mattpatton
Registered
The backzipper won't be felt beneath your tank, but backzip suits flush A LOT more than chest-zip suits! Less water flushing in your suit makes for a warmer dive. Chestzip suits are far warmer than the backzip. It's just a lot harder for new cold water to flush inside.
That being said, there are plenty of chest-zip surf suits, and all of the Semi-Dry surfing wetsuits all have a chest-zip. We have fallen in love with the Isurus wetsuits, which use the Airprene Neoprene all the way from Neck to Knees for the most insulation possible. They are just as warm as any dive wetsuit we've ever worn.
3mm and 3/2mm surf wetsuits are designed primarily to keep you just a little warm, but maintain the most flexibility possible. If you decide to purchase a surfing wetsuit for diving, I would definitely recommend at least a 4/3. Don't waist your time with anything thinner.
That being said, there are plenty of chest-zip surf suits, and all of the Semi-Dry surfing wetsuits all have a chest-zip. We have fallen in love with the Isurus wetsuits, which use the Airprene Neoprene all the way from Neck to Knees for the most insulation possible. They are just as warm as any dive wetsuit we've ever worn.
3mm and 3/2mm surf wetsuits are designed primarily to keep you just a little warm, but maintain the most flexibility possible. If you decide to purchase a surfing wetsuit for diving, I would definitely recommend at least a 4/3. Don't waist your time with anything thinner.