Smoothskin - how durable or how fragile is it?

[hongrace]

I am about to order a wetsuit from Eliossub. They have the typical nylon lined neoprene and also the smoothskin/open cell neoprene for me to choose from. They said the smoothskin/open cell (one side smooth, one side open cell) is faster in drying. I like it because I like the vintage look and the faster drying time in multiple dives. But they also said the smoothskin is easy to break. I just want to ask how fragile this smoothskin is when used in scuba. I have seen guys from vintage forums using them for scuba. Is this a bad idea?

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Elios makes very good production and custom suits. Without a nylon exterior covering the suit is very susceptible to uv damage and will be cracked in a few years of hard use in the sun. What thickness suit are you buying?

For scuba i would not buy a thin suit, because they are too delicate, I would want a 5 or 7 or 9? mm suit for scuba...

If I were to buy one of their suits for scuba, you might consider purchasing slip on elastic knee pads... I got some for like $7 at harbor freight that worked well..

 

[hongrace]

Elios makes very good production and custom suits. Without a nylon exterior covering the suit is very susceptible to uv damage and will be cracked in a few years of hard use in the sun. What thickness suit are you buying?

For scuba i would not buy a thin suit, because they are too delicate, I would want a 5 or 7 or 9? mm suit for scuba...

If I were to buy one of their suits for scuba, you might consider purchasing slip on elastic knee pads... I got some for like $7 at harbor freight that worked well..

Thanks dumpster. I am looking at getting the 6mm suit (long john + jacket) for winter use. Another plus of using smoothskin/open cell neoprene is that the open cell inside will restrict movement of water more than the nylon lined neoprene so it will be warmer. Other than UV damage, will it withstand the normal scratches from corals, stones, equipment, belts and harness etc?

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Smooth rubber exterior will not like coral and rocks.

Are you going to get the suit nylon lined or have no nylon at all?

I used to have a 9 mm suit with no nylon 30 years ago. It was comfortable , flexible and warm and not too fragile.

 

[hongrace]

Smooth rubber exterior will not like coral and rocks.

Are you going to get the suit nylon lined or have no nylon at all?

This is what I have trouble in making the choice. I like the look of smoothskin and the fact that it will be warmer. But if it won't stand up for a few dives, I have to choose nylon lined.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

You seem to be all over the place. If you get nylon inside and smooth rubber outside the suit will be strong, reasonably warm in the water and very warm on the boat because it will dry quickly. The smooth rubber exterior will be susceptible to UV damage and abrasion and may last 100 days of diving would be my guess.


If you get a smooth rubber exterior suit, definitely buy some wetsuit glue as well, it is easy and necessary to fix little cuts and abrasions before they expand.

If you get a suit with NO, nylon either inside or outside (if they make that), the suit will be warmer, more easy to tear (because the nylon does strengthen it) and be super comfortable and flexible.

Also, you need to realize that if you get a suit without a nylon internal liner, then you will need to use soap, bably shampoo or hair conditioner each time you put the suit on to provide lubrication.

If you are getting a 6 mm suit and the water is above 55 degress, and you want a smooth ruber outside, i would get the nylon on the inside. Also, for scuba, a medium density rubber like heiwa (spelling?) has held up very well to multiple compressions when scuba diving for me).

 

[underwaterfrank]

I used to have a custom made smoothskin suit and used it for 5 years on approximately 140 dives and if you use knee pads as suggested you can avoid most damages. Just make sure you specify high quality neoprene such as Yamamoto, and make sure it is not the low density stuff they use for triathlon suits, because that is fragile and compresses too much when you go deep. Elio should be a good choice. The company who made the suit for me also made me 2 sets of neoprene knee pads. Sadly they are out of business now as he retired, but just search the web for custom smoothskin wetsuits and there will be someone who can do it.
Make sure your BC, weight belt etc.. has no rough edges and you should be fine. Keep the suit in a cool dark place as soon as it's dry, as sunlight is its worst enemy.
there is a good reason why professional freedivers, triathlon swimmers, spearfishers, etc.. use these stuff because it's more comfortable, easy to rinse, quick drying and feels noticeable warmer when you are getting out of the water on a windy day, because there is no water on the outside to give you the extra chill factor.
Some poeple will have a go at you because you may look "vintage" but those are probably the people who haven't tried this type of suit.

 

[underwaterfrank]

Oh, and as dumpsterdiver stated, avoid smoothskin on the inside, it may be a bit warmer but there is so much friction when you put it on that it will pull the hairs off your legs. having to use loads of talcum powder or shampoo to slide-in isn't really a convenient thing.
if you can get it, just ask for smoothskin both side for wrist and ankle portions though, that will stop most of the water seeping-in and then you just need to rub a little powder or shampoo so you don't tear them. Works really well and achieves 90% of the result anyway compared to all smoothskin on inside.

 

[underwaterfrank]

And finally one more suggestion.
instead of 6mm long john and 6mm jacket, try 5mm long john and 7mm jacket.
Makes the suit less floaty in the legs, more flexible for leg movement and same total thickness on the upper body where most of the warmth is needed.
Also, if you ever want to dive warmer waters, then you can just take the jacket and you'll have a nice 7mm to keep you warm. Easier to pack in your travel bag and just use jeans to protect from coral. Simple and crude but works great. Not latest diving fashion though!