To increase their sales many manufacturers advertise different features of wetsuits for improved effectiveness. Many innovations advertised are just gimmicks but many are very useful. You should be aware of all the more useful features before you buy a wetsuit. We’ve put some information together to help you.
Neoprene
This is a rubber foam material that is lined for stretch and warmth with a jersey fabric. Although it is important for the suit to stretch with your body a more elastic fabric is usually less durable. In areas such as knees which receive the most wear a more durable fabric which does not need to stretch so much can be used.
seam Construction
So that they fit well wetsuits are constructed of a number of panels. More panels are used to give better fit but this also means more seams. This then causes a reduction in the suits flexibility. Areas where there may be rubbing or irritation, behind the knees or at the neck for instance, should be seam free. Also areas that will reduce the ability to move, such as across the shoulders or under the arms.
Stitching Types
Blindstitching and flatlocking are the types of stitching used in the making of wetsuits. Blindstitching is used in the more expensive wetsuits. The seam is first glued then stitched with the needle not passing completely through the material. The seam is watertight as there is no hole right through the fabric. The process costs more as it is very labor intensive. In flatlocking a flexible and strong seam is produced but the needle passes right through the material so it is not watertight. This is not really suitable for winter suits and is usually only seen in summer wetsuits.
Liquid Sealed Seams
A rubber compound can be used to seal the seam and make it watertight. flexibility is important in some areas and, as the rubber compound reduces this it cannot be used in these areas.
Types of Neoprene Coating
Two types of neoprene are used in wetsuits, WRC and PU printing. WRC stands for water repellent coating. The top half of the suit in WRC uses a water repellent chemical. Less absorbed water means a warmer and lighter suit. To make the fabric resistant to abrasion damage, PU printing is used. This helps to make the neoprene more durable.
Batwings
These are used in the more expensive wetsuits to make the suit warmer and more comfortable. They are thin strips of neoprene sewn inside the zip to prevent cold water entering.
Water Tight Seals
If the seals at the ankle, neck or wrist are too tight they will cause chafing and irritation but they must not be so loose that they allow water to enter. Some points you should consider are a good fit with a soft, elastic neoprene and not too many seams.
How Much Will a Wetsuit Cost?
For enhanced performance, expensive wetsuits often use blindstitching and superstretch material. These features may be useful but you should also be aware that they may lower the strength of the wetsuit and shorten it’s useful life. You may be prepared to accept a wetsuit that does not last so long but gives better performance or you may opt for longer life and durability but lower performance. For those who will be spending a lot of time in their wetsuits it makes sense to buy the most comfortable one you can afford.
Conclusion
Look for the best neoprene wetsuit that is flexible, comfortable and fits well that you can afford.
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