How to choose a wetsuit for spearfishing?

General information about protective functions and types of wetsuits

To begin with, wetsuits are used by many athletes and hunters for a number of reasons. First of all, they are able to protect a person from possible damage under water and play the role of heat insulators. Largely thanks to their use, the “fishing” season is automatically extended, because in a high-quality wetsuit you can hunt underwater for a long time until it gets significantly colder.

Perhaps the very first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a particular wetsuit model is its level of waterproofness. For this reason, diving suits, depending on their specific purpose, can be of several types.

Don't know how to choose a wetsuit for swimming and diving? Opt for the so-called wet suits. They received this name due to the fact that water seeps inside through “weak” places (for example, in the neck, cuff and zipper), then after a short time it takes on the temperature of the human body. At the same time, very weak heat transfer is observed, so a person is comfortable for a long time even in cool water. It is recommended to use wet suits at a water temperature of +5ºС.

Semi-dry workwear is protective equipment that differs from wet suits in its slightly improved degree of sealing and thermal insulation properties. These models feature double-sided cuffs on the open parts (sleeves), as well as waterproof zippers.

It’s easy to guess that water does not seep through dry suits at all, so the inside of the product remains dry, and the person is always warm. They are used if you are going to scuba dive at temperatures below +5ºС. Moreover, the operation of such protective clothing involves pumping air into the suit through special hoses. In general, dry suits should be used if you already have experience in diving and underwater diving. When considering options for choosing a wetsuit for wakeboarding and other surface extreme sports, you can immediately rule out a dry suit. In addition, it cannot be used for spearfishing.

Basic selection criteria and types of wetsuits

Different conditions and water temperatures mean there are many different types of wetsuits and other equipment on the market. We present the main types of wetsuits and describe the optimal circumstances for their use.

Dry suits

Nylon fabric is used to make dry wetsuits. Typically, such equipment consists of overalls or hermetically sealed trousers and a jacket. Also, “water” clothing includes boots and glued-on gloves.

The wetsuit is equipped with a fitting that allows you to create a connection with a scuba regulator. An integral part of such a suit are several etching valves.

It isolates the human body from water. To use this “outfit”, you need to purchase special underwear worn under the bottom of your clothes, hydro socks.

The main disadvantages of this type of equipment are their high cost and bulkiness. However, some successfully use such “outfits” for fishing in shallow waters.

Semi-dry wetsuits

The material used to make semi-dry wetsuits is neoprene or microporous rubber. The sealing (obturation) of the suit prevents liquid from penetrating under the hunter’s clothing. There is a zipper on the chest and back.

The correct choice of such equipment is determined by the penetration of water under it. If the obturats sit as expected, then almost no water gets under the equipment.

A semi-dry wetsuit has a rigid zipper, as well as double-sided rubber, which restricts the hunter's movements, so the hunter has to exert more effort, which makes him tire faster.

Wetsuits

This is the most popular type of equipment. It is called “wet” because water gets directly under the suit. After which, when heated by the body, the water acts as a heat insulator. Neoprene material is used to maintain the desired water temperature level. In this case, the thickness of the material matters. For immersion at different temperatures, different thicknesses are required.

The following models can be distinguished:

• Wetsuit or monosuit;
• “Outfits” with short, knee- and elbow-length sleeves and shorts;
• The wetsuit includes trousers and a jacket with a helmet.

Design features of wetsuits

Depending on the purpose, diving suits have different design features.
One-piece wetsuits are designed to protect the entire human body. They are completely fitted, have long sleeves and legs, and some of them can be equipped with neoprene hoods. If you don’t know how to choose a wetsuit for wakeboarding or for shallow dives in warm water, pay attention to short versions of such clothing. They differ from one-piece models in that they do not have a helmet, their trouser legs are always shortened above the knees, and the sleeves can be either long or cut off at the elbow.

A separate suit consists of overalls and a jacket with a zipper, and combined models can include all sorts of variations of this type of workwear. Special attention should be paid to the zipper, since it is through it that the largest amount of water gets into the suit. Therefore, when choosing a wetsuit, the zipper and its design should be inspected with special care.

Be sure to check the quality of the seams, especially if you are purchasing a wetsuit for cold water. How to choose workwear so that water does not seep through the seams? It’s very simple: to do this, you need to give preference to those suits whose seams are completely taped and reinforced inside and out, which makes the product completely airtight.

What types of open water wetsuits are there?

All wetsuits for open water swimming are made from neoprene and essentially consist of inserts of this material of different thicknesses (more thickness in certain places - better buoyancy). The main classification of wetsuits is based on the extent to which they cover our body - from head to toe or just the torso and part of the legs.

Closed Triathlon Wetsuit (Long Sleeve)

Wetsuit HUUB Archimedes 4:4

• Closed-type wetsuits have sleeves that reach the wrists and also completely cover the legs up to the ankles. It is perfect for low water temperatures in the pond (from +12 degrees). In this category, it is worth noting a number of models from the ZONE3 or HUUB brand. For example, the British brand HUUB offers such a modern development as wetsuits from the Archimedes series (cost: 46,490 rubles). This racing wetsuit for serious competition gives the body a perfectly streamlined shape, the structure of the material allows for better heat retention and does not allow moisture to pass through. It includes several elastic inserts located so that the athlete can expend strength as efficiently as possible and develop the required speed.
• More budget friendly suits for women and men are ZONE3 Advance (price: RUB 18,590). This is a great option for those just starting out in triathlon. For more advanced swimmers, we recommend more modernized models - for example, Aqua Sphere Racer 2.0 or HUUB Varman.

• By the way, at low water temperatures, for greater comfort, you can also use special neoprene socks and gloves, which will serve as additional protection from the cold. The same applies to neoprene hats - similar to a wetsuit, they will help you keep warm and not freeze.
• On our website you can find not only adults, but also children's wetsuits for open water!

Open water wetsuit (sleeveless)

A type of closed wetsuit is a sleeveless suit. The legs are also covered up to the ankles, but there are no sleeves. In this series, we can note the ZONE3 Vision Sleevless wetsuit (price - 22,310 rubles). Proswim experts recommend: if you are in doubt which wetsuit is better to choose, with or without sleeves, pay attention to the following nuances: a wetsuit with long sleeves is more versatile, buoyant and warm, it gives additional gliding through the water; a sleeveless wetsuit is easier and faster to remove, which is important for preservation speed in the transit zone, a sleeveless wetsuit may suit you if you have a wide upper body (shoulders, arms), and closed ones cause discomfort; a sleeveless wetsuit will provide comfort in warm water, with long sleeves - in cold water

Short wetsuit for warm water swimming

A little about the material from which special clothing for spearfishing is made

Continuing to consider the question of how to choose the right wetsuit for spearfishing, you should study the material from which it is made. Basically, neoprene is used for this purpose, which has a porous structure and a smooth surface. In addition, it is rubber, which is considered an excellent insulator, which allows you to use a spearfishing wetsuit even in very cold water. How to choose a neoprene wetsuit of the right thickness? This is quite simple, you just need to decide on the climatic conditions in which the protective clothing is supposed to be used, and use the table below.

Material thickness

A high-comfort suit is a suit that can retain heat as much as possible. Swimming clothing, the thickness of which corresponds to the water temperature in a specific zone, can protect against hypothermia and reduce heat transfer. Naturally, the thicker the material of the garment, the better it retains heat. Naturally, a thicker suit costs more. Divers for whom the price category is important should choose swimming clothing based on the temperature parameters of the area where the dive is planned:

• for areas where the water temperature is above 28 degrees, you can limit the material thickness to 2 mm or not use a suit at all;
• 3 mm thick material is intended for water with a temperature of 21–28 degrees;
• thickness 5–6 mm - for water a sufficiently high temperature of 18–21 degrees;
• For water temperature parameters of 12–18 degrees, material with a thickness of 6–7 mm is suitable;
• thickness 7–9 mm is designed for water 4–12 degrees;
• For swimming in cold water, the temperature of which does not exceed 4 degrees, you should use only a dry suit.

Choosing a wetsuit of the right size

Having decided on the thickness of the material, you can begin to select a wetsuit for spearfishing. How to choose the size of workwear so that it fits a person perfectly? First of all, you need to know your own height, the exact volume of the chest, abdominal circumference, girth in the pelvis, as well as biceps and hips. The table of standard sizes will tell you how to choose the right wetsuit.

It is recommended to use shampoo for fitting, since putting on rubber clothes “dry” will be very problematic. Moreover, this should be done very carefully so as not to tear the material of the product. When wearing a wetsuit, it should be comfortable, and it must fit snugly to the body. Try bending in a suit and see how many and what size folds appear on the stomach and in the fold areas.

Remember that every fold on the suit is a potential reservoir for water, so the fewer there are, the better the fit of the wetsuit will be. Otherwise, this may lead to the person simply freezing while under water. Suits for scuba diving are also called open-pore or sticky suits, since they stick tightly to a person’s skin, while almost completely eliminating the circulation of air inside. This will be useful to know for anyone who is interested in how to choose a diving suit.

Wetsuit size chart

How to decide on the size of a wetsuit? The size chart for each manufacturer may vary. In order to determine the size, below is reference information from wetsuit manufacturers. In order to find out your wetsuit size, you need to measure the parameters indicated in the table on a naked body. If for any parameter you do not fall within the specified range, then you need to try on a wetsuit.

Size chart for men's and women's Beuchat wetsuits.

Men's wetsuits and expansion joints

(*) – these wetsuits for spearfishing are produced only in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL

Women's wetsuits and expansion joints

Children's wetsuits and expansion joints

Helmets, gloves and boots

Size chart for men's and women's Scorpena wetsuits.

Size chart for hunting wetsuits

Size chart for socks and low shoes

Diving wetsuit sizes

Men's diving suit sizes

Women's diving suit sizes

Sizes of children's and teenagers' diving suits

Spetton wetsuit sizes

Dimensions of AquaLung wetsuits

Men's wetsuits wet and semi-dry

Women's wetsuits wet and semi-dry

Wet and semi-dry wetsuits for children and teenagers

Men's dry suits Aqualang Intruder

Men's dry suits Aqualang Sakhaline

Men's dry suits Aqualang Northland

Men's dry suits Aqualang Tri-Light

Men's and women's dry suits Aqualang Blizzard

Men's and women's dry suits Aqualang Blizzard Pro

Mares wetsuit size chart

Men's diving wetsuits

What should be included in a hunting wetsuit?

There is no need for professionals to explain all the intricacies of choosing models of special clothing for spearfishing. But if a novice diver is interested in the question of how to choose a wetsuit for hunting, then he needs to know several subtleties that are unique to this product.

So, even if the salesperson in the store assures you that this is the “same” wetsuit for hunting, do not rush to try it on. First, look carefully at the chest area in the front part: there must be a non-slip hard pad here, which is intended for reloading a crossbow or shotguns with a rubber striker.

The folds are considered the most vulnerable and rubbing parts of the suit, so they must be equipped with special linings made of a variety of materials that are difficult to wash. These can be polymer, rubber, supratex or Kevlar elements.

About additional functionality

When buying a wetsuit for spearfishing (we already know how to choose the right product), do not forget to purchase protective equipment such as knee pads, since, as practice shows, the knee area is one of the most vulnerable.

It may seem that having a large number of pockets can be useful for storing a variety of items in them. However, you should purchase models with the smallest number of various compartments and external tanks. Do not forget that any hard object in your pocket is potentially dangerous, since at any moment it can tear the material of the suit, thereby breaking its tightness.

I would like to note this nuance when choosing, which is related to the location of the lightning. You need to know that if it is located on the back side of the suit, it retains heat better, since the collar of the product in this case is located higher. It would be a good idea to ensure that the zipper is hidden under the rubber, since in this case leakage is minimized. Zippers on the legs and sleeves, which make it easier to put the suit on the body, should also be hidden.

How to protect your palms and feet

It is known that fins are used for spearfishing to help move through the water. To avoid rubbing your feet, damaging them and freezing, it is recommended to wear special socks, as well as light and very durable boots. Socks can be up to 3mm thick, while rubber boots can be about 5mm thick. At the same time, they are equipped with a durable and thick sole, which protects the feet from punctures and injuries.

When deciding which wetsuit to choose for spearfishing, do not forget to protect your own hands. For these purposes, various mittens and thick gloves are provided that protect your hands from frostbite. This is especially true in late autumn or winter. For very cold water, 7mm thick gloves are available. They perfectly keep your hands warm under water, but you should remember that the thicker the product, the more difficult it is for your hands to perform various movements. In general, gloves with a thickness of up to 5 mm are very popular.

Scuba diving - choosing a wetsuit

Note that the effectiveness of the suit depends on how much water forms this protective layer. If there is a lot of water, it will not have time to heat up properly to prevent the body from hypothermia. There will be no benefit if there is constant circulation of water (it also does not have time to heat up). That is why it is important to choose a product that will fit perfectly on your body and will not let water through.

Choosing the right wetsuit size

If you want to know how to choose the right wetsuit size, then study the table below:

As you already understand, to choose the optimal suit you need to know your physiological parameters. If you do not have the opportunity to measure your height or other indicators yourself, then you can ask the staff of a store that sells wetsuits to do this - as a rule, good retail outlets have all the possibilities for this.

It is recommended to try on such workwear using shampoo, since a rubber product is inconvenient to put on a dry body. During fitting, you must be careful not to damage the material. When you put on a suit that fits tightly to your body, you should not experience any discomfort.

Bend over with your suit on and see how many folds appear and what size they are. The fewer folds there are, the better, since they are potential reservoirs where water can get in. If you choose the size of a wetsuit for spearfishing wisely, there will be practically no folds when folded (or they will be small).

Thickness. The first most important decision you need to make is the thickness of your wetsuit. This is one of the main factors that determines how warm you will be underwater. There is no fixed rule for the relationship between water temperature and wetsuit thickness. Different people start to freeze at different temperatures. When in doubt, lean toward thicker. You can always unzip and let some water in to cool down, but if the suit is too thin, you may feel cold and uncomfortable.

Divers used to talk about 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch suits, but in the 90s we switched to the metric system: 3 mm is the equivalent of 1/8 inch, 6 mm is 1/4 inch equivalent.

Design: The physical design of the vest also affects thermal comfort. A full 3mm suit provides better protection than shorts. Most of them are one-piece suits. It is important to decide where the zipper will be located: front or back. Suits with a zipper at the back have a higher collar, which adds warmth. However, if you find the stand-up collar tight, choose a suit with a front zip and a fairly low neckline.

Some divers prefer 6mm one-piece suits, but a two-piece suit with a front zip and a matching jacket is more common. A hood may be attached to the overalls. The advantage is that cold water will not “run” down your back. Disadvantage - You cannot unfasten the hood, but only remove it from your head.

Cut. Excellent design and expensive materials will be useless if the suit does not fit properly. Remember: denser means warmer:

• Armpits: small gaps.
• Crotch: tight fit.
• Neck: tight, but not too tight.
• Lumbar: There will be a slight gap due to the curvature of the spine.
• Wrists and ankles: should fit snugly, as these are the main areas for water penetration.
• Chest Zipper: If you have to hold the zipper on both sides to close it, you may need to go up a size (or down a size if it zips too easily).
• Wetsuits can often be tailored to suit your body shape. A ready-made suit with minor modifications may be cheaper and fit better than a bespoke suit.

Temperature and thickness

The way the parts of the suit are connected affects the lifespan and price of the suit.

Glue and tape. Two pieces of neoprene are glued together at the edges, and a special adhesive tape is placed on top of the seam. When heated they stick together. This is very economical (and comfortable if the seam touches the skin), but not entirely durable.

Zigzag seam. Used in areas of least tension, such as the neck or colored inserts. Often hoods are stitched on the outside with a zigzag, and on the inside using glue and tape.

Seam Mauser. Quite a wide seam that is not glued. It provides 100% strength. Very economical and very strong seam. But if the threads suddenly come apart, the material will not be further held back by glue.

Blind seam. The most durable of all. The material is first glued and then stitched. A blind seam only sews halfway. Then the reverse side is stitched in the same way, the stitches are connected and form a strong but flexible seam.

Neoprene type. The cost and service life of the suit depend on the quality of this waterproof material.

Gas or chemically foamed. This refers to the type of neoprene production. Gas foam material is stronger and lasts longer, but it is quite expensive. Chemically foamed is cheaper, softer, but it will shrink and wear out faster. Leather. It's a smooth neoprene that fits fairly snug, but is difficult to get on and off. Some suits have a silicone coating that allows the material to slide for more comfortable use. “Dolphin skin” is a good choice for the inner edge of the hood, the armpits of overalls, and the wrists of a jacket. Titanium. This material definitely adds value to the suit. Titanium, which reflects heat, is woven into the threads or coats the outside of the suit. It does its job better - it prevents heat from leaving your body. Knee pads. Such elements must be present. Regardless of the type of water you're diving in, you may have to climb a ladder in your boat, crawl onto the beach, or wade through rocks. It is much cheaper to wear a suit with knee pads than to treat leg injuries.

Zips at ankles and wrists. These parts help you take the suit off and on, but they do leak water. Most zippers are covered with rubber to reduce water penetration.

Key pocket. This element should be on the inside, preferably with a zipper or Velcro. If the pocket does not have a clasp, then the keys will not be completely secure and may slide down the wetsuit or even get lost.

Foot protection. Thanks to fins, divers can swim at high speed, which is essential when spearfishing. In order to avoid rubbing your feet and preventing them from getting hypothermic, special socks (about 3 mm thick) and thin boots (about 5 mm thick) are used. Such elements also protect the feet from possible punctures and other damage.

Hand protection. In order to protect your hands from frostbite, gloves or mittens are used. Such products are simply necessary during the cold season. However, it must be remembered that very thick gloves make movement difficult, although they protect from the cold. Products with a thickness of up to 5 mm are most widespread.

The cost of a suit can range from tens of dollars for a thin short to hundreds of dollars for a thick titanium with all the straps and whistles. Discuss with other divers what they like and don't like about their wetsuits. Take the advice of the store salesperson. If you can choose the right wetsuit, it will be a great investment as it will allow you to enjoy diving to its full potential for many years to come.

Source: /www.open-dive.ru/

Wetsuit for spearfishing from Beuchat

Equipe Mundial ─ high quality wetsuit for spearfishing. How to choose additional equipment for it? The suit contains in its design everything necessary for diving under water. The inner surface of this model is made of an open-pore type, and it itself belongs to a separate type of protective clothing. The set consists of long overalls and a jacket. It has no zipper and is equipped with a neoprene helmet.

The suit fits tightly to the body, and restriction of movements on land and under water is minimized, since the model has a ready-made shape, taking into account all anatomical features and folds. The jacket is made of neoprene, the thickness of which is 7 mm, and the overalls are 5 mm thick. This wetsuit will be available to almost every spearfishing connoisseur, since its cost is 14 thousand rubles.

Looking for an ultra-stretchy and super soft wetsuit? Which company should I choose such a product at an affordable price? Pay attention to the Marlin Prestige model from Beuchat. Its manufacture is based on the use of elaskin material, which is a very soft neoprene, which ensures virtually unrestricted movements of the hunter under water. All suits have anti-friction linings. The cost of this product is 18 thousand rubles.

Sporasub and OMER wetsuits

When considering the question of how to choose a wetsuit for swimming and spearfishing, it is necessary to highlight the products of the world-famous brands OMER and Sporasub.

A wetsuit for spearfishing (we already know how to choose the right one) Baltik is a special development by Italian specialists from the Sporasub company for a person’s comfortable stay in the cold waters of reservoirs. The outer covering has a nylon layer and camouflage coloring, which makes the hunter invisible against the background of the bottom of the reservoir and under water. The thickness of the neoprene is 7 mm, and the jacket has an elastic helmet with a special valve that can release excess air. The suit is a separate set of clothes consisting of pants and a jacket, and its cost is 14.5 thousand rubles.

A similar camouflage model of the Camu wetsuit can be purchased from the Italian company OMER. This lightweight version of workwear for spearfishing, intended for use in warm waters (3 mm thick) costs 13 thousand rubles. The camouflage coating of these products makes hunters virtually invisible, which is especially valuable when waiting for prey for a long time.

How to properly use and store a wetsuit

We have already said that the wetsuit should fit snugly, but there should not be too much pressure or looseness. A properly selected product will provide you with comfort and the ability to enjoy scuba diving and hunting for many years.

It is necessary to pay special attention to the use of suits in the salty waters of seas and lakes. The fact is that when the water dries, layers of salt remain on the surface of the workwear, which can very quickly corrode neoprene. Therefore, after the suit has been used, it must be thoroughly rinsed with fresh or running water, which you can fill a canister with and take with you to the pond, which will always bring the workwear into proper condition. It is also recommended to ensure that the wetsuit does not dry out completely to avoid cracking and possible depressurization. Therefore, even during long-term storage, the wetsuit must be stored clean and damp.

As for drying the suit, it cannot be done in the open sun. Kinks of the product are also not allowed, as this can increase its volume and the elongated places will quickly fill with water. In addition, kinks can lead to rapid cracking of neoprene. Therefore, the wetsuit must be dried in the shade in a suspended state, which is guaranteed to extend its service life.