W1 vs W2 neoprene

[jcfahy]

Is there are difference between the neoprene (and thermal /stretch properties) used in the W1 and W2? Some of the LDS in my area think that the W1 is a higher quality suit (and more expesnive) and others believe that the differences are down to front vs back zip. Please help.

 

[Michael Gerhartz]

Neoprene is the same. The reason that the W1 is more expensive is due to the different design (it simply takes longer to built it ) as well as the longer front zipper. Details, that cost more money manufacturing the suit.
Michael

 

[jcfahy]

Thanks Michael for your quick response. I have a Lynx 5 mm and am comfortable down to about 15 degree C. I need thermal protection to 10 deg C. Would you think that the 7 mm W1 or W2 will be adequate? Thanks again.

 

[Michael Gerhartz]

At the moment I'm teaching several Courses in Eastern Canada / North Atlantic. The water temperature is about 7 - 9 Celsius and I am using both the 7mm Aries as well as 7mm W2 with the hooded 5mm vest and the Orion boots and the normal Waterproof 5 finger gloves. We usually get two back to back dives of around 35 - 40 minutes each with a surface interval of around 45 minutes ( give or take ) and the divers are fine. Most of them are female, around 20 - 24 years old and in the 130 pound range ( they are marine biology students at the local university )
Usually they are getting a little bit cold at the end of the second dive, but nothing to uncomfortable.
It think it also depends on your personal comfort level. While I did dives in 4 or 5 Celsius cold water 15 years ago in a 7mm wetsuit of questionable quality, you would never get me in any water colder then 18 Celsius with any kind of wetsuit any more (I know, I'm a whimp...)
Michael

 

[jcfahy]

Very helpful answer to guide me in my decisions. Many thanks for taking the time for the thoughtful reply. I sympathize in not wanting to suffer in cold water.

 

[Michael Gerhartz]

You are welcome ;-)

 

[jsf35]

The neoprene used on the W1 is slightly different than on the W2. The W1 uses a "Hi-dense microcell CR neoprene" whereas the W2 uses a "microcell CR neoprene". The hi dense material supposedly has a little more stretch. If you look at the two suits side by side you can also notice a difference in the texture. The W1 has a very smooth almost silky feel, while the W2 feels like normal nylon sided neoprene. Both suits have the same new hextex lining.
I haven't seen any comparisons on thermal differences but I would think that they would be very similar.

Cheers,
Scott