Is metalite a gimmick?

[Lriemann]

Hi folks.

I went in a dive shop looking for a 3mm shorty to wear OVER either my 3mm or 1mm Full suits.
I dive in warmish water but I can get cold easy these days.
All the 3 or 2mm shorties really pressed on my neck when I put them over the suit.
The seller then suggested a Mares 2nd skin with something called metalite that's supposed to help with warmth and insulation.
I tried it both under and above the suit and quite liked it, apart from the annoying hood - I hate hoods.
The seller also said it should be worn directly on skin for maximum effect.
But the price was much steeper than I expected coming in - 150 Euros, which twice as much as some shorties.
And I also found out that it's only 1.5mm, which would explain why it was easier on my neck.
This makes me rethink the purchase as it's half the thickness for twice the price.

Does anyone have experience with metalite? Is it warmer or just a gimmick?
I will either buy this or keep searching or just layer my 3mm over my 1mm, as time consuming as that is.

Any input welcome!

 

[davehicks]

Probably. Look into a LavaCore vest. Likely less expensive and they come in many different styles. Hooded, no hood, etc. They also don't impact buoyancy like a neoprene vest might.

 

[Lriemann]

Probably. Look into a LavaCore vest. Likely less expensive and they come in many different styles. Hooded, no hood, etc. They also don't impact buoyancy like a neoprene vest might.

Thank you.
I will see if I can find some.
Lavacore and sharkskin are about the same, right?

 

[davehicks]

Thank you.
I will see if I can find some.
Lavacore and sharkskin are about the same, right?

Yes, i think so.

 

[tursiops]

Hi folks.

I went in a dive shop looking for a 3mm shorty to wear OVER either my 3mm or 1mm Full suits.
I dive in warmish water but I can get cold easy these days.
All the 3 or 2mm shorties really pressed on my neck when I put them over the suit.
The seller then suggested a Mares 2nd skin with something called metalite that's supposed to help with warmth and insulation.
I tried it both under and above the suit and quite liked it, apart from the annoying hood - I hate hoods.
The seller also said it should be worn directly on skin for maximum effect.
But the price was much steeper than I expected coming in - 150 Euros, which twice as much as some shorties.
And I also found out that it's only 1.5mm, which would explain why it was easier on my neck.
This makes me rethink the purchase as it's half the thickness for twice the price.

Does anyone have experience with metalite? Is it warmer or just a gimmick?
I will either buy this or keep searching or just layer my 3mm over my 1mm, as time consuming as that is.

Any input welcome!

There are three kinds of ways for heat to be transferred: conduction, convection, and radiation. The point of some insulation (like neoprene or fleece) is to minimize conduction. The point of tight-fitting so water doesn't flow over your skin is to minimize convection. There is very little heat loss from radiation, but the point of the Metalite is to minimize that....so yes, it does something, but it is insignificant.