Tech Shorts
- Thread starter LanceRiley
- Start date
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UTscuba
Contributor
or try a pair of mountain bike shorts, they're usually hard wearing and have pockets where you'd want them
D_Fresh
Contributor
This is something I was really considering doing as well. But after looking at the cost (in my region) for mtb shorts and the like, I ultimately decided to go with dive specific shorts. A major benefit of MTB shorts is that you could choose whatever color/style you want, to match your wetsuit, gear, or simply to be more visible in poor conditions. They also often have reflective material on them.
So ultimately, I ended up going with the Yonsub version of "Another brand name's" pocket shorts. I believe they are exactly the same product, made in the same factory, same everything, but at a significant discount compared to the brand name version. I just received the shorts today, will report back later when I get a chance to dive them. So far, the fit is perfect with and without wetsuit.
The material appears to be about 1mm neoprene (maybe slightly thicker, but less than 2mm). It has some stretch to it; on the leg opening, if you place your fingers about 1" apart and stretch the neoprene, you'll stretch out to about 2" wide max. For regular usage, I would suggest that the product has about 25% stretch? (so as not to fatigue the material over time)
For anyone considering these shorts, I'll fill in some sizing details:
First off, use a measuring tape to actually measure for the product. Do not try and size based on your regular clothing size(s). This was important advise shared with me by @lairdb and was spot on.
I am 5' 10", 170 lbs, with a 32-34 waist, semi-athletic build. Medium size fits me perfectly; not too tight without wetsuit, but nice and snug while still non-restrictive with 3mm wetsuit.
D_Fresh
Contributor
Yes, you're right. I initially did not link because the online merchants in my area are not the most reliable, but I found on Amazon. The only apparent difference I can find is the pull-tabs on the pocket "retainer" velcro. I will post pictures soon.
Amazon.com: YONSUB Diving Wetsuit Shorts Neoprene Men Submersible D Ring Short Pants Mens Rubber Printed Technical Surf Snorkeling Equipment: Sports & Outdoors
APEKS Tech Shorts
The Apeks say they are 1.5mm neoprene. The Yonsub says 3mm. I will be looking forward to hearing what they are really like in person.
The DGX/Highlands shorts (which I have) are spec'ed as 2mm. I do not like how thick they are.
DGX Neoprene Pocket Shorts | Dive Gear Express®
The ScubaPro pockets shorts (which I also have) are spec'ed as 1mm. I like them quite a bit. I use them over a wetsuit and even by themselves, when diving in warm enough water.
https://www.amazon.com/Scubapro-Cargo-Shorts/dp/B088H5TBXT
If the Yonsub really are 3mm, I personally would not consider them. The Apeks, at 1.5mm, are something I would be willing to try - if they weren't $169!
D_Fresh
Contributor
I see that the Amazon listing says 3mm, and I totally get where you're coming from... I don't want any additional buoyancy or warmth either. But I assure you, they most certainly are not 3mm 'prene, the listing is not correct (as compared to the product I received, albeit, not from Amazon, for what it's worth). I noticed that some listings say 3mm, others say 1.5mm.... I cannot explain why, I don't know... most likely either the merchants or wholesalers just don't care.
It's difficult to get a very accurate measurement, as it has edging around all edges of the neoprene, but I measured it, folded in half (so twice the thickness), with my calipers and got a measurement of 3~4mm... I was trying to be careful not to pinch the neoprene too much, so with a set of plastic calipers, I gently squished the folded material and allowed it to rebound and took the reading, doing the same in different locations. I would be confident in saying it's about 1.5mm neoprene. (As a control, I did the same procedure with my brand-name 3mm wetsuit, and got a consistent measurement of 6mm).
I'm sorry I didn't get around to it today, but I will be posting pictures, and will include pictures, including (as best I can) depicting the thickness. If anyone has a set of Apeks shorts and would like to take similar photos of theirs to compare, that'd be great!
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