Gold Core, Titanium Lined, Platinum Core...

[apnea]

Does the features that such wetsuit manufacturers such as Henderson, Rip Curl, Tilos, etc. really work. I recall an article debunking the usefulness of such processes but I really want to hear from the divers.

Thanks.

Btw. This is my first post, so be kind.

 

[theskull]

They do not provide any measurable insulation value. However, they DO make it much easier to don and doff the suit, and it will dry out a lot quicker between dives. If you plan to dive regularly, they are well worth the extra price.

In my experience the Henderson Gold Core is slickest and dries fastest, and the Henderson Titanium Hyper-stretch is the most comfortable form-fitting. I like my ScubaPro Silver-lined also.

Hope this helps you,
theskull

 

[CALI68]

Henderson also makes a wetsuit called the Semi Dry. That suit combines both Gold Core AND Titanium Hyperstretch. The majority of the suit is Gold Core but the shoulders are Hyperstretch providing a very comfortable and warm suit.

One note: Don't be fooled by the word "DRY" in Semi Dry. I own one and I dive in it alot but not it's not Dry not even Semi. It's nothing more than a 7mm with an attached hood however the Gold core throughout makes for minimum flushing ...it's definately a premium wetsuit but having said that I should also mention that I recently bought a Dry suit.

 

[miked]

Hi apnea,
The answer depends on which claim you are talking about.
IMO: the "titanium (metal) helps with warmth" is bunk.
The "gold core" ( I have one of these) refers to the color of the slick lining, rather than to the metal.
The lining helps improve the fit and seal,and as such, the warmth-to an extent. If I remember, some other brands of suits have a slick lining,and these supposedly work as well as the "gold core".

 

[apnea]

Yeah.. I was beginning to think that the function of those slick linings were meant to facilitate quick drying and donning on/off of the wetsuit. Probably also helps reduce the smell of pissing in the wetsuit as it makes it easier to flush.

Anyway.. next question is...

How about using surfing wetsuits for diving? No problems?? No difference??

 

[SangP]

Yeah.. I was beginning to think that the function of those slick linings were meant to facilitate quick drying and donning on/off of the wetsuit. Probably also helps reduce the smell of pissing in the wetsuit as it makes it easier to flush.

Anyway.. next question is...

How about using surfing wetsuits for diving? No problems?? No difference??

The slick lining is meant to form a better seal against the body, reducing the movementen of water so it makes it warmer. However, I have heard from many shops that such lining is being discontinued because the lining tends to stick when laid against itself during storage.

It seems more manufacturers are going plain nylon lining while the better ones have a plush lining for better heat retention and makes it easier to put on and remove.

Surfing suits are meant more for flexibility then durability so warmth can be an issue at deeper depths.