Scuba Diving Dry Suits and Wetsuits: Their Benefits and Their Differences
Unless you are venturing into tropical waters, you will need to wear an appropriate wetsuit or dry suit when you are scuba diving. Different divers will have different preferences regarding which suit is the better one to select. To try and make a broad determination as to which one is the better than the other would be the wrong way to make a comparison. Both wetsuits and dry suits have their value and each is designed to serve different purposes. Many experienced divers will even purchase both and then make a determination as to which one to wear based on each individual dive they take part in.
So, what would be the main difference between the two suits?
The Main Differences between Dry Suits and Wetsuits
In general, a dry suit is designed for cold water diving. Granted, many divers are quite comfortable in a traditional wetsuit even in the coldest water. Dry suits, however, would be inappropriate in warm waters. The designs of the two suits, however, it dramatically dissimilar.
The way a wetsuit works is relatively simple. Wetsuits allow water to enter into the suit and a thin layer of the water will act as a buffer between the surface of the skin and the actual material of the wetsuit. This allows the wetsuit to enhance buoyancy and provide thermal warmth insulation. A wetsuit may not make a person warmer but it drastically reduces the potential for heat to escape from the body. This is why those wearing a wetsuit in cold water will not suffer from the effects of the cold.
Unlike a wetsuit, a dry suit is designed to completely prevent any water from entering the suit at all. Instead, the person wearing the dry suit will also wear full body thermal “long johns” designed to provide maximum warmth. While dry suits will not completely insulate you from the feeling of being cold in frigid water, it does have the ability to make you feel a lot warmer than would be the case if you wore a wetsuit. Some might not believe that dry suits would have difficulty completely keeping any and all water out of the suit. The truth is they can assuredly keep water out of the suit and do so with great effectiveness.
A Word on Dry Suits
One thing needs to be understood about dry suits is that they require additional knowledge and skill to operate. There are many special considerations required for maintaining proper buoyancy and maneuverability in the water when wearing these suits. PADI even offers a special certification program for being a “Dry Suit Diver” which alone gives you quite a bit of food for thought in terms of how many extra steps are required to wear the suit.
This is NOT to infer that a dry suit is overly complicated to learn how to wear and use properly. Often, simply taking a private lesson or two with a diving instructor will cover all the basics you would need to know regarding the proper use of the dry suit.
Remember, once you learn the basics of how a dry suit works you will find dives even in the coldest waters to be completely comfortable.
Purchasing Wetsuits and Dry Suits
On the most basic of levels, you want to purchase a wetsuit or a dry suit that is designed for scuba diving. You definitely do not want to purchase a wetsuit for surfing or a dry suit for kayaking if your goal is to dive 100 feet below the surface. Diving wetsuits are designed with extra padding to handle the gear you will be wearing. Wetsuits are also offered in different levels of thickness defined by millimeter. The thicker the wetsuit the more appropriate it will be in colder water although personal tolerance levels to cold will vary. Some divers have no problems wearing a very thin wetsuit even in very cold waters.
It should also go without saying that no matter whether you purchase a dry suit or a wetsuit you will need one that is the proper fit. The ability to gain the proper buoyancy and warmth from the suit will be impossible if you are not wearing the right size suit. Similarly, you ability to swim in the water will be compromised with the wrong sized wetsuit or dry suit.
To say the price range among wetsuits ranges would be a dramatic understatement. A wetsuit can be purchased for as little as $140 or as much as $800 or more. Ultimately, what you want in a wetsuit will dictate the price. The higher end wetsuits can include added padding in the knees or can be specially designed for quicker drying when out of the water. Since there are so many different wetsuits on the market, you will need to inquire about the individual attributes and features of any wetsuit you are considering purchasing.
Truth be told, dry suits cost much more than wetsuits do to the specialized nature of their design. Dry suits can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000+. Additionally, you would need to purchase the dry suit under suit which could cost in the $130 - $140 range. However, the price is well worth the expense considering the great benefits a dry suit can deliver. The higher end dry suits are designed in such a way they are easy to get in and out of without help and the various zippers and valves may be designed in such a way they are resistant to freezing. The lower priced dry suits might not have these added features but they definitely an deliver on the basic expectations one may have from a quality dry suit. Just be sure to stick with top name brand dry suits such as Poseidon, ScubaPro, Hollis, and the like. The reason for this is obvious. You want to acquire the highest quality suit available.
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NeoSport Wetsuits Men's Premium Neoprene 5mm Full Suit Sale Price: $99.95 - $152.95  |
Description
The ultra versatile 5mm is great for tropical waters, especially in the winter months, yet is also warm enough for the cooler temps of dive sites closer to home. A 5mm torso promotes core body warmth and 5mm extremities balance warmth and flexibility. This proven jumpsuit design is easy to don and has an adjustable collar that inhibits water exchange at the neck. Tough, flexible pads protect the knees and lower leg.
Features
- Versatile 5mm full neoprene wetsuit
- Suitable for warm and cooler waters
- 5mm torso promotes core body warmth
- 5mm extremities balance warmth and flexibility
- Adjustable collar; flexible protective kneepads
