3mm wetsuit vs Sharkskin T2

[PamelaH]

I dive two piece Sharkskin T2 in water down to 25ºC (based on logs) because I also want full coverage (so, also have a hood) and I'm a big fan. Highlights:

1. neutrally buoyant
2. can be used as undergarment if diving dry (I haven't tried it yet, I'd use it for warmer waters than what I have around here probably; I think maybe in the 20ºs?)
3. less to worry about with folding/packing and how that affects performance (I usually compress it in packing cubes)
4. I find it's less of an overheating problem on the surface, especially easy opening up the front zip on the top
5. I also bring a Sharkskin hooded vest (not T2 but older Chillproof) for low-movement dives, like a blackwater or Manta dive in Hawai'i, to supplement warmth… only got chilly once after an hour night dive at the end of a week of diving

Mid/lowlights:

1. some people find the fit "tight"; it's stretchy, and I think more comfortable than wetsuits above water, but this is a complaint I hear often enough. I'm using my regular sizing, which worked better for the two pieces.
2. drying speed is… fine

 

[PamelaH]

Do you ever have issues with the top riding up from the bottom or anything that creates a gap where water can get in?

 

[xan]

Do you ever have issues with the top riding up from the bottom or anything that creates a gap where water can get in?

I think you meant to direct this to me? I don't have that issue and never have, given my setup: my T2 top goes over the T2 pants, and my tech shorts are over the top, creating a nice sandwich of the various layers. The crotch strap from my BPW also helps keep things together.

Even without the tech shorts (or even the BPW/crotch strap), I think it would be fine. It might depend I guess on body shapes and how one might move in the water, so I can't promise you 100% it won't happen, but I've never had even the slightest feeling my midriff would get exposed.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Deleted

 

[thomschoon]

I just did several dives in 69 degree water with a two piece T2 suit. It was warmer than my 3mm wetsuit, only issue I found was I should have gotten a size smaller lower. I was shore diving and when getting out of the water the pants seemed to drain slowly and I had sags filled with water. Solved the problem by putting boots under the pants. I also used a pair of hockey style suspenders to keep everything where it belonged, had zero issues with the top riding up.

Overall I love the Sharkskin, the front zipper is easy to use, it is easy to put on and take off. Turn it inside out and it drys quickly. It is also a lot easier to pack! I am selling my wetsuit!

 

[PamelaH]

I just did several dives in 69 degree water with a two piece T2 suit. It was warmer than my 3mm wetsuit, only issue I found was I should have gotten a size smaller lower. I was shore diving and when getting out of the water the pants seemed to drain slowly and I had sags filled with water. Solved the problem by putting boots under the pants. I also used a pair of hockey style suspenders to keep everything where it belonged, had zero issues with the top riding up.

Overall I love the Sharkskin, the front zipper is easy to use, it is easy to put on and take off. Turn it inside out and it drys quickly. It is also a lot easier to pack! I am selling my wetsuit!

Awesome. I have my new T2 suit and I'm anxious to try it out in Socorro in about a month!

 

[Altamira]

Call me a skeptic, but I find it hard to believe that a Sharkskin suit would be as warm as my 3mm Bare Reactive. But, I will try to keep an open mind, so if anyone owns both, I would love a report.

 

[PamelaH]

Call me a skeptic, but I find it hard to believe that a Sharkskin suit would be as warm as my 3mm Bare Reactive. But, I will try to keep an open mind, so if anyone owns both, I would love a report.

I dove Socorro last January in a Henderson iDry 3mm so that will be my comparison point. I will let you know when I get back from there on Feb 28