Should I get a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
As a general rule, there are 3 main thicknesses of wetsuit: 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm. The thinner the suit, the better flexibility of movement you will have but the less warmth and buoyancy….Thickness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warmer Better Abrasion Protection | More Restrictive Movement More Buoyant More Compression at Depth |
How thick should a diving wetsuit be?
7mm or 8mm wetsuits are suggested to be used in temperatures down to 10 degrees. But sometimes you have to tough it out to get the job done as we do here in Canterbury. This is when you should consider purchasing a drysuit. Wetsuits have material linings to make it easier to put on.
What is a 4 3mm wetsuit?
Pronounced as “four-three”, 4/3mm wetsuits means that there’s 4mm of thickness in the torso and 3mm thickness in the arms and the legs. In fact, the purpose of a wetsuit is that it traps water between your skin and the suit creating heat/warmth.
Is a 5mm wetsuit too hot for summer?
If you mostly surf in the north of the UK, a 4mm in the winter will be unbearably cold, so we recommend getting a 5mm wetsuit. You may be a little warm during the summer months, but just loosen the neck of the suit and let some water in – it’s far easier to cool down when you’re hot than warm up when you’re frozen!
How warm is 3mm neoprene?
Wetsuit Thickness & Temperature Guide
| Water Temp Range (°F) | Water Temp Range (°C) | Wetsuit Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 65°- 75° | 18° – 24° | 0.5 mm – 2/1 mm |
| 62°- 68° | 16° – 20° | 2 mm – 3/2 mm |
| 58°- 63° | 14° – 17° | 3/2 mm – 4/3 mm |
| 52°- 58° | 11° – 14° | 4/3 mm – 5/4/3 mm |
Is a 3 2 wetsuit warm?
The most obvious difference is a thicker wetsuit will keep you warmer, as thicker neoprene means more tiny bubbles trapping in air to insulate you. A middle ground wetsuit would be a 3/2. So for a winter wetsuit you’ll be looking for a 4/3mm or more, and for summer opt for just 2 or 3mm of neoprene.
Is a 3mm wetsuit enough?
3mm Wetsuits This thickness is perfect if you feel the chill and a shorty wetsuit isn’t warm enough in the summer. They are especially handy if you surf at dusk or dawn and need something more protective than a shorty wetsuit, or as the end of the summer season develops into the autumnal months.
Can you wear a 4 3 wetsuit in winter?
4/3 mm wetsuit: water temperatures around 12~15°C A 4/3 mm is most often classified as an all-season wetsuit rather than a full winter wetsuit, but for southern Europe, this is the perfect wetsuit to wear all winter. A 4/3 wetsuit usually doesn’t have a built-in hood, but some brands do sell a hooded 4/3 mm.
Can I swim in a 5mm wetsuit?
If you have a surfing style wetsuit, it will do just fine. It will need to be between 3-5mm. However, it is likely to be very suitable for what we do; exploration swimming in places where there might be rocks to negotiate on entry or exit rather than gravel ponds or sandy beaches. The 5mm suits are warmer.
What does 3/2 mm mean on a wetsuit?
The specification is made with two numbers. 3/2 mm means, for example, that the neoprene has a thickness of 3 mm on the torso and 2 mm on the legs and arms. Most wetsuits have a difference of 1-2 mm, because the warmth effect is more important on the body and the flexibility on the arms and legs.
How to choose a mens 5mm wetsuit?
There are several options when selecting a mens 5mm wetsuit: the 5/4/3mm wetsuit provides three thicknesses in one suit (5mm core, 4mm legs and 3mm arms) so you get core warmth without sacrificing mobility.
What is the difference between surfing and wetsuit?
The intensity of the sunlight has a slightly greater influence than in surfing and even more than in diving. From experience you need a little thicker wetsuit than for surfing for the mentioned water sports. When diving it depends again almost exclusively on the water temperature and the depth of the dives.
What is the maximum temperature you can wear a wetsuit?
These athletes may wear wetsuits at max. 25,56 °C/78 °F. Between 25,56 °C/78 °F – 28.89 °C/84 °F you are allowed to wear a wetsuit, however you shall not be eligible for awards or prizes. Some extra warmth? In several wetsuits, thermo textiles are processed in the form of fibres. The fibres contain minerals and are activated by body heat.