wetsuit query from a newbie

[bahri]

Guys,

I am interested in a wetsuit to be able to extend my snorkling season, which is typically limited to the summer months, by a couple of months before and after summer. Also my diving is for relatively shallow waters (-10m) so apologies if i am in the wrong forum! There is lots of info here however i have two newb queries which do not seem to be covered before:
- I was thinking of starting off with a 3.5m or is it more recommendable to go for 5mm?
- Also tricky question to answer as I believe it boils down to the individual but would one typically have to also buy a pair of boots & gloves for diving say in November?

many thanks.

[SPNOTTA]

3,3.5mm...great for summer, 4,5mm...better for spring and autumn...go for internal open cell...also, would recommend gloves and socks.

[bahri]

thanks! What exactly is a internal open cell type pls? can you point me to a link which spells it out?

[SPNOTTA]

The inside of the wetsuit is rubbery and smooth unlike most scuba diving wetsuits. This kind of interior offers a much better insulation and is much more comforable. It is more delicate but with proper handling (you have to lubricate it with water and soap or conditioner to wear it...also  take care with the finger nails) you shouldn't have any problems.

If you puncture or tear...do not worry too much...there is neoprene glue. I only punctured my wetsuit once (slipped on a slipway...typical of me...LOL) and after fixing it...it looks like new.

good luck.

Wiki definition:

"The return of single-backed neoprene
As wetsuits continued to evolve, their use was explored in other sports such as open-water swimming and triathlons. Although double-backed neoprene is strong, the cloth backing is rough and creates a large amount of drag in the water, slowing down the swimmer. A single-backed suit meanwhile has a very smooth, slick exterior permitting water to slide easily over the bare neoprene. With the advances of elastic lycra backings and blindstitching, single-backed neoprene suits could now be made that outperformed the early cousins from the 1970s. Other developments in single-backed wetsuits include the suits designed for free-diving and spearfishing. Single lined neoprene is more flexible than double lined. To achieve flexibility and low bulk for a given warmth of suit, they are unlined inside, and the smooth surface of the neoprene is removed mechanically to reveal a rougher "open cell" surface which adheres closely to the skin and reduces flushing of the suit. The lined outer surface may be printed with camouflage patterns for spearfishing."

Reference:

Wikipedia The Free Ecyclopedia, Wetsuit [online]. Available from:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetsuit [accessed 18 Apr 2009].

[ciappinu]

Bahri, I use a 5mm shortie and its fine until November. I then start swimming again in April. No gloves or boots for me. Most important is the head and back/chest I find.

[baghira]

agree with spnotta.........
Be careful about booties...........not like the ones for scuba, but as spnotta said 'socks'.

[bahri]

thanks guys.

will keep you posted on progress.

caw

[bahri]

3,3.5mm...great for summer, 4,5mm...better for spring and autumn...go for internal open cell...also, would recommend gloves and socks.

Is this a shortie type or full length?

[SPNOTTA]

full...pants and vest.

[bahri]

Grazzi chief tal pacenzja!

Wahda ta l-ahhar fuq wetsuits ... would you recommend a second hand one?  Is there a second hand market in Malta?

James

[Granitu]

second hands? niccekja sew kieku li mhux ghandha hafna uzu. wet suit normalment isservi sa 1.5-2 yrs, imbad n neoprene jispicca

jien ninvesti f wahda gdida hawn il varjeta u ta kwalita

second hands? i would check that it wasn't over used. wet suits normally serve up to 1.5 to 2yrs, after hat the neoprene will not be insulating so well

if i were you i would go for a new one. there is variety and a lot of quality ones.

[SPNOTTA]

Second Granitu...would not recommend seconds unless the respective wetsuits were rarely used.

[baghira]

SHOULD i COUNTINUE BY TELLING YOU HOW MANY TIMES i PEE'D IN MY WETSUIT BY NOW????HUNDREDS OF TIMES...... WOULD YOU BUY A SECOND HAND ONE NOW??

[Granitu]

lol jaqq mur oqod hdejk wara min jaf kemm tibda tinten

lol should any one stay beside you smelly baghira

[SPNOTTA]

Good Baghira...the pee attracts fish