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How Do Drysuits differ from Wetsuits?

June 21st, 2009
by Paul Garnett

These protective garments may be common to you but when do we usually use a wetsuit and when are drysuits worn?

Wetsuits

Wetsuit manufacturers usually design wetsuits according to its use. Scuba diving wetsuits may be slightly different from a wetsuit made for triathlon or surfing, or it may differ in the materials and flexibility but they all have the same purpose – they maintain body warmth when you are in the water.

Wetsuits preserve the heat of your body when you are exposed to cold temperatures and cold waters. They work by allowing a small amount of water through the openings of the suit. This layer of water will serve then as the body’s shield from the cold temperature outside the wetsuit.

Neoprene, the main material used in the making of wetsuits, is synthetic rubber that is waterproofed, but wetsuits will not keep you dry as it allows water to get into the suit to make it work in preserving your body heat.

A wetsuit is made up of a very flexible material, thus it is also very flexible. It is also designed to fit snugly on the body. It is important that a wetsuit fits you well as this will be a main factor in its effectiveness in preserving your body heat.

Drysuits

A drysuit is also protective garment that is worn to protect the body from the cold or from suffering hypothermia, especially when you are submerged in water, as body heat tends to lose faster in water than when you are in land. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are baggy and loose. As the name suggests, drysuits keep you dry even if you are submerged in water. This is how it works in keeping you warm.

Drysuits are baggy and loose to allow you to move freely since the suit is not made from flexible materials. You can also wear warm clothes underneath a drysuit to add more warmth to your body.

Drysuits and wetsuits have the same purpose, and that is protecting you from the cold by preserving your body heat. However, they also differ largely on their flexibility and their fit. With these differences, you may be able to know which of the two best fit to your needs.

Water sports require great flexibility, which a drysuit cannot give. Especially that a drysuit is loose fitting and baggy, it would be cumbersome to put on a drysuit when surfing or engaging into triathlon. For sure, it will not give you the speed required for the sport. Drysuits may however be helpful when snorkeling or scuba diving especially when a wetsuit is not giving you enough warmth, or if you plan to stay underwater for long or if temperature is lower than 60 degrees.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Wetsuits Brands for Wakeboarding

June 14th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Even if summer is over, you don’t have to worry about not enjoying a stunt or two on your favorite wakeboard. Getting the best wakeboarding wetsuit will definitely save your day and let you enjoy the sport even when temperatures start to drop.

But what are the best wakeboarding brands in the market, and what is the best among all these brands?

To allow you to move freely in your wakeboarding stunts, one thing that you should be looking for a good wakeboarding wetsuit is its flexibility. For the protection you need against the cold weather, you should also check if the suit would efficiently work to protect your body heat. With this, it is advisable to check the suit’s seams and zippers.

When choosing a wetsuit for any water sport, it is important to choose from the brands that specializes wetsuits for the particular sport. This will at least assure you that they have focused their innovation and technologies in making the best wetsuit best for the sport.

Jet Pilot wetsuits, for example, is a line of wetsuits intended for wakeboarding. They have varied wetsuits that may be constructed from 60% superstretch to pure super stretch Neoprene, which gives maximum flexibility for wakeboarding enthusiasts. They also have taped seams that are secured 100%, and zippers with Neoprene barrier to ensure that the suit will work properly in protecting you from the cold. They also have the very flexible 100% super stretch Jet Pilot wetsuit that also uses water repellant Neoprene. Jet Pilot wetsuits also come in many forms and since they are specifically focusing on making wakeboarding wetsuits, they also cater to the wetsuit needs of women who love wakeboarding.

Quicksilver is also another brand that is popular and bestselling when it comes to wakeboarding wetsuits. Their latest wetsuit model named Synchro features the Spanflex panels that give their Quicksilver wetsuits superior flexibility, especially in the arms and shoulder portion. Their wetsuits also boast of being so flexible that it can be put on easily.

Rip Curl wetsuits are also making technological advancements in wakeboarding wetsuits. They boast of having the one of the most flexible and the lightest wetsuits in the market. Their latest line of wetsuits also features the SlickSkin technology that reduces wind chills. They also introduced the ‘batwing system’ in wetsuits that also reduces water flushes especially in parts of the body that needs more warmth.

So, knowing all these popular wakeboarding wetsuit brands, you can check them and see for yourself which of them suits your preference.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Wetsuits Brands for Surfing

June 13th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Surfing, like any other water sport, is fun and exciting and there’s nothing that can stop surfing enthusiasts in enjoying the sport even the cold weather and the wind chills. That of course, starts from the choice of the best surfing wetsuit, and the challenge is finding the best brand in the market.

Billabong wetsuits may be popular among pros in surfing. That is because the brand makes one of the most durable wetsuits in the market today. It is also among the warmest, lightest, most flexible wetsuits available. They have even made innovations on their products and launched an economically friendly wetsuit that is made on limestone-based neoprene.

Rip Curl is another wetsuit brand that is also a leader in innovations when it comes to wetsuits. They have the Elastomax material used in their wetsuits that is considered one of the warmest and lightest materials for wetsuit manufacturing. They introduced the batwing system that protects the surfers from cold flushes. They also have SlickSkin technology that lessens wind chills.

Roxy wetsuits are just right for the fashionable, stylish women who love surfing. In quality, Roxy wetsuits are also very flexible as they use freemax and hyperstretch neoprene. They also have flexible kneepads that are just right for surfing enthusiasts.

Hurley is also a good brand when it comes to wetsuits and surfing wetsuits in particular. They have wetsuits up to 100% superstretch neoprene that allows for maximum flexibility. You can also have a choice of front-zip Hurley wetsuits so you can easily put the garment on.

Body Glove wetsuits are also high-quality surfing wetsuits that are also among the favorites of surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The inventors of the first practical wetsuits also founded Body Glove. The latest line of surfing wetsuits by Body Glove also features high performance in terms of keeping you warm for hours.

These brands are indeed popular in the market because they are one of the reliable and best brands around.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Wetsuits Brands for Triathlon

June 11th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Like any other sport, engaging into triathlon also entails good techniques in the game. Endurance and speed are important factors of the competition thus, it is important to find good equipment and gear for the sport that will enhance your endurance or your speed.

Picking the best brand of triathlon wetsuit could contribute, in a way, to your speed and performance in the sport. When it comes to triathlon, the best brands that design and manufacture wetsuit suited for the sport includes Xterra, Ironman (now called Blue Seventy) and Body Glove wetsuits.

Ironman, now called Blue Seventy wetsuits, is one of the popular lines of triathlon wetsuit in the market. Blue Seventy’s Helix model was also hailed as 2009’s Best Triathlon Wetsuit of the Year.

Blue Seventy’s Helix wetsuit features separated panels of neoprene on the arms that allow greater movement without pulling against the rest of the neoprene panels of the suit. This technological advancement in Blue Seventy’s Helix wetsuit is called the torsional stretch technology (TST). The Helix wetsuit also has reverse zippers, quick exit legs, which is just ideal for triathlon, and multi-stretch cuffs. This wetsuit is indeed made to achieve good triathlon performance.

Another big brand in the market when it comes to triathlon wetsuits is Xterra. They take pride in their latest line of triathlon wetsuits and their high-quality Japanese neoprene material that allows maximum flexibility for the user. Vendetta, their new model of triathlon wetsuit, also features individually cut panels to allow greater flexibility for the triathlon athlete. Their latest line of triathlon wetsuit also claims to be the fastest in the market as it contains more buoyancy panels and air pockets for increased buoyancy, thus increasing speed during open water swimming.

The best triathlon wetsuits indeed are those that are products of extensive research and careful studies about the demands of the triathlon athlete when it comes to the perfect wetsuit for the winning performance.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shopping for Discounted Wetsuits

June 4th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Even if summer is over, you do not need to worry about not enjoying a surfing adventure with friends. And even if it means not being on your comfortable board shorts, surfing or wakeboarding can still be fun, and of course, it starts with choosing your wetsuit.

If you are looking for the best time to find discounted wetsuits, you may want to visit your wetsuit shops when people are not looking for wetsuits – that could be the time that shops are giving big discounts to get a sale.

Take the opportunity to get that brand of wetsuit you wanted while others are shopping for bikinis or board shorts, you may not be able to use it right then but a little wait would certainly pay off if you get the best price for your favorite Billabong wetsuit or that Hurley wetsuit you’ve been wanting to get.

Manufacturers are often faced with the challenge of bringing out something new in the market, and because competitors are often on the lookout, this sometimes push others to innovate and introduce new products in the market from time to time.

In times when a new wetsuit model is introduced in the market, there may be greater chances that the old models are sold at slashed prices. These times are also good times to shop for wetsuits especially if you are waiting for that particular model to be sold at a discounted price.

However, you should also check on the quality of the wetsuit. Make sure you won’t be too engrossed on discounted prices and forget about the quality of the product when shopping for your wetsuit.

One important thing to remember also is the fit because this will determine how effective the wetsuit will work for you. Getting a discounted price in a wetsuit that will not work effectively for you could be a waste of money.

Wetsuits are often crafted to suit the needs of a particular sport. When shopping for your wetsuit, you should not just think about marked down prices and discounts but also make sure you are getting the wetsuit that would fit your sport.

If you will be using your wetsuit for triathlon, get a brand that specializes on triathlon wetsuits. If you want to have a wetsuit you can use for general water sports, you can also pick something that is suitable for general use.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , , , , ,

Checking the Quality and Material of your Wetsuit

May 28th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Just like scrutinizing the quality of your tux for an evening party or checking out the fabric of that red long gown for women, your gears and your wetsuit also need checking to ensure it is the right gear you need for your sport.

Especially if you are looking for a triathlon wetsuit or scuba diving wetsuit which requires some special features, you should check the quality and the materials that make up your wetsuit so you will know what fits you.

Among the most important considerations that you need to keep in mind when getting a wetsuit for your sport is flexibility, warmth and comfort. The price as well as the style could also be a factor, considering wetsuits are quite expensive. Below are some of the basics when it comes to wetsuit quality.

Wetsuits are made of neoprene. Although this material is generally flexible, the flexibility of wetsuits varies from the type of neoprene being used and this may vary from brand to brand and from models to models.

The most flexible of all neoprene types is the super stretch neoprene. When it comes to super stretch neoprene, the flexibility of your wetsuit is determined by the percentage of super stretch neoprene it has. A wetsuit could have 30% to a 100% super stretch neoprene.

Of course, the more super stretch material your wetsuit has, the higher is its price, so wetsuits are made in different combinations of materials to suit any budget, flexibility requirement and skill level of the user.

You may want to get yourself a little less expensive wetsuit but are also good for your chosen sport, you can settle with wetsuits having 30% or even 10% super stretch neoprene. The super stretch panels are usually placed on portions of the body that require more flexibility like the arms, shoulders and knees.

For more experienced users, a 60% super stretch or a 100% super stretch wetsuit can be ideal although the choice largely depends on your budget.

Wetsuit manufacturers have even incorporated other materials to add more flexibility and comfort to wetsuits. It is not uncommon to see wetsuits having lycra, spandex or Merino wool in them for added comfort and flexibility.

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Sean Galusha Sports , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wetsuits and their Role in Water Sports

May 28th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Wetsuits are one of the essentials of water sports. Especially during cold seasons, the enjoyment of the game relies mostly on how you are protected from the cold and how you are comfortable as well on your sports gear.

Wetsuits are close-fitting garments that may come in different styles and designs. It may cover the entire body except the head, or it may expose the arms or the legs and can be in the form of a vest. A wetsuit may be a long john, a shorty or a vest – you can actually choose from the many designs based also on what you need.

Wetsuits may come in different styles and some may even have added features but wetsuits are primarily worn for protection from the cold. Some wetsuits may also have more advanced features to add more comfort or more flexibility.

When a human body is exposed to the cold, especially when submerged to cold waters for so long, hypothermia may set in. It is a condition where the body temperature suddenly drops to a level where main body functions are affected. Because exposure to the cold waters drains body heat faster than when you are exposed to cold air, the risk of hypothermia is greater in water.

This is where wetsuits play an important role in water sports. Without wetsuits, surfing or wakeboarding would not be possible during the cold months. Even in temperate waters, staying longer in the water could drain your body heat, thus wearing wetsuits is also necessary especially when you do snorkeling or scuba diving.

Wetsuits are truly important innovations when it comes to water sports. It has also become a very important gear in competitions like swimming and triathlon. Without wetsuits, enjoying water sports could not be possible throughout the year, or it could not be possible in places of cold temperatures.

Even in competitions, this piece of garment has also been seen to give other benefits like giving more buoyancy to the wearer, thus making one move faster in water. The making of the wetsuit has indeed made us enjoy life more by giving us protection while having fun.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Best Wetsuits for Surfing

April 16th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Wetsuits may come in different style and variety of feature depending on what they are used for. Surfing wetsuits for example are designed to be flexible enough while protecting the wearer from loss of body heat.

Different wetsuit brands are available in the market, and for surfing wetsuits, the leading wetsuit brands include Billabong, Body Glove, Rip Curl and Hurley wetsuits. Roxy wetsuits are also made exclusively for women. Because of the detailed needs of surfers in their wetsuits, some brands even have innovations on their designs such as the batwing system included in Rip Curl wetsuits which said to add more warmth to certain parts of the body.

The best surfing wetsuit usually depends on the how it is made to make your surfing enjoyable and comfortable. In choosing the best wetsuit for surfing, it should be a suit designed with greater flexibility and comfort. Below are leading brands that make the best surfing wetsuits.

Rip Curl Wetsuits. These wetsuits are famous for their flexibility and warmth. Rip curl wetsuits uses Elastomax, one of the lightest, most flexible Neoprene and the SlickSkin technologies that repel and dry water quickly and reduce wind chill. Rip curl wetsuits also feature their batwing system, detachable feature, liquid seams, and padded knees for added flexibility.

Hurley Wetsuits. These wetsuits are made for surfing but can also be worn for other water sports and activities. Hurley wetsuits use superstretch neoprene, the seams are welded and 100% sealed. They also feature a zipper barrier made of Neoprene and a flexible kneepad.

Roxy wetsuits are wetsuits specifically designed for women. Aside from giving warmth to the body while doing your favorite water sport, Roxy wetsuits are also designed with style and flexibility. They made use of Hyperstretch and freemax Neoprene that are very flexible. These suits also have welded kneepads fit for surfing enthusiasts.

Billabong also makes wetsuits fit for surfing, and they are famous for making high-quality wetsuits. The GBS construction of their suits also made them different from other brands. This makes their wetsuits durable and the most flexible wetsuit in the market. Billabong also boasts of having the warmest yet the lightest wetsuit for surfing and other water sports.

Body Glove makes wetsuits for all kinds of water sports including surfing. They are also one of the leading makers not only of wetsuits but also of other water sport garments like board shorts, tees and women’s swimwear. They feature their Thermofibers that add warmth to the body, the wetsuit’s anatomic fit, its flatlock stitching and their superflex kneepads.

If you are looking for the best of the best, go ahead! Take your pick. You can never go wrong with these high-quality wetsuits.

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Sean Galusha Sports , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How do Wetsuits Differ from Drysuits?

April 14th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Wetsuits and drysuits are important garments in waters sports and for those working in cold and icy waters.

Wetsuits are made of Neoprene that maintains body heat of the wearer when submerged or near cold waters. This piece of garment works letting a small amount of water into the suit from the openings on the neck, arms and legs. This layer of water is responsible then in preserving body heat.

A drysuit is also an important garment for those who love water sports or those who work in and near cold waters, but drysuits keep you dry and thus you can wear some warm clothes under it. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are totally sealed in the neck and the openings on the arms and legs so that no water will enter the suit. To sum up, here are the differences between a wetsuit and a drysuit.

Materials

Drysuits are made of nylon or a combination of nylon and rubber or foam neoprene. Wetsuits on the other hand are made of a very flexible rubber, Neoprene.

How these garments work

Wetsuits work by letting a small amount of water into the openings. This water will be warmed by the body and will act as an insulator against cold.

Drysuits are waterproofed and wind-proofed and designed to make the wearer dry from the neck, the body, the arms and the legs. Body heat in this case is sealed inside the suit. The wearer can also put on additional clothing underneath a drysuit to add more warmth to the body.

When to Use

Temperature is a factor when to use drysuits and wetsuits. Drysuits are worn when water temperature reaches 60F or 15C and below. It can also be worn even if water temperature is above 60F if the wearer intends to stay in the water for a longer duration and if wetsuits are not comfortable enough.

Wetsuits are worn in temperatures higher than 60 but you can also choose to wear a combination of drysuits and wetsuits in these temperatures.

Cost

Drysuits cost generally higher than wetsuits because they are more durable. They also provide more warmth for prolonged stay in the water than wetsuits.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , , , ,

Are Wetsuits Designed to Make You Dry?

April 12th, 2009
by Paul Garnett

Wetsuits are used to protect the body from the cold and from freezing waters but they are not waterproofed.

The wetsuit is made from a waterproofed material called Neoprene but the entire suit is designed to let water in, except that the zippers and seams are secured so that water will not get through its tiny openings.

Wetsuits are designed to make the wearer warm and protect him from losing body heat when submerged in the water. They are not designed to make the wearer dry, thus they are not made waterproofed.

Wetsuits have openings on the legs, arms and neck to allow a small amount of water to get through. Except from these openings, the rest of the suit are kept tight and waterproofed to avoid more water coming inside the suit.

These water that gets through the suit’s opening should be maintained so that it will eventually match the temperature of the body. Water from the outside should not be allowed to enter and replace this water in the suit so that it will keep and maintain the wearer’s body heat.

The seams and the zipper of the wetsuit are made almost waterproofed to ensure that no water can seep through the garment aside from the water coming from the openings on the neck, the ankles and the arms. In this way, the trapped layer of water will not be replaced by cold water that will enter the seams or through the zippers if these are not sealed tightly. If this happens, the wetsuit may not work effectively.

Wetsuits called semi-dry are those that are almost waterproofed but still aren’t. These are usually worn in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees.

In semi-dry wetsuits, the water that enters the suit from the openings on the neck, ankles and the arms are limited and slowed down by rubber seals in the openings. Water may enter into the suit but are limited. This enables the wetsuit to maintain body heat longer and make you stay in a cold water longer.

Semi-dry wetsuits do not also make you dry, also because they are not waterproofed.

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Paul Garnett Sports , , , , , , , ,