What is this material?

[ebfh]

Hey ScubaBoardians,

I was looking at wetsuits today and I see that a lot of wetsuits have this more rubbery feeling material around the chest area.

It looks cool and all but it feels different than other parts of the wetsuit.

What is its function?

Are there wetsuits that are made completely of this material?

Thanks!

 

[jcaplins]

Are you looking at surfing wetsuits?
possibly this:

"Smoothskin / Wind Resistant Neoprene: Smoothskin neoprene a.k.a smoothy is a rubberized coating applied to the outside of neoprene that helps block wind, and resists water absorbtion into the wetsuit. Smoothy is typicall found on the chest of a wetsuit. Specialized windsports wetsuits feature more smoothy for better windblock. Pros: wind resistance, better “cling” to a surfboard, blocks some water from entering the suit. Cons: adds a little extra weight to the suit, smoothy is delicate and shows nicks/cuts easily."

from here: Wetsuits for Surfing | Neoprene Wetsuit - Wetsuit Blog, Buying Advice, & Info | Wetsuit Wearhouse