Wetsuits Vs. Drysuits: Which one to Choose?
Scuba diving can be a barrel of fun, but only if you are properly geared up for it. And as for scuba diving apparels, you've only got two types of suits to choose from – the wetsuit and the drysuit. So which one of them should you choose? Here's a guide to help you out.
1. Wetsuits trap water in. Drysuits use waterproof materials.
Wetsuits work by trapping water between the suit and your skin. A wetsuit is composed of an insulating layer called neoprene. The water is trapped between neoprene and your skin is then warmed by your own body's natural heat. The main purpose of the layer of water is to keep your body warm throughout the dive.
Drysuits, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. It doesn't have any need for water. In fact, it keeps water away from your body as much as possible. The main task of drysuits is to make sure that your body doesn't get in contact with the water at all.
2. Drysuits require training to use. Wetsuits don't.
Using wetsuits is much easier to use than drysuits. When you compare these two side by side, you would see that wetsuits are more the wear and dive type of gear. Drysuits, on the other hand, need to be properly worn and used. Drysuits are equipped with valves to let the air in or to let it out either when submerged or above ground. All users of drysuits need to go through the Dry Suit Specialty Course offered by PADI or other certified groups.
3. Drysuits are best for cold weather. Wetsuits are perfect for warmer weather.
If the weather outside or if the water temperature is at ten degrees Celsius or below, drysuits are going to be your better choice. This is because drysuits have the ability to keep your body warm as they seal off both water and air from getting in contact with the body. Wetsuits, on the other hand, needs water to heat you up. So when it is really cold outside, it wouldn't help much – unless thicker layers of neophene are used. And that could impede your movement big time. Drysuits maybe good during the cold weathers - but if you use it at 20 degrees Celcius, you'll feel unpleasantly hot inside it.
4. Wetsuits may come in different styles. All drysuits generally looks the same.
Wetsuits may either be full-length or shorty. The shorty wetsuit is has short sleeves and runs a few inches above the knees. The full-length type covers the entire length of the arms and the legs, with only the hands and the feet showing. On the other hand, drysuits look like overalls. And they are not a smug fit like wetsuits are.
5. Wetsuits are relatively cheaper than drysuits.
When it comes to price, drysuits are more superior. High quality drysuits may cost as much as $1,000 a piece. A good pair of wetsuits would only run for $300. That's only a third of the amount you'll spend on a single drysuit gear for scuba diving.
Let these points guide you towards choosing the right scuba diving outfit for you. But it is still best to own both suits, as you can't accurately predict the temperature and condition of the water at all times.