Are Neoprene Or Laminate Drysuits Better

Gary asson from the sub aqua association said.

Are neoprene or laminate drysuits better.

Scubapro offers two neoprene drysuits the exodry and the everdry 4. The neoprene suits are more form fitted which require less air to be used in the suit and offer the diver a more streamlined suit. This makes it even thinner more durable and have a much smaller effect on buoyancy. They are often worn with fins and a mask such as these great full face dive masks.

There are two main types of drysuit in use today neoprene and laminate neoprene having the better thermal insulation but losing out on flexibility and weight. Drysuits made out of compressed neoprene are sold by a number of companies. Neoprene was invented by dupont in 1930 and remains the best thermal insulator for any water sport above or below the surface. Another type of drysuit material is crushed neoprene.

According to the manufacturers these suits are made of foam neoprene that has been made denser and thinner by compression. However if you dive in a wide range of temperate to cold water temperatures and if durability is a factor and you don t mind spending a little extra cash then a fabric suit also called a shell suit may be the way to go. My personal preference is for crushed neoprene which has good thermal insulation and flexibility. If a 4mm compressed neoprene suit has been made from 7mm foam neoprene and then compressed it should weigh the same as an equivalent 7mm suit.

Generally speaking neoprene drysuits are thicker than membrane suits and more insulating. Refined techniques and huge investment has created a range of neoprene suitable for applications from running tracks to triathlon wetsuits. If you prefer the feel of a wetsuit but need the thermal advantages of a drysuit or if you re on a budget then a neoprene drysuit might be for you. Neoprene suits are economical in the sense that they are typically less expensive and eliminate the need to buy undergarments as well.

The best wet suits are tight around the body for better effectiveness made with neoprene a type of rubber and can cover the entire body or just the torso called a shorty. As you would expect neoprene has evolved in those 85 years. If you prefer the feel of a wetsuit but need the thermal advantages of a drysuit or if you re on a budget then a neoprene drysuit might be for you.