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This article is from the Scuba Diving FAQ, by njs@scifi.maid.com (Nick Simicich) with numerous contributions by others.

08 I'm thinking about buying a [wetsuit/drysuit/diveskin/Darlexx skin].

What are the differences between them, and what are they good for?

Diveskins are typically made of Lycra or some other stretchy fabric.
The warmth supplied is minimal. Typically, they are used to prevent
stings from jellyfish, and to protect from accidental coral contact.
Sport divers tend to wear skins in water warmer than 80F degrees, or
under wetsuits, so that the wetsuit will slide on easier.

Next up in warmth is the Darlexx suit. This is a suit that is similar
to a diveskin, but which is made out of a fabric that slows water
flow. There have been reported problems with the Darlexx fabric
"delaminating" or coming apart. An alternative is made by Aeroskin,
and uses polypropylene and lycra. Depending on how warm blooded you
are, you might be able to wear Darlexx comfortably down to 72F. A
Darlexx suit is a wetsuit. It does not fit like a diveskin, and is not
really a substitute for a skin.

Wet suits are made of neoprene rubber. The suits serve two purposes:
They reduce water circulation over your skin, and the air impregnated
neoprene insulates you from the cold water. At the worst, a poorly
fitting wetsuit can ruin your dive by letting you get so cold that you
get hypothermic, or by being so tight that it cuts off your
circulation. If you are not well fitted by stock wet suits, you can
have one custom made. Custom made wetsuits are not that much more
expensive than stock ones, and fit much better. Wet suits come in
several thicknesses and styles. People wear different styles of wet
suits between 32F-85F. Most people find that temperatures below 45-50F
are not comfortable for longer than a few minutes in a wetsuit.

Dry suits are used by prople between 70F-28F. (For extended commercial
operations at near freezing temperatures, heated water is pumped
through a special suit or underwear set.) (Temperatures below 40
require special environmental protection for regulators, controlled
use of inflators, and (hopefully) redundant breathing systems.) You
should consider getting special training before you wear a drysuit.
Even fitting the drysuit is not quite as straightforward as fitting a
wetsuit. A drysuit is useful at a wide range of temperatures because
you can vary the amount of warmth by wearing different underwear with
the suit.

The following discussion of drysuits is by mdm@yeehah.merk.com:

 

Continue to:

• prev: 07 What can anyone tell me about diving in [Florida, Cozumel, Belize, Bonaire, Great Barrier Reef, etc.]?
• Index
• next: 09 What are the different types of drysuits available and what are thepros and cons of each type of suit?

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