3mm wetsuit vs Sharkskin T2

[thomschoon]

FWIW SharkSkin customer support got back to me and confirmed their gear can be tailored with no extra/special consideration for the material or otherwise.

I'm mainly concerned about bagging/sagging while in the water. From all I've read the primary culprit is too loose a fit, i.e. if it's not uncomfortably tight when dry it's probably not tight enough. My T2 pants are definitely uncomfortably restrictive so I think I'm all set there, but my abdomen area is quite relaxed, bordering on loose. One potential solution is to wear tek shorts which would cover, compress, and help seal the gap. Obviously this is all theory-craft and I might be optimizing prematurely but much as possible I like to address potential issues before they manifest (during a dive).,

I'll also look into the suspenders, especially as it has real world confirmation on viability.

Go into a pool and try them out before modifying as even when too large they are comfy while diving. I ordered too large of pants as they were loose when dry, went to a smaller size and it made a big difference on how much they sagged when climbing out of the water. I have found that if I stand on the boat ladder for a few seconds the retained water runs right out. On a beach dive I go slow so when I get out I am not carrying extra water weight. Overall suspenders help but the minor inconvenience while getting out of water is made up for in comfort and warmth. I also wear them over the top of my boots to help them drain and will probably cut off the stirrups to make it easier.

 

[WillieJustice]

Whatever works. With tall dive boots water can get trapped in the T2's legs when climbing a ladder. Putting the pants over the dive boots gives water somewhere to when exiting the water. That and suspenders help avoid the plumber's look the public does not want to see when I exit the water.

That makes sense.

 

[ABLAB]

About to buy a sharkskin chillproof top (Not T2) for a liveaboard. Have read once wet they're very difficult to take off or put back on. Wandering if anyone can opine in this. Thanks.

 

[passeparici]

They are a bit difficult to take off but not VERY difficult. It also depends how tight they fit you...

 

[noprowiththebow]

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

You may've just sold me one.

 

[xak]

I am in South Africa, with no local agents, so I have to get the sizing right. My measurements are: Height: 185cm, Weight: 87kg, Chest: 104cm, Waist 91cm. Except for Height, I am sort of borderline M/L. Sharkskin recommends M. My wife is: Height: 168cm, Weight: 74kg, Bust: 90cm, Waist: 82cm. Except for Bust, she is middle to top in size 12 (AU). Sharkskin recommneds 10. Anybody out there with body shapes in line with these and experience with sizing. Maybe better to order larger and then tailor them down in South Africa?

 

[PamelaH]

About to buy a sharkskin chillproof top (Not T2) for a liveaboard. Have read once wet they're very difficult to take off or put back on. Wandering if anyone can opine in this. Thanks.

I have no trouble at all but mine is a 2 piece. It's super easty to get on and off