Wetsuit Facts: Quality and Material
Just like scrutinizing the quality of your tux for an evening party or checking out the fabric of that red long gown for women, your gears and your wetsuit also need checking to ensure it is the right gear you need for your sport.
Especially if you will be using the wetsuit for races like triathlon or swimming, or if you are looking for a surfing wetsuit that you think will enhance your comfort and enjoyment of the sport, of course you would be particular in the quality of the suit.
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 mainly made of a flexible rubber called neoprene, and the material is still classified further in terms of how flexible it is. The different models and brands of wetsuits use these different classes of neoprene, which explains the differences in their qualities and comfort.
The most flexible material for a wetsuit is the super stretch neoprene which often determines the flexibility of your wetsuit. A wetsuit with 30% super stretch neoprene means that 70% of the wetsuit is made up of standard neoprene and it is not quite as flexible as wetsuits having 100% super stretch neoprene.
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.
Some wetsuit models also incorporate other materials on their wetsuits to add to its comfort and warmth. Some other materials may include lycra, spandex and wool.
