Sharkskin undergarment

[ScubaSteve_619]

I currently have an Aqualung Fusion Bullet drysuit. Am considering getting a sharkskin undergarment. What do you think the temp range would be for that? Local waters are 54-60 degrees, do you guys think that will provide enough warmth?

 

[stuartv]

I would not use Sharkskin under a drysuit. It doesn't breathe well enough. If you only want the equivalent warmth that Sharkskin would give, I think you would be better off and spend less money to get a Merino wool baselayer. Leggings and a shirt.

 

[ScubaSteve_619]

I was able to get my hands on one to try out. It did keep me warm in 57 degree water. I only had a spandex like shorts under it. I didn't think about the not breathing part, thats gonna be a problem in the summer time. Do those merino wool base layers really have that much warmth alone?

 

[stuartv]

Depends on what weight (i.e. how thick) you get. They are quite warm for their thickness.

 

[Trailboss123]

I also have a Fusion Bullet and I have experimented with various base layers in various water temps. I don't have the Sharkskin, but I do have the Pinnacle V-Skin Merino Wool wetsuit, which is supposed to be pretty equivalent to the Sharksin. I use it in warm water diving as my neutrally buoyant 2.5-3mm wetsuit in temps from 79 to above. I have also used it as a drysuit undergarment in California Channel Islands diving quite comfortably in water temps down to 65 degrees. I love how it allows me to reduce about 8-10 lbs of lead and increases flexibility and movement. For me personally, once the water temp gets below 65 degrees, the Pinnacle goes away and I am back in my Thermal Fusion undergarment in order to enjoy long and comfortable dives. Hope that helps. I can't imagine using it as my only undergarment in the 54-60 temp range. Dives would be short lived.