly and according to the makers instructions you will be guaranteed to have a long term use and benefit of the wetsuit.

Author: Chris Kennelly

A whole range of resources are available at Baby Wetsuits, which will help in the selection, care and purchasing of a wetsuit, visit us at http://babywetsuits.com

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You have no idea what sorts of hazards there are in a long, dark street, or in the choppy, murky sea. A lightweight and skintight wetsuit that most water sports professionals wear will not only protect you from cold, but also help you swim better. Your children though should always wear a child wetsuit as kids wetsuist will totally protect your child. Despite all these, there are many of those who still oppose wearing wetsuits. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't follow their lead...

1) Hypothermia. You might not think this is a serious problem, especially to those who only surf in the summer. However, you will find that the risk of contracting hypothermia is still there even when you are swimming in warm waters at noon. It's due to the fact that water is 25 times more heat-conducting than air, making you lose your body heat. So, the longer you stay in the water, the more body heat you will lose.

Popular kids wetsuits:

O'Neill Youth Reactor 3/2 Full Wetsuit

Aqua Sphere Stingray 2mm Youth Core Warmer

Body Glove 540 8-Ounce Short Sleeve Lycra Rash Guard

Wearing a wetsuit can prevent that. Made of lightweight closed-cell neoprene, it allows a film of water to exist between your body and the suit. And since water is heat conducting, the water draws away the heat from your body but is not released to the surroundings, due to being trapped by the suit. This layer acts as an insulator, providing you warmth derived from your own body. Add that to the nitrogen gas bubbles that exist in the lining of the suit which further prevents heat loss and you will stay warm in cold waters!

2) Protection. Wearing a wetsuit protects your body. Although not indestructible, the neoprene material is able to dampen any blows your body might receive. And between pieces of coral tearing your suit open, instead of your skin, it is perhaps wise to wear a wetsuit.

3) Buoyancy. Aside from that, wetsuits can protect poor swimmers. Due to the buoyant nature of neoprene, it will help you float better. It is not a life-vest, but it'll help.

Most of us today could not imagine our world without a wetsuit.

Author: Clement C.

Clement runs a website about wetsuits. It is filled with useful information and tips on wetsuit care and maintenance and explanations and reviews of different wetsuit models like (shorty wetsuit, full suit, wetsuit top, booties etc...). Visit his site before you buy a wetsuit.

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It is inevitable that if you are active in the water with your wetsuit at some time you will get a rip or tear in the neoprene. In most cases, there is no need to panic or despair. With a few simple items, repairing a torn or damaged wetsuit is a fairly easy procedure. It may not look as good as new when you are done but the function of the wetsuit will be maintained.

A lot of times when you rub up against rocks or coral or some other rough object the surface of a wetsuit will get roughened up and expose the softer more vulnerable black neoprene below.

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Short term your wetsuit will work just fine this way but eventually the abraded area will grow and it may deteriorate to the point of causing a tear or hole. The best way to repair this kind of damage is to apply neoprene glue to the area. What is called neoprene glue is usually a special contact cement formulation for gluing pieces of neoprene to each other. You can usually get it where you bought your wetsuit and it is usually black or yellow in color. Aquaseal and Black Witch are two popular brands of neoprene wetsuit glue. Lay the damaged area out flat if you can and apply lots of the glue to the area. Spread the glue out with a flat wooden stick, application brush, or other spatula type tool to at least a centimeter or two past the abraded area. Try to spread it out as evenly and smoothly as you can.

It is almost impossible to make it look pretty but that isn't the goal anyway. You want to reinforce the area as best you can and still maintain the flexibility of the wetsuit. Neoprene glue is very smooth and slippery when dry. If the damaged area needs to be used for gripping with most neoprene glues, you can sprinkle a small amount of dry sand over the glue approximately 30 minutes after you apply it. This will give the area some texture for gripping. When you are done let the glue dry at least overnight. Some glues will need longer to dry so follow the directions on the glue containers label.

If the damage to the wetsuit is a simple straight cut or tear with no missing material, you can simply glue it back together using the neoprene glue. Very carefully separate the two edges of the cut and apply glue to each of the sides. Try not to increase the cut when you do this. Then hold the two edges together for a few minutes to let the glue set. With some neoprene glues, you have to let the glue air dry for a minute before pushing the two sides back together. As above, let the glue dry at least over night.

If the damage to your wetsuit involves missing material, repairs get more complicated. Most often, the best thing to do is patch the hole like you would a hole in a bicycle tire. Most dive shops have patch material or old neoprene lying around you can buy for patching. Cut a piece of neoprene patch material a few centimeters bigger than the hole, apply glue to the top edge of the hole and the underside edge of the patch and apply the patch.

Sometimes you will need to fill the hole with material and glue and sew it to the edges of the hole and apply a patch over that but sewing neoprene is often not recommended. The thread usually will not stretch with the neoprene when you dive and over time the thread will cut through the wetsuit.

Author: Michael Russell

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Wetsuit

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O'Neill Reactor kids full body wetsuit for surf, scuba, snorkel, swim

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When purchasing a cheap wetsuit there are some things to be taken into consideration before you choose which one to buy. The most important consideration is always going to be the fit. A wetsuit that does not fit well will be uncomfortable, may cause chaffing and will not be warm. Your wetsuit should allow some water to enter which is warmed by the body and provides a layer of insulation. If the wetsuit is too big too much cold water will enter and you will be cold and saltwater and sand between your skin and the suit will cause rashes and be uncomfortable. Always check the fit at the ankles, neck and wrists to make sure water cannot enter through any gaps. If your wetsuit fits well it should stretch and move with you.
In addition to the fit other things to look for include warmth, durability, performance and comfort.

Warmth

A thicker wetsuit will be warmer but will also be less flexible and have lower performance. For a winter wetsuit the neoprene should be between 3mm and 5mm (sometimes 6mm is used) and for summer wetsuits a thickness of 2-3mm is adequate. Warmth can also be affected by the lining. Coated, mesh or lined neoprene is often used to improve warmth and help to reduce wind chill but again the use of these lining will reduce the performance. It is therefore a balance between warmth and performance so keep your particular needs in mind when choosing the thickness of the material and the type and thickness of the lining.

Durability

Durability is affected by the type and thickness of the material used for the wetsuit. Superstretch material, used in high performance suits will be comfortable and highly flexible but will have reduced durability. In general, higher performance, more expensive wetsuits are less durable than cheaper, lower performance suits. If you are purchasing a used wetsuit look for wear at the knees as this is the area that tends to show wear first.
Performance

A wetsuit that stretches with you and offers very little resistance will give good performance and is very dependent on the price of the wetsuit. Expect to pay for an expensive wetsuit if you need the highest performance.

Comfort

All the preceding factors contribute to the comfort of a wetsuit. In addition the number and placement of the seams can contribute to how comfortable the suit is. More panels, with more seams will improve the fit but the seams can be uncomfortable and reduce the flexibility. The suit needs to stretch enough to feel comfortable and allow freedom of movement. The more stretchy a wetsuit is generally the more expensive and less durable. A cheaper, less stretchy suit will be warmer but movement will be more restrictive.

In the end it comes down to a balance between cost, comfort and durability. If performance is ultimately important to you choose an expensive wetsuit and be prepared to replace it more frequently. If cost is the deciding factor be prepared for a less comfortable suit that is slightly more restrictive but will last longer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/buying-a-cheap-wetsuit-some-tips-660566.html

Author: Janet Ashby

About the Author:
For more information on wetsuits and some good deals on cheap wetsuits check out Cheap Men's Wetsuits or Cheap Women's Wetsuits

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