Freediving wetsuits are a vital piece of substances to maintain you protected and heat underwater. They are available tons of kinds and thicknesses, so that you’ll be capable to discover one which matches your private preferences to a tee.
But the method of discovering the perfect wetsuit could be a little complicated and overwhelming, particularly in case you’ve by no means purchased one earlier than.
To make it easier to discover the proper freediving wetsuit, we’ve damaged down all of the several types of wetsuits, in addition to concerns to bear in mind earlier than buying one. We’ve additionally rounded up the ten finest freediving wetsuits to point out you the perfect choices on the market…
Keep studying to seek out your subsequent freediving wetsuit and the right way to take care of it!
Freediving Wetsuits: Comparison
Types of Freediving Wetsuits
On your hunt for the perfect freediving wetsuit, you’ll discover a wide range of sorts and constructions. Here’s a fast breakdown of a number of the commonest ones you’ll come throughout:
Single Lining: Open Cell & Smooth Skin Wetsuits
A wetsuit with a single lining is just about precisely what it seems like: there’s just one lining and it is going to be both on the within of the surface of the wetsuit.
Open Cell Wetsuits
When the liner is on the surface, it’s thought-about an open cell wetsuit and it’ll do wonders on the subject of protecting you heat underwater. This is as a result of there’s neoprene instantly towards your pores and skin with the liner on the surface, providing you with a safer match with much less water flowing by.
This is advantageous as a result of it not solely retains you heat, but additionally protects your wetsuit. The lining outdoors will create a easy buffer between your wetsuit and any tough objects you sweep towards in your dive.
The one draw back is that these wetsuits will be fairly troublesome to get into with out lubrication, nevertheless they nonetheless stay the desire amongst leisure freedivers.
Smooth Skin Wetsuits
When the liner is on the within of the wetsuit, you’ll hear this known as a {smooth} pores and skin wetsuit because the neoprene is on the surface, creating the impact of getting tremendous {smooth} pores and skin.
This creates a hydrodynamic design and permits freedivers to chop by the water with ease, which is why many athletes go for a wetsuit of this type.
It’s simpler to get on, but it surely’s additionally extra vulnerable to rips and tears as the graceful pores and skin is extra susceptible than the liner. It’s additionally extra prone to undergo from solar injury, however definitely helps within the efficiency division.
Double Lining
On the opposite hand, now we have double lined wetsuits which signifies that there’s lining on each the within and the surface.
This creates an extremely sturdy wetsuit because the neoprene is protected between the 2 layers of lining. It received’t stretch out the best way different wetsuits would possibly and it’s additionally fairly simple to get out and in of, making it a main selection for newbie freedivers.
That being stated, double lined wetsuits permit extra water to circulate by which can make you colder extra rapidly.
No Lining: Smooth Skin Open Cell
And every now and then, you’ll come throughout a wetsuit with no lining in any respect, merely constituted of neoprene and creating the graceful pores and skin impact each outdoors and towards your physique.
Wetsuits with none lining are extraordinarily fragile because it’s simply the neoprene which rips and tears simply. But {smooth} pores and skin open cell wetsuits are additionally essentially the most hydrodynamic kind and supply immense insulation. They’re actually arduous to get into, but when your freediving is efficiency targeted, slap on some child powder and get your self a wetsuit with no lining.
10 Best Freediving Wetsuits
Now that you understand the several types of freediving wetsuits on the market, listed below are the ten finest choices for you at present!
SpearPro Open Cell Freediving Neoprene Wetsuit
Thickness: 1.5, 3, 5 or 7mm
Features: Chestplate & strengthened knees and elbows | High density 4-way stretch materials | Aquastops on hood, ankles and wrists | Beaver tail closure
This is among the finest freediving wetsuits in the marketplace and is appropriate for all kinds of circumstances. It is available in a spread of sizes, protecting 1.5, 3, 5 and 7mm so you’ll find the thickness appropriate to your adventures, and has 4-way stretch neoprene so that you’ll have a full vary of movement underwater.
This open cell wetsuit was designed to maintain you heat, and that is additional enhanced with aquastops on the hood, ankles, and wrists to restrict water flushing.
The chest loading pad is a welcome addition, as are the strengthened knees and elbows, displaying that this wetsuit was designed for sturdiness.
Closing with a beaver tail and appropriate for big or small divers, the SpearPro Open Cell Wetsuit merely can’t be overwhelmed.
Omer Masterteam 3mm Open Cell Full Wetsuit
Thickness: 3mm
Features: Chestplate & strengthened knees and elbows | Open cell design | Sealed hood | Velcro closure
Another top quality open cell freediving wetsuit, the Omer Masterteam is constructed for efficiency. With nylon cloth outdoors and open cell neoprene inside, you’ll be heat and cozy, in addition to shielded from any scratches or abrasions.
This wetsuit was constructed to final with Dualtex reinforcements on the knees and elbows, in addition to a particular chestplate for sturdiness and luxury.
Though it’s solely 3mm, it may be worn in colder climate because of the specifically sealed hood.
It is a two-piece wetsuit however as an alternative of a typical snap closure, it makes use of Velcro as an alternative for added consolation. It’s fairly simple to get out and in of and is designed for males.
Mares 1.7mm Apnea Instinct Wetsuit Jacket & Pants
Thickness: 1.7mm
Features: Top & backside bought individually | Unparalleled elasticity & compression | Smooth pores and skin design w/ nylon lining | Beaver tail w/ quick-connect grommets
If you want the concept of a two-piece wetsuit, this prime and backside {smooth} pores and skin from Mares is among the finest freediving choices on the market.
Mares, like Cressi, is well-known and beloved for his or her top quality dive gear, so you may relaxation assured that you simply’ll get a top quality product particularly designed for freediving.
Both the wetsuit prime and backside are lined with nylon, with a {smooth} pores and skin outdoors that includes a top quality neoprene. The materials has been pre-formed to provide the finest match attainable, and elevated flexibility when it’s time to hit the water.
Since it’s so skinny, this wetsuit is simply appropriate for heat water use, however you’ll instantly really feel the hydrodynamic distinction it supplies as you’ll minimize by the water higher than in a heavier, double lined wetsuit. They’re good for competitors put on! And since there’s a hood, you received’t have to fret about water flushing by the neck.
The bottoms are excessive waisted and connect with the highest with a double-lined beaver tail and mounted with quick-connect grommets.
The one draw back about this choose is it’s extra fragile than different freediving wetsuits. This is partially because of the graceful pores and skin design, but additionally as a result of there are not any knee pads, chestplate or different heavy reinforcements.
Scubapro Element Freediving Suit
Thickness: 3mm
Features: Sharkskin textured neoprene | Smooth-skin face seal on hood | Two-piece design with beaver tail | Traps physique warmth nicely
Another very stable possibility for two-piece freediving wetsuits, the Scubapro Element truly seems like a second pores and skin and is nice for individuals who get chilly whereas diving.
If you might be a type of individuals, you’ll be blissful to know that the 2 piece construction was truly designed to maintain water seepage to a minimal by eliminating the zipper and changing it with a beaver tail. There’s additionally a smooth-skin face seal on the hood to stop water from creeping in by the neck. This freediving wetsuit was truly made to maintain the utmost quantity of physique warmth in, so it’s a prime choose in case you run chilly.
Other perks that include the Scubapro Element embody a particular form of textured neoprene known as Sharkskin that virtually eliminates drag within the water, and thicker neoprene on the torso to entice warmth in higher.
It’s fairly simple to get this wetsuit on and off and it’s tremendous stretchy as nicely, to maintain you snug whereas transferring.
SEAC Body-Fit
Thickness: 1.5mm
Features: Pre-angled arms & legs | Knee safety | Flat stitching | Outer and internal nylon lining
An glorious selection on the subject of a thinner wetsuit, the SEAC Body-Fit will do nice in heat, tropical waters. It additionally matches practically true to dimension which is a large plus within the wetsuit world!
It is available in a cool blue camo sample to mix in throughout your dive, and is constructed for sturdiness, regardless of the skinny building.
It options each internal and outer nylon linings to guard you and the wetsuit from any injury, and is completed with Smooth Skin wrist and ankle seals to maintain water out and physique warmth in.
Finished off with pre-angled legs and arms, together with knee safety and 2mm Melo tape to stop chest abrasions, you’ll be completely snug on this freediving wetsuit.
Scubapro Everfle
Thickness: 5/4mm
Features: Pre-formed design | Back zip closure | Glued / blindstitched seams
The Scubapro Everflex wetsuit is available in cuts for each women and men, and is an excellent contender in case you’re in search of one thing to put on whereas freediving.
It’s thick sufficient to maintain you heat in chilly waters, however skinny sufficient for rigorous exercise, with a 5/4mm design. You’ll be capable to put on this in waters which might be starting from 50 to 64° F or between 10 to 18°C.
Since the arms are thinner than the physique of the wetsuit, you’ll discover you’ve a wonderful vary of movement, permitting you to glide by the water with ease.
It ought to match like a second pores and skin with a again zip closure, and glued and stitched seams to maintain from water flushing.
Overall, you should not have any points with consolation on the subject of this pre-formed wetsuit, and with high quality both because the Everflex has knee pads, top quality {hardware}, and double blindstitching.
Cressi Camouflage Wetsuit for Spearfishing
Thickness: 2.5mm
Features: Double lined neoprene | Anatomical minimize | Pre-shaped legs | Neoprene lined neck sealing | Blue camo sample
It ought to come as no shock that Cressi makes the listing of finest freediving wetsuits as they really know what they’re doing on the planet of underwater gear.
This 2.5mm wetsuit was specifically designed for spearfishing, however doubles as a kickass freediving wetsuit as nicely. It is available in a modern blue camo design that will help you mix in underwater, and has a full again zip closure to seal you in.
You’ll be most snug in hotter waters carrying this wetsuit, and it’s designed to maintain water flushing to a minimal. It’s double lined, with high-stretch materials to make sure your vary of movement isn’t disrupted, and the pre-shaped legs assist enhance flexibility.
There are little perks that make this freediving wetsuit top-of-the-line, like a neoprene lined neck seal, Aquastop beneath the zip lining, and a pull tab for getting out and in of your wetsuit solo.
Like with most wetsuits, it’s vital to seek the advice of the scale chart earlier than ordering, however as soon as you discover your match, it is a wetsuit you may put on for a few years to come back.
Cressi Apnea Complete Wetsuit
Thickness: 3.5mm
Features: Black camo sample | Sealed cuffs & ankles | Full hood | Reinforced in areas with most friction | Knee pads & chestplate
For a step up from the earlier wetsuit, check out the Cressi Apnea, particularly designed for single breath dives. The low profile design is ideal for freediving, and options top quality supplies.
This freediving wetsuit has an additional stretchy design with a 3.5mm thickness, permitting you to dive in heat and cooler waters with it (although nothing too chilly).
It prevents water flushing with sealed off cuffs and ankles, and even has a hood with a good match to maintain water from seeping within the neck.
One of the best components of this wetsuit is it’s been strengthened within the areas the place you’ll expertise essentially the most friction so the fabric will keep intact irrespective of what number of wears it sees. This additionally significantly helps with flexibility and luxury.
The Cressi Apnea includes a new design with a chestplate and particular knee pads for an added dose of safety.
Available in a spread of sizes and coming in a nondescript black camo sample, this is among the finest freediving wetsuits in the marketplace at present.
Cressi Morea
Thickness: 3mm
Features: Anatomical minimize | Rubberized neoprene chest | Glued & sewn seams | Printed knee & pores and skin pads | Back zipper closure
If you’re in search of a extra versatile wetsuit that may deal with a wide range of circumstances, this 3mm swimsuit from Cressi ought to do the trick.
Slightly thicker than a barebones wetsuit, you may put on this in heat and cooler waters with out getting too chilly. Although, it’s not beneficial for chilly water use.
It’s designed to provide you most flexibility whereas underwater with an anatomical design, and defend you from the weather with printed knee and pores and skin pads and a rubberized neoprene chest. This additionally aids in sturdiness, together with glued and sewn seams.
It’s a bit simpler to get this wetsuit on than different ones because the neoprene is sandwiched between layers of lining, and it’s closed with a full again zip with a pull tab leash. It’s additionally a fantastic choose for scuba diving, so in case you’re in search of a flexible wetsuit, it is a prime choose!
Nataly Osmann 5mm 2-Piece
Thickness: 5mm
Features: 2-piece design w/ break up buckle | 3 camo patterns | UV safety coating | Hooded design | Knee pads & chestplate
Would you fairly have a two-piece wetsuit? If so, it is a prime contender with a pull-on design and 5mm of neoprene to maintain you good and heat.
This wetsuit will be worn in a spread of circumstances and will nonetheless maintain you toasty inside. It additionally has a particular coating for UV safety and can act as a protect towards jellyfish and different pesky sea creatures, too.
The prime of this wetsuit has a diving hood that pulls up over your head and covers your nostril to actually maintain water out. It additionally has a chestplate for added safety and sturdiness.
The bottoms, that are included with the bundle, have particular knee pads to cut back abrasions and a versatile match to provide the finest vary of movement attainable.
You don’t want to fret about water flushing by the opening between the highest and backside of this wetsuit because it has a break up buckle to carry each items in place and maintain water out. It’s additionally a lot simpler to get into than a standard wetsuit.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Freediving Gear For All Levels [2023 Edition]
Key Considerations for Buying a Wetsuit for Freediving
When it comes to purchasing a freediving wetsuit, there are a number of key concerns to bear in mind earlier than buying.
Thickness
The very first thing you’ll need to take into consideration when shopping for a wetsuit for freediving is the place you’re going to be utilizing it most.
If you’ll be freediving in predominantly chilly waters, it’s best to go for a thicker wetsuit that’s round 5mm to 7mm.
For extra variable temperatures, it’s your decision a wetsuit that’s round 3mm, and even one which’s 5/3mm the place it’s thicker round your physique however thinner on the arms.
But in case you’ll be freediving in heat or tropical waters, you’ll definitely be simply fantastic with a wetsuit that’s round 1 or 1.5mm thick, principally in order that it will possibly defend you from dangerous UV rays and any hazards within the water.
When shopping for a wetsuit for freediving, it’s vital to needless to say you received’t be within the water your entire time, because of frequent relaxation intervals. You’ll desire a wetsuit that can maintain you heat even while you’re outdoors recovering or gearing up to your dive.
Fit
The largest issue contributing to consolation is definitely the match of your freediving wetsuit. You’ll need to make sure you get a wetsuit that matches you want a glove, or second pores and skin, as a way to focus in your dive and never fiddling round together with your swimsuit.
An ideal match is vital as a result of in case your freediving wetsuit is just too tight, you’re going to really feel squeezed and cramped. But if it’s too free, it received’t do its job of protecting you heat whereas underwater.
The finest wetsuits ought to nonetheless present a comfortable match, however assist you to have a full vary of movement as nicely. If you need to take a look at out whether or not a wetsuit matches correctly or not, throw it on and begin to transfer round in it. Jump, spin, stretch your arms out, put them over your head, squat down, and actually get a way for the way the wetsuit feels in your physique.
It shouldn’t be too tight round your chest or throat as these will develop when you breathe, and nothing ought to really feel prefer it’s pinching you both.
If you’re feeling constricted or uncomfortable, you’ll in all probability need to go up a dimension.
Color
You won’t assume {that a} wetsuit’s coloration issues an excessive amount of, however while you’re underwater in one thing neon pink, you’re prone to seem like a predator to marine life.
If you’re utilizing your wetsuit for freediving or spearfishing, select a impartial or camouflage coloration that received’t stand out underwater, permitting you to strategy marine life (responsibly) and mix in together with your environment.
Closure
A wetsuit closure additionally looks like a reasonably foolish factor to bear in mind earlier than buying, however chances are you’ll discover it makes all of the distinction to your consolation and ease of use.
In common, you’ll discover one piece wetsuits which might be normally used for scuba diving, with a single lengthy zipper closure.
Some wetsuits have the zipper closure on the again, wherein case, you’ll desire a zipper pull to have the ability to get it up by yourself.
You’ll additionally discover one piece wetsuits with a entrance zipper, which is handy however can get in the best way typically.
However, many freedivers and spearfishers take pleasure in two piece wetsuits with excessive waisted bottoms and a prime, reducing out the zipper completely.
The kind of closure you spring for in the end boils down to non-public desire and what you’ll be essentially the most snug carrying.
Extra Features
The ultimate ingredient it’s best to maintain your eyes out for are any additional options in your freediving wetsuit, as a result of not all wetsuits are made equal!
Some wetsuits have hoods, that are extremely useful for colder dives, whereas different wetsuits function excessive collars, strengthened seams and even knee pads and chest plates!.
These options could appear humorous and insignificant, nevertheless, they’ll make all of the distinction in protecting you snug and your wetsuit in good situation for a few years to come back.
Caring For Your Freediving Wetsuit
Speaking of protecting your freediving wetsuit in good situation, listed below are some ideas for caring to your wetsuit as a way to use it for a very long time down the street:
Always rinse after use: Make certain to rinse your freediving wetsuit with contemporary water after each use, particularly in case you’ve been in salt water.
Dry out of the solar: After rinsing your wetsuit, dry it in a shaded place and keep away from direct daylight which has the potential to break your wetsuit.
Store with out folds: It’s finest to retailer your wetsuit in order that the neoprene doesn’t fold, and with out something on prime of it. This is to make sure that the neoprene doesn’t compress. Some individuals will grasp their wetsuits, however this will likely stretch out the fabric.
Invest in neoprene cement: It’s means simpler than chances are you’ll assume to place a bit of nick or minimize in a wetsuit. And in a short time, these little nicks can flip into full fledged tears. It’s vital to deal with them as quickly as they occur to keep away from having to toss your wetsuit. Carry some neoprene cement in your dive bag and use as wanted. And watch out for your fingernails!
Hopefully this text introduced you one step nearer to discovering the proper freediving wetsuit to your adventures. Happy diving!
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