Extra zippers in custom made wetsuit?

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

SlyStrat

Contributor
Messages
111
Reaction score
68
Location
Ohio
# of dives
200 - 499
I suffered last summer with two wetsuits that were too tight in my shoulders, arms, and chest. My new Aqualung 7mm ripped at the throat. The shop let me exchange it for a Scubapro that fit better. The ankle, throat, and wrist zippers made it go on and off easier. And between dives I unzipped the throat and wrist zippers to be more comfortable. I'm guessing I won't need the extra zippers in a custom fit wetsuit. Whats your opinion or suggestions?
 
My preference is no zippers. All my wetsuits are custom two-piece with a cut similar to a freediving suit. Freediving suits have attached hoods and Scuba suits have neck dams. Example of freediving suit cuts:

 
I suffered last summer with two wetsuits that were too tight in my shoulders, arms, and chest. My new Aqualung 7mm ripped at the throat. The shop let me exchange it for a Scubapro that fit better. The ankle, throat, and wrist zippers made it go on and off easier. And between dives I unzipped the throat and wrist zippers to be more comfortable. I'm guessing I won't need the extra zippers in a custom fit wetsuit. Whats your opinion or suggestions?
Easy to put on/off = water to get in/out.
Custom fit? As long as you can maintain your own shape.
Size of ready made wet suit varies a lot between manufacturers.
My own solution is multi-layers. We all have different ideas.
 
I should have mentioned another design feature of custom suits that might help. I have used custom two-piece no-zip suits since the 1970s. This will seem counterintuitive but "skin-in" (no-Nylon) interior is easier to don and doff and warmer because it is more stretchy/less stiff and conforms better to the your body as it moves. The trick is using a suit lube, like highly dilute liquid soap in a spray bottle. The suit slides on like you were coated in grease.
 
 
I'd advise against getting the long zippers as they're unnecessary and reduce the insulation protection of the neoprene.
 

Back
Top Bottom