The Wet Suit Story Craig Rutherford Do you carry wet suits? At this time of year, that's one of the most frequent opening lines we hear. Most people expect a simple answer. But finding the right wet suit takes a bit of detective work . Suits basically come in two types: thick suits (6.5+mm of neoprene) for cold water diving and thinner suits (1.5 - 4mm) for above water activities. The thinner suits come in various styles ranging from sleeveless shorties to john/jacket combinations. Identifying which suit is the right one is a balancing act between purpose, quality and price. Your goal should be to find the best possible suit to meet all your needs, without spending more money than you have to. There are four areas you need to consider: 1. DETECTIVE WORK What are you going to use the suit for? Where? What's the water temperature? How much time do you spend in the water? Cold water diving? That's easy. Water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, warm water diving ... That's where the detective work comes in. It's particularly challenging when the suit's going to be used for a multitude of purposes. 2. QUALITY How important is quality in a suit you're only going to wear for one weekend a summer? Only you can answer that question. But quality generally means peace of mind and more pleasure. With a wet suit, there are three factors to consider: seams, quality of neoprene and warranty. Seams With thinner neoprene suits you'll generally find four types of stitches: Overlock This is the simplest stitch and most economical. The two neoprene edges held together and sewn on the inside of the suit. The result is a raised - or lumpy - seam which can unravel if even one stitch is broken. (Remember those old bags of potatos that you opened by pulling the thread at the top?) An added factor is that any stress on the seam is absorbed at the point of stitching, rather than being disbursed along the whole seam. Flatlock Flatlock stitching is a step up the stitch ladder'. The two edges are sewn flat, eliminating the raised seam and providing a stronger, more comfortable seam. Taped and mauser This is one of the strongest seams available for thinner wet suits. Here the two edges are mauser stitched, then a tape is stretched the entire length of the seam on the outside of the suit and the tape is sewn several times. The end result is a very strong,flat, comfortable seam which spreads the stress out. Double taped and mauser One step up is a double-taped and mausered seam! Here a second tape is heat-sealed on the inside of the suit over the mauser stitching, making the suit as dry as a wet suit can be. Quality of neoprene Neoprene is neoprene - right? Nope. There are white and black neoprenes and neoprenes that have larger air cells. White vs black neoprene Simply put, black neoprene is stronger than white. Like light colours? Then white neoprene is what you'll get. That's because when a lightly-coloured top coat (lycra, polyester or nylon) is laminated over black neoprene, the blackness shows through. You can always tell whether a suit is white or black neoprene by stretching the suit over your fingers. Large cell vs small cell neoprene Cell size usually come into play in thicker wet suits. It determines how warm or comfortable a suit will be. Small-celled neoprene offers more warmth, strength and better lamination, with slightly less stretch. But it's more expensive. Larger-celled neoprene has weaker cell walls and will crush or rupture more easily. It also produces a less stable bonding surface for lamination, but does allow more stretch and softness. And it's cheaper. Warranty Warranty is important; not because you think there will be a problem, but to protect yourself if there is. There are two factors to consider here as well: Actual warranty The actual time a suit and its seams are under warranty should be explained at the time of purchase. Problem solving How long will it take to solve a warranty problem, should one arise, is also important. Why? How long do you want to be without your suit while it's being fixed? In most cases, the suit must be sent back to the manufacturer to be repaired. If the manufacturer is a long distance away, then it'll take awhile for your suit to get back to you. If the manufacturer is right here in Ontario, then the time frame is reduced dramatically. 3. FIT Fit is essential to ensure the wet suit provides the insulation you're paying for. Neoprene insulates by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. This water warms to your body temperature, which is what insulates you. If the suit is too big, then two things happen: there's too much water inside the suit to warm sufficiently, and cold water from outside the suit is continually flowing inside the suit. If the suit is too small, it'll be uncomfortable and you'll find it hard to breathe. In addition, there won't be enough water inside the suit to form the insulating barrier necessary. Either way - the suit wont give you the warmth youre looking for. 4. PRICE Price is the final factor in the which wet suits right for you decision-making process. Wouldnt it be nice if we all had oodles of money? Then you could have the best suit money could buy for each application. But in the real world, price is a factor, and only you can do the cost-benefit analysis to determine which suit, at which quality and price, will be right for you. Editors note: Craig Rutherford is the current past president of the OWSA and an executive board member of Water Ski Canada. He owns a water sports store in Toronto called Waterline Sports, which specializes in recreational skiing and boarding, tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and toys.