O'Neill Epic & Superfreak Winter Wetsuits Review 2017

Which O'Neill Wetsuit To Buy For Winter 2017

O'Neill Epic Winter Wetsuits - Budget Up Too £150

The O'Neill Epic range of wetsuits covers Men, Women and Children and is the most cost effective way to have a very high quality and warm suit. It was always considered to be an entry level wetsuit due to the price being so good. Nowadays it could not really be considered as entry level due to the high level of construction.
Firstly it uses 100% super stretch neoprene which basically means when you move the suit stretches with your movement. This gives two major benefits in that one you will be less tired whilst in the water and the better it fits to your body the warmer you will be in the water.
They are all back zip suits which makes it very easy to get in and out off which is a bonus when it is cold. The zip is a YKK zip which is designed to keep the water out of the zip area and prevent flush through. Their is a handy zelcro piece of material at the top of the neck so you can seal the neck minimising water intake. The knee pads are duraflex material which is very hard wearing and stop you wearing through the knees through usage. It also features a polypro thermal panel on the chest which is designed to retain your body heat in the suit thus keeping you warmer. It has smooth skin othe a front panel and rear which is basically a smooth panel designed to stop the cold wind getting into the suit.
The thickness of the O'Neill Wetsuits suit is 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms, this type of thickness is designed to keep you warm in water temperatures as low as 6C. So in UK waters this is the perfect suit. A lot of people also wear the 5mm version in the summer too, if they feel the cold. It is also considered to be a multi purpose suit which can be worn for a water sports or any activity that takes you into the water in the winter months.
The O'Neill Epic suits are by far the most popular selling wetsuit that O'Neill had to offer, due to the great quality construction and use in so many water sports.
So in summary this is a really good suit to be comfortable and warm not matter what the weather.
View the range here

Our star rating out of 5 stars ----- 4.5 Stars



O'Neill Superfreak Wetsuits Range - Budget Up To £180

As with the Epic suits the Superfreak range is available for Men, Women and Children. The major difference is the these are all chest zip suits. You may ask what is the benefit of having a chest zip over a back zip wetsuit? Well there is no doubt they are much more difficult to get in and out of as effectively you are climbing in through the neck entry area. Saying that once you have got used to popping one shoulder in first then the other it comes second nature.
The major benefit of the chest zip is for one with there not being a zip at the back you have complete movement in the suit without any restriction. this also helps to keep you warmer as the back fit is so much better. The other benefit is that as the zip is far smaller than a back zip there is less chance of water entering the suit and making you cold.
Superfreak wetsuits are fast becoming one of the most popular selling suits that O'Neill has to offer and is only out sold by the Epic range. Chest zip wetsuits are most popular with surfers and surface water sports. If you get serious about being in the water then most people with to chest zip entry. It just feels so much better when you are in the water.
As with the Epic the construction is 100% super stretch neoprene and 5mm of neoprene on the body 4mm on the arms. It also features polypro thermal lining inside the suit which retains your body heat and keeps you warmer. Perfect for those very cold days it also has smooth skin panel on the front of the suit design to stop cold winds blowing through the neoprene.
To see the full range please click here

Review Of O'Neill Epic Wetsuit 2016

O'Neill Epic Winter Wetsuits Review 2016

The O'Neill Epic range is simply the best selling wetsuit that we stock. The Winter range features 100% super stretch material which is simply one of the most flexible neoprenes. This means that when you have the wetsuit on it stretches around your body so you for one do not get tired in the water and the fit is the best it can be. So what makes the Epic such a good seller you may ask? Well for one it is very well priced at sub £140 for the Men's and Women's versions. It also has a firewall lining which means body heat is reflected and retained in the suit. It is glued and blind stitched on the seams which prevents any water entering the suit. The range is made for Men, Women and Children so their is a suit for every gender which you can use in any water sport.

Why is Wetsuit Fit Important?

Given that the wetsuit is 100% super stretch this means that you can now achieve an almost perfect fit as the neoprene is designed the move with your body rather than leave gaps and empty spaces. Not only does this mean you will be less tired in the water but you stay warmer as the material will mould to your body shape. When buying a wetsuit you should ensure that you get the correct fit so the most important measurements for Men and Children is the waist and chest measurements. Once your get that correct the fit will be good. The only exception to that rule is if you are taller than 6ft 3 or shorter than 5ft 8 for men. For ladies simply go by your dress size as this is the best way to find the perfect suit. If you are a woman with a large top to bottom size then generally go for the large size as the super stretch material will shape to your body. When trying on the suit the most important area is just above your bum where your kidneys are, make sure your don't have a gap of material in this area as water can get inside the suit making your kidneys cold leading to your body cooling down faster. 

If you have any questions regarding sizing please call us at Wetsuit Centre for advice on 01202 302948

Let's take a look at the video review by Jeff at Wetsuit Centre for a in depth look.

Review Of O'Neill Psychotech Winter Wetsuits

O'Neill Psychotech Wetsuit Review

O'Neill Wetsuits have produce a new wetsuit for winter 2016 in the Psychotech chest zip for Men and Women. 

We have to say it's really surprised us on how good this wetsuit is in terms of the construction and feel. For starters it uses the Technobutter which is O'Neill's light weight and fast drying neoprene. When you turn the wetsuit inside out you see the groves are in channels that are designed to filter the water out of the suit keeping you as dry as possible. It's really flexible and when you put it on it feels like you are wearing a summer suit instead of a winter. It also features air neoprene which is like hundreds of air bubbles in the chest panel, this retains body heat keeping you warmer. It also benefits from a firewall layer on the chest and kidneys and what this actual means is that a polypro thermal lining is attached to the neoprene. This lining reflects and retains heat inside the wetsuit so that you can stay warmer for longer.

How Does The Pyschotech Perform?

We took the 5mm winter wetsuit out for a test run to see how it would feel and perform. So getting the wetsuit on is always a mission and the key is getting one arm in first as it makes it easy to pop the other side over you shoulder. Bearing in mind it's September and the water is still warm, when I entered the water it felt super warm as you would expect. The entire suit is so flexible it really does feel like you are wearing a summer suit and you have complete freedom of movement. After a 3 hour surf i felt as warm as i did when i entered the water and i can say it is defiantly

one of the best suits i have ever worn. Last year i wore the Rip Curl Flash Bomb and as a comparison the O'Neill definitely felt more flexible and just as warm. I then hung the wetsut to see how long it would take to dry out and within 20 minutes it was dry. The weather was cloudy and about 15C so i would say on a winters day it would have to take more time to dry out.

In summary i give the Psychotech a big thumbs up and the first O'Neill wetsuit that i have considered to be one of the best suits money can buy. I hope this review helps.

How Does A Wetsuit Work & What Is Difference Between Winter & Summer.

Wetsuits For All Seasons

How Does A Wetsuit Work?

A wetsuit is a very clever invention designed to keep you warm even in the coldest of waters. The very first wetsuit was invent was by Jack O’Neill a surfer from California that wanted to surf in the winter months when the water got colder. His passion for the water led to the very first two-piece wetsuits, which he stitched together from pieces of neoprene.  From that day the evolution of the wetsuit began and today the technology that goes into these wetsuits is unbelievable with every brand trying to make the warmest and lightest wetsuits possible.

Wetsuits works by trapping the water between the neoprene and your body and warming that water to your body temperature. That trapped water then remains at that constant temperature for up to 4 hours depending on the water temp. Some features have enhanced the warmth by having very high quality neoprene that is so flexible that it moulds to you body shape and the better it fits the warmer you will be as there is no room for water to enter and sit making you cold. Even to the point where some wetsuits have air neoprene, which is small bubbles of air in the wetsuit and as air is a better conductor of heat it keeps you warmer for longer. Another addition is the smooth skin chest panel ,which basically stops cold winds from blowing through the wetsuit. This is great for sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. So recent additions have also included thermal lining on the chest and kidney areas. This acts in a very similar way to thermal underwear but inside the wetsuit. It again traps warm body heat and reflects that back onto the crucial areas such as the chest and kidneys. Some designs have taken the wetsuit to a whole new level including the invention from Rip Curl in the Flash Dry lining. This is a combed back thermal layering that is featured throughout the Flash Bomb wetsuit and keeps your entire body as warm as possible. It also boasts that it dry’s in 15 minutes but that really depends on the outside air temp that you are drying the wetsuit in.

Back Zip or Chest Zip Wetsuits

A revolution has taken place over the last few years where by chest zip entry system wetsuits are becoming more popular than the traditional back zip versions. This is due to the wetsuit then becoming far more flexible without the restriction on the back zip. The only problem with a chest zip is they are far more difficult to get on and off but after you have done this a few times you learn the way best to get in and out.

Winter or Summer Wetsuit?

Summer

When it comes to getting a wetsuit for use in your water sport the first thing you need to consider is what time of year you will be using the suit?

As if you are thinking of using it in the summer months in either the UK or Europe then a 3/2 full is going to be the most cost effective way to purchase. As you will get far more use from a 3mm full in the months from April till December. The wetsuit is 3mm of neoprene in the body and 2mm on the arms, which is enough to keep you warm from about 15c up to 23c. Over that temperature you should buy a shortie 2mm wetsuit, this has short arms and legs so you have complete freedom of movement but stay warm if there is a slight chill. Even if the water gets warmer than that such as 24c plus then a neoprene vest and a pair of shorts is really all you need even on the cooler of days.

Winter

Winter is where your wetsuit really does need to be good, and it is worth spending the extra money to stay as warm as possible. Most winter wetsuits are 5mm or in the harshest of conditions 6mm on the body and 3mm on the arms. Things like thermal lining become a real benefit when the water is a cold 5c and below.  It’s not only a wetsuit you need when in these cold waters as you will also need wetsuit boots, gloves and hood. A good idea is to have 5mm boots, 3mm gloves and a 3mm hood. Having all these additions will make sure that your feet and hands stay warm as there is nothing worse than freezing cold hands and feet. The hood is vital as well as most of your body heat is lost through your head region so keeping this warm will keep you in the water for longer. A lot of people don’t like wearing hoods as it can make you feel restricted but if you can bear it then it will make the world of difference. Some really good brands to check out for winter is O’Neill for entry level at £130 to Psycho and Pyrotech at the £250 to £300 mark. Rip Curl offer the Omega at £99 to the Flash bomb at £300 mark. Where the technology has come on so much you really can stay warm in cold water and have so much fun. No need for you to hide in the winter anymore so get out there and have some fun.

Hope this article has been helpful to you and for any further advice please feel free to contact us.

O'Neill Wetsuits Winter Range 2015

O’Neill Winter 2015 Wetsuit Range Now In Store

The 2015 O’Neill wetsuits range really is one of the best we have seen at the Wetsuit Centre. We will run through what we think are the key features of the Winter O'Neill range.

O'Neill Epic Wetsuits

The Epic is now a 5/4mm wetsuit, which means it now has 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms. This new thicker material simply means the wetsuit is warmer than ever and if you think that this may restrict the movement then fear not. The wetsuit is now 100% super stretch giving you the freedom of movement in the best quality neoprene. Epic is well priced at only £129 making it one of the cheapest winter wetsuits on the market. The O'Neill Epic range is made in men’s, women’s and kid’s sizes. The wetsuit also has polypro lining which acts in the same way as thermal underwear but in your wetsuit. This Firewall lining is on the chest and lumber region for maximum warmth. All in all this wetsuit is a great for all water sports including surfing, kitesurfing and sailing. Even some hardy swimmers use the Epic for the cold winter months.

O'Neill Superfreak Wetsuits

The Superfreak is another winner from O’Neill and is a great winter wetsuit that features a chest zip entry for freedom of movement and warmth. Drain holes on the wetsuit ensure the amount of water that enters the wetsuit is minimal. Chest zips are more difficult to put on but once you have done it a few times it really is not a issue. Superfreak series of wetsuits is also constructed with 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms and being fully super stretch it gives fantastic stretch. The smooth skin chest panel prevents any wind penetration keeping your core as warm as possible. It’s such a great price of £150 that you will find it hard to find a wetsuit with all these features. The Superfreak is also made in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes.  Great for all water sports especially surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

O'Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuits

New for 2015 the Hyperfreak winter wetsuit is a great addition to the O’Neill range. It’s major benefit over the Superfreak is that it is constructed from the TechnoButter neoprene which is super light and very flexible.  The Neoprene is designed to absorb the least amount of water possible making it light and warm.  To the touch it feels really soft and very flexible with small lines in the neoprene, which draws any water down these lines away from the body. When you have the wetsuit on it really feels like a summer wetsuit due to the flex in the material.  A chest entry system means you will have complete movement in the back, keeping you free from restriction.  Priced at £190 this surely has to be one of the best sub £200 wetsuits on the market.  I have a 3/2mm summer wetsuit and have got to say I was super impressed by how good it felt on and how warm it was. Think this is more a surfing wetsuit due to the fact it does not have the smooth skin on the front of the wetsuit.

O'Neill Mutant Wetsuits

This Mutant wetsuit has always been a favourite wetsuit of mine due to the fact it’s just a really good warm wetsuit. It comes with an attachment that changes the wetsuit to a hooded version so when it’s warmer you can wear it without the attached hood or on the colder days the attached hood makes this into a super warm wetsuit. The design is a chest zip and to be fair it’s pretty easy to get it on and off. The thickness is 5mm on the body a 4mm on the arms with a great thermal layering on the chest.  The wetsuit is also liquid sealed so it keeps that nasty cold water out of the wetsuit. If you want a wetsuit that is going to keep you toasty warm in all conditions and want to spend less than £230 then this should certainly be considered.

O'Neill Psycho Wetsuits

Pretty much the best known of the O’Neill range and for good reason the Psycho 1 is all about performance in terms of very few panels on the wetsuit meaning your movement is unrestricted. It also uses the new Technobutter 2 neoprene, which is designed around being the most flexible and lightest material on the market. This wetsuit is great for bodyboarding and surfing for those that require the very best in flexibility.  The Psycho 3 is a stitch less wetsuit and is O’Neill’s flagship wetsuit it is bursting with warmth features such as thermal ling and liquid sealing keeping you as warm as possible. This wetsuit is also made from the best neoprene in the Technobutter 2 which is the very latest and warmest. Psycho 3 is great for just about every water sport from jet skiing to surfing and kitesurfing. The zip and entry system is the outstanding Zen zip ,which is built as part of the wetsuit rather than added on. It’s just about the best quality you can get out of a wetsuit.

O'Neill Pyrotech Wetsuits

New to the O’Neill range but what a fantastic addition the O'Neill Pyrotech winter wetsuit, given that this chest zip is available in either 5/4mm or a hooded 6/4mm wetsuit. It is pretty much a Psycho wetsuit with a few added benefits including the air insulated neoprene for additional warmth and a fantastic smooth skin chest panel. If you are looking for the warmest possible wetsuit then this is an absolute must for winter 2015.

To the touch this wetsuit just feels amazing and it feels like it’s going to keep you super warm.

If you want more information or a look at the entire O'Neill range then have a look at Wetsuit Centre

To Buy A Winter or Summer Wetsuit

Choosing a winter or summer wetsuit to buy?

When it comes to making the choice between buying a winter or summer wetsuit the first thing you should consider is how cold is the water temperature you intend to use the wetsuit in and how long into that season you are likely to be using it?

Summer wetsuits come in two types, which are either shortie or full. If you are intending to use a shortie then the water really needs to be above the 19c temperature. These wetsuits are great for surfing, wakeboarding, sailing, kite surfing and jet skiing. They are generally a 2mm thickness in the neoprene and constructed with short arms and legs. Meaning you get maximum flexibility and just body warmth. Best brands to consider are O’Neill, Billabong and Rip Curl which are usually around the £50 mark. You can get cheap wetsuits like the TWF ones and Tescos but these are very inflexible and the neoprene is an abrasive material that is less durable then the better quality brands.  The cheaper brands are better for casual beach goer’s use that is pretty much discarded at the end of the summer.

Full suits are the preferred choice for the UK and Europe as you get far more use out of these wetsuits due to the short summers and less warm waters. A full wetsuit for the summer is a 3mm on the body and 2mm on the arms. Great for pretty much all water sports and in terms of spend it means the more you spend the more flexible and more features the wetsuits has. You can get some really high performance summer suits and these are in the price bracket of £200 plus.  The temperature that a full suit can be used is in the region of 13c plus as anything less is more of a 5mm winter wetsuit. All the 3/2 are multi purpose wetsuits which can be used for pretty much all water sports. Good brands to consider are O’Neill, Rip Curl, Billabong, C Skins and Xcel. The same applies for the cheap wetsuits in brands such as TWF and the same applies for the abrasive and non-stretch neoprene.

If you are looking for a wetsuit to last you the entire year in the UK then a 5/3 is the only option to keep you warm in the winter months. These wetsuits range from £100 to £400 with the warmest being the most expensive. However in Europe a 4/3 should be perfect as the sea doesn’t get as cold through the winter months. A winter wetsuit is used in water temperatures of below 13c for sports such as surfing, kite surfing, sailing and winsurfing. The wetsuits are 5mm of neoprene on the body and 3mm of neoprene on the arms. All winter wetsuits are glued and blind stitched on the seams for maximum protection against water penetration. Good brands to consider are O’Neill, Rip Curl, C Skins, Billabong & Xcel. The best selling entry wetsuit is the O’Neill Epic, which is priced at £129. If the temperatures are below 5c then you should consider a hooded wetsuit for maximum warmth. To be honest it’s always worth spending a bit more in the winter as you will be a lot warm and that is always worth the extra spending.

What Winter Wetsuit Should I Buy On a Budget?

What Budget Winter Wetsuit Should I Buy

So you are looking for the most cost effective wetsuit to buy and want the warmest and most durable options.

We do get asked a lot about which wetsuit to buy if your only going to using it a few times or are on a budget. The good news is nowadays there are some really good options that you can buy. Wetsuit development has come on so much that you need not be cold in the water even if you are looking at entry-level wetsuits. For starters all entry-level wetsuits now have super stretch material and generally have thermal linings to keep you warm.

So let’s have a look at some of the best buys on the market today. If we are looking at price then the first wetsuit for men & women that springs to mind would be:

1.     Rip Curl Omega winter wetsuit 5/3mm which, is priced at a very reasonable £104.95. This wetsuit has a smooth skin front panel to reduce wind penetration on the cold windy days.  It also features super stretch material in the arms to give you freedom of movement whilst in the water. Being 5mm of neoprene in the body and 3mm in the arms this is thick enough to keep you warm in the months December through to April. The Omega range is in men’s and women’s versions s is available in a full size range.

2.     Billabong Intruder range of wetsuits are the cheapest in the winter range with a price of £99. The wetsuit does feature some stretch material in the arms but I wouldn’t say it was more flexible than the Omega from Rip Curl. It is 5mm on the body and 3mm on the arms but does not benefit from and thermal lining. If your after the cheapest winter wetsuit then this is the wetsuit for you. You can buy this wetsuit in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes.

3.     Slightly more expensive at £129.94 the O’Neill Epic 5/4 has been the best seller for many years and for good reason. It has slightly more features than the Omega in terms of it is now a 100% super stretch material so the wetsuit will give you a better fit to the body and movement will be far easier meaning you will get less tired and be able to stay out for longer. The O’Neill also benefits from firewall lining on the chest, which acts in the same way that thermal underwear works. It retains body heat and wicks water away from the neoprene. The other bonus is the material is 5mm of neoprene on the body and 4mm on the arms so an extra bit of warmth with some slightly thicker neoprene.

If you are intending to use your winter wetsuit in the coldest of months make sure you also buy wetsuit gloves and boots. The best buys in this would be the O’Neill Epic 5mm boots which are priced at £19.99 and the O’Neill SLX gloves which I would suggest you buy in the 3mm version as that will be warm enough and these cost £19.99.

Hope this article has helped you understand the differences between some of the wetsuits and what we consider to be the best value.

Advice on whether you should buy a Wetsuit or Drysuit

Drysuits & Wetsuits for the Winter Months

Don’t let the winter months stop you from enjoying your watersport as it doesn’t matter whether your into sailing, kayaking, or kitesurfing ,the evolution of wetsuits and drysuits is enabling these sports to be taken to depths of endurance.

Winter Wetsuit

If we firstly take the winter wetsuit, over the last 6 years we have seen a revolution in wetsuit technology and the speed of change has been amazing. A top end wetsuit of 6 years ago would not considered to have enough technical features to be an entry level wetsuit. So if your now looking to buy your first wetsuit or your debating the worth of spending a little more, do you get additional features to make it worth the extra spend or are you paying for brand names. The simple and honest answer especially when dealing with winter  wetsuits is a massive yes.

The more you spend the more flexible / lighter the material becomes and the more technical warmth properties you get. So lets have a look to see what some of these technical features actually mean.

Thermal lining – a material designed to act in the same way as thermal underwear but inside a wetsuit. It wicks water away from the body whilst heating the core areas.

Air Neoprene – Small air pockets that are in built into the neoprene, the theory behind this is air is a better insulator of heat so your body heat warms up the air pockets and in turn this maintains your heat.

Smooth Skin - This is the top layer of neoprene when it is made, it has been used as the smooth layer that manufacturers have used on chest and kidney panels to prevent wind cooling down these areas. This has recently become less important due to double lined neoprene’s becoming so good.

Double Lined Neoprene – Is the double weave of the jersey that comprises the neoprene and In recent years has got so good that it now prevents wind from penetrating the wetsuit thus keeping you even warmer. It also means that rather wind and kite surfers having to buy all smooth skin wetsuits, everyone can now use the one wetsuit and use it for different sports such as surfing, sailing, kayaking etc

Super Stretch Material – This type of high grade neoprene is becoming more and more prevalent as the majority of the neoprene that makes up a wetsuit. In a nutshell it makes the neoprene extremely stretchy thus making movement in the wetsuit easier so you don’t get tired and the better it fits to your body the warmer you will be. This has been the one revolution that has made wearing a wetsuit a joy rather than a pain.

Drysuits

Drysuits are much better for surface watersports such as Sailing, Kayaking, Kitesurfing etc or diving.  In simple terms a dry suit is designed to seal the suit preventing water entering at any point. Should not be used for sports such as surfing due to the bulk of a drysuit.

The main difference between dry suits and wetsuits is that dry suits are designed to prevent water entering. This generally allows better insulation making them more suitable for use in cold water. Dry suits can be uncomfortably hot in warm or hot air, and are typically more expensive and more complex to don. For divers, they add some degree of complexity as the suit must be inflated and deflated with changes in depth in order to avoid "squeeze" on descent or uncontrolled rapid ascent due to over-buoyancy.

For surface watersports drysuits have a geo textile material that allows the material to breath so you sweat less and its generally more comfortable to use. The next choice is socked or non socked drysuits and this generally comes down to preference and wether your sport also requires boots. Generally kite and wind surfers users the non socked drysuit. Drysuits are more expensive than a wetsuit and a little more cumbersome. Usually with a dry suit they come with a thermal suit that is like thermal underwear in a front zip suit.

Cheap & Quality Winter Wetsuit, What is a Good Wetsuit?

A really good wetsuit less than £100

C-Skins is a UK wetsuit company which has been making wetsuits for the UK market place for more than Fifteen years. Because the fellas at C-Skins Wetsuits understand UK conditions, they create wetsuits which keep their users warm in the most frigid of waters.

We have just been delivered the brand new seasons C- Skins surflite wetsuits for adults and kids. The men’s and women’s edition are less than £100. The children’s edition is priced at £65 which is brilliant value for money. This excellent price delivers some awesome features.

So why is the C Skins Surflite such a good wetsuit?

Clearly the price is a starting point; a wetsuit which is top quality is actually difficult to find for less than £100. For 4 seasons now we have sold the Surflite and we are incredibly happy with the longevity of the wetsuit. To make sure this wetsuit lasts, C-Skins has spot taped the areas which receive the most stress when putting on and taking of the wetsuit.

To guarantee the wetsuit keeps the body warm, it's glued and blind stitched to make sure that water cannot pass through the stitches. Additionally there is a rubbery material called glide skin. This material is found in the front of the wetsuit and lower back and assists in wicking away water whilst keeping wind chill away.

The actual stretch throughout the wetsuit is extremely reasonable. Situated on the arms you will find the C-Skins high-end neoprene, this truly is great for the paddle zones and overall stretch of the wetsuit. With lots of entry level wetsuits you will find excessive panelling which decreases the stretch from the wetsuit. The Surflite's panelling is actually kept to a minimum; we were amazed to see there was clearly no seam throughout the lower part of the wetsuit.

We think the C-Skins Surflite is actually gonna give the large brand name wetsuits a hard time on the market this year. After all, C-Skins wetsuits are manufactured inside the same manufacturing facility as a number of the big brands like Billabong O’Neill, Rip Curl and Xcel.

How does a Wetsuit work and keep you warm?

So in answer to the question how does a wetsuit keep you warm we should start with the basics of how a wetsuit works. Wetsuits keep you warm by catching a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. Your body heats up this water and keeps you warm. It’s important to get a wetsuit that fits properly, otherwise cold water will constantly flush the warm water out. The neoprene in the wetsuit also acts as insulation against environment, so the thicker the neoprene (and wetsuit) the better the insulation will be. The neoprene contains loads of small air bubbles that provide the insulation.

As technology has advanced in the world of wetsuits and neoprene is of such high quality so does the warmth and flexibility. So where-by the basics of how a wetsuit works is important to warmth its not the most important factor anymore. Let's take a look at some of the key features that uses new technology to make the wetsuit warmer.

                                                               Glued & Blindstiched

In terms of construction GBS is where in construction of the wetsuit they join the material together by gluing then stitching to form a bond that reduces water penetration. The less water that enters the wetsuit the warmer your body will remain. GBS seams are in all winter wetsuits (5mm Wetsuits) as not having any water enter the wetsuit is crucial in cold water. Where-by some entry level summer wetsuits (3mm Wetsuits) will have a flatlock construction which is where the material is overlapped and  double stitched, this form of construction can let some water through the seams but is used in water that is generally warmer so having less impact.


          Thermal Lining

As you can see from the photo the red material is the thermal material which is designed to wick water away from your body and act in the same way as thermal underwear. To the touch the thermal material is soft with slight bobbles. This is generally placed on the chest and kidney area of the wetsuit. The reason for this is to keep the blood flow warm in these key areas thus warm blood is pumped around the body keeping you warmer. Thermal ling is far less flexible than neoprene so does reduce flexibility in the areas to where it is added.


                                                              Liquid Seams

Technology has played a large part in the advent of liquid seams in wetsuits. Liquid seams are designed the minimize even further the possibility of water entering the wetsuit. The process is to GBS the seams first then add this taping to either or both sides of the seam thus making a seal that cant be penetrated. Even as i write this article technology has meant that these seams are reducing in thickness and width to enable increased flexibility. As the more flexible a wetsuit is the better it will feel and the better it will fit, keeping you warmer. So you should consider this when buying a wetsuit. I personally prefer wetsuits without the liquid sealing as i like the flex you get and feeling of not having any restrictions. The seams on wetsuits nowadays is so good that less and less water is getting through the seams.

Hope that has helped explain a couple of the features of what makes a wetsuit warm. Please feel free to ask us to review any products or answer questions by contacting www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk

Winter Wetsuits or Summer Wetsuits

When looking for a Wetsuit you should consider what time of year you are wanting to use it. For example if your looking at using it in the months of November to April in UK waters then the temprature will range from 15c down as low as 5c. You will then need a Winter Wetsuit which will be a 5/4/3 in thickness, and what this actually means is the body is 5mm then a panel from the body to the arms of 4mm and arms of 3mm. All winter Wetsuits will be glued and blindstitched which means on every seam they have been stitched then the two pieces of material glued together to form a bond which wont allow water to penetrate the seam. You should consider your budget as generally the more you spend the more features you will get on the Wetsuits making it warmer such as thermal lining and air neoprene. The wetsuit will also be far more flexible and again the more you spend the more flexible it becomes making it fit better to your body which will keep you warmer. Good makes to consider are O'Neill Wetsuits, Rip Curl Wetsuits, Billabong Wetsuits, Xcel Wetsuits to name a few.

If you are looking at a summer / spring wetsuit which are generally used from May to October then these are 3/2 wetsuits. Meaning 3mm on the body and 2mm on the arms. Same applies in terms of cost the more you spend the more flexiblethe wetsuit is and the warmer.

Hope this helps and for the best range check out www.wetsuitcentre.co.uk