Post by striperjohn on Jan 12, 2014 8:27:41 GMT -5
Piper there are wet suits, which is what you thinking about, used in warm water. Dry suits are used for cold water, which are the type gloves you would want to use fishing cold weather.
What is a Wetsuit?
Wet suits are generally made of a material called Neoprene. Neoprene is primarily a synthetic material that provides a level of insulation to the wearer. The maximum thickness for Neoprene wetsuits suits is 10 millimeters. The thicker the material, the more insulation it offers the wearer.
Neoprene wetsuits are worn in warmer water, that is roughly between 50 to 80 degrees. Wetsuits are not designed to keep the water out. Wetsuits do offer some insulation and protection from colder water, but as water is allowed in, wetsuits are not used in very cold water.
Types of Wetsuits
One of the primary considerations when it comes to a wetsuit is the right style of wetsuit to fit the needs of each individual wearer. There are number of different shapes and styles of wetsuits, and they are outlined in the following table.
Wetsuit Type
Description
Full
A full wetsuit covers the whole body. Full wetsuits cover the body all the way down to the ankles, wrists, and up to the neck. Full wetsuits are generally more expensive due to the fact that they incorporate the most material.
Long-John/Short-John
Long or short-john wetsuits are a sleeveless version of wetsuit, with over-the-shoulder straps. A long-john suit is sleeveless, but features legs that go all the way to the ankle. A short-john wetsuit is also sleeveless and features leg cut-offs that look like shorts.
Spring
Spring wetsuits appear like a short-john, except this style also features a full sleeve down to the wrist, but the legs are cut off like shorts.
Tops
Most wetsuit styles can be purchased just as a top, so that a swimsuit can be worn on the bottom. Shirt wetsuits are popular for surfing and watersports to keep the wearer warm in the water.
The specific style of wetsuit a particular consumer wishes to purchase is largely dependant on preference. A buyer should consider what parts of the body they want to cover for both warmth and protection while in, and on the water. Doing the appropriate research, and considering how a particular suit will be used will help the buyer pick out the right suit.
What is a Drysuit?
Drysuits are made to protect the wearer from much colder water and air temperatures. They are constructed from layers of insulating fabric. Drysuits are worn in water temperatures lower than 50 degrees. Dry suits are preferable for colder water, as unlike with wetsuit, the wearer doesn’t actually make contact with the water itself, hence the name "drysuit." They feature waterproof zippers and seals on most parts of the suit to provide the wearer further protection from the water.
Drysuit Pieces
A drysuit is assembled from a number of pieces. The following table outlines the most common pieces that make up a drysuit, and how they protect different parts of the body from exposure to cold water.
Drysuit Piece
Description
Inner Shell
The inner shell of a drysuit is generally made of neoprene rubber, thermal fabric, or a similar synthetic material, in order to protect and insulate the body of the wearer. The inner shell is in close contact with the body of the wearer.
Outer Membrane
The membrane is the external piece of a drysuit. It is a thin outer layer of nylon or thin rubber that is designed to be less form fitting, so as to accommodate the movements of the wearer in the water.
Seals
Seals are found at the necks, wrists, and ankles of a drysuit, and are made of tightly compressed rubber rings that prevent water seeping into the suit.
Accessories
Most dry suits are worn with common accessories including, but not limited to: gloves, boots, hoods, helmets, and air valves. Divers should consider which accessories are best for them and the water they intend to dive in.
It is best to consult with professional divers and retailers to be sure that a drysuit is appropriate. Not all pieces are necessary, but many are, in order to guard against exposure to colder water.
What is a Wetsuit?
Wet suits are generally made of a material called Neoprene. Neoprene is primarily a synthetic material that provides a level of insulation to the wearer. The maximum thickness for Neoprene wetsuits suits is 10 millimeters. The thicker the material, the more insulation it offers the wearer.
Neoprene wetsuits are worn in warmer water, that is roughly between 50 to 80 degrees. Wetsuits are not designed to keep the water out. Wetsuits do offer some insulation and protection from colder water, but as water is allowed in, wetsuits are not used in very cold water.
Types of Wetsuits
One of the primary considerations when it comes to a wetsuit is the right style of wetsuit to fit the needs of each individual wearer. There are number of different shapes and styles of wetsuits, and they are outlined in the following table.
Wetsuit Type
Description
Full
A full wetsuit covers the whole body. Full wetsuits cover the body all the way down to the ankles, wrists, and up to the neck. Full wetsuits are generally more expensive due to the fact that they incorporate the most material.
Long-John/Short-John
Long or short-john wetsuits are a sleeveless version of wetsuit, with over-the-shoulder straps. A long-john suit is sleeveless, but features legs that go all the way to the ankle. A short-john wetsuit is also sleeveless and features leg cut-offs that look like shorts.
Spring
Spring wetsuits appear like a short-john, except this style also features a full sleeve down to the wrist, but the legs are cut off like shorts.
Tops
Most wetsuit styles can be purchased just as a top, so that a swimsuit can be worn on the bottom. Shirt wetsuits are popular for surfing and watersports to keep the wearer warm in the water.
The specific style of wetsuit a particular consumer wishes to purchase is largely dependant on preference. A buyer should consider what parts of the body they want to cover for both warmth and protection while in, and on the water. Doing the appropriate research, and considering how a particular suit will be used will help the buyer pick out the right suit.
What is a Drysuit?
Drysuits are made to protect the wearer from much colder water and air temperatures. They are constructed from layers of insulating fabric. Drysuits are worn in water temperatures lower than 50 degrees. Dry suits are preferable for colder water, as unlike with wetsuit, the wearer doesn’t actually make contact with the water itself, hence the name "drysuit." They feature waterproof zippers and seals on most parts of the suit to provide the wearer further protection from the water.
Drysuit Pieces
A drysuit is assembled from a number of pieces. The following table outlines the most common pieces that make up a drysuit, and how they protect different parts of the body from exposure to cold water.
Drysuit Piece
Description
Inner Shell
The inner shell of a drysuit is generally made of neoprene rubber, thermal fabric, or a similar synthetic material, in order to protect and insulate the body of the wearer. The inner shell is in close contact with the body of the wearer.
Outer Membrane
The membrane is the external piece of a drysuit. It is a thin outer layer of nylon or thin rubber that is designed to be less form fitting, so as to accommodate the movements of the wearer in the water.
Seals
Seals are found at the necks, wrists, and ankles of a drysuit, and are made of tightly compressed rubber rings that prevent water seeping into the suit.
Accessories
Most dry suits are worn with common accessories including, but not limited to: gloves, boots, hoods, helmets, and air valves. Divers should consider which accessories are best for them and the water they intend to dive in.
It is best to consult with professional divers and retailers to be sure that a drysuit is appropriate. Not all pieces are necessary, but many are, in order to guard against exposure to colder water.