Posts Tagged ‘surfing’
Wetsuit Quality and Material
Getting yourself a sports equipment or gear always needs scrutinizing especially if the equipment or gear plays a major role in your performance. In the case of water sports and in particular, getting yourself a wetsuit, your choice may depend largely on what you are looking for in your suit. You may just want to have that top of the line wetsuit, or you can check for the quality and material that you prefer without having to pay too much for it.
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.
Some of the important things to check when getting a new wetsuit are flexibility of the suit, the comfort it gives and the warmth it provides. Of course, the cost and style would also be considerations after you have examined the more important aspects of the suit. Here are some basic information on wetsuit quality and materials.
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 neoprene is called the super stretch neoprene. It is also easier to determine the quality and flexibility of your wetsuit when it comes to super stretch neoprene as it is determined by the percentage used in the wetsuit. A wetsuit could have 30%, 60% or 100 % super stretch neoprene on it.
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.
If you are still starting out with your water sport, you may want to settle for some wetsuits that are less expensive and start with a 10% or 30% super stretch wetsuit. The more flexible parts of these suits usually are the portions on the shoulders, the arms and on the back of the knee.
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.