Frequently asked Questions about Buying a Wetsuit:
Frequently asked Questions about How to Care for a Wetsuit:
What do wetsuit numbers like 3/2mm or 4/3mm mean?
Answer: These numbers refer to the actual thickness of the wetsuit as measured in Millimeters. The higher the numbers, the thicker and warmer the wetsuit.
Example: 3/2mm Men's Fullsuit
The first number (3mm) refers to the thickness of the "core" or torso area of the wetsuit. This is usually the thickest part of the wetsuit because this where you maintain your "core" warmth in body temperature. Secondly, this area is thicker because in most watersports activites, you tend to need a little less flexibility in the torso area. And in this case, flexibility is second to warmth.
The second number (2mm) refers to the thickness in millimeters of the arms and legs. These tend to be the thinnest part of the wetsuit in order to provide you with the most mobility and flexibility. In this case, warmth is second to flexibility.
Here is a very simple way to explain it— The first number refers to the thickness of the torso area of the wetsuit. The second number refers to the thickness of the arms and legs of the wetsuit.
See the Wetsuit Temperature Chart for questions about what thickness wetsuit you need or call our experts toll free at 1-877-44W-SUIT and we will gladly answer your questions.
How does my wetsuit keep me warm?
Answer: How a wetsuit works is relatively simple. When you enter the water with a wetsuit, it fills up with a small amount of water. This water is trapped between your skin and the wetsuit. Your body temperature (98.6 degrees) heats up this layer of water, which essentially makes your skin feel like you are taking a warm bath! It is as simple as that. The thicker the wetsuit, the more insulated the water trapped in your wetsuit becomes.
How should my wetsuit fit?
Answer: A wetsuit should fit snug, but not overly tight. It is very important that your wetsuit fits you correctly, because this is what keeps you warm. If a wetsuit is too big, the wetsuit will have big pockets or folds of excess material. When this happens, the water does not form a seal against your skin and therefore does not keep you as warm. If a suit is too tight, you lose mobility and flexibility. Also, you will become fatigued very quickly.
What wetsuit should I buy for my water sport: surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, jetskiing, etc?
Answer: See our Expert Tips for Selecting a Wetsuit for your Sport for helpful advice, tips and a wetsuit temperature chart on everything from kiteboarding to surfing to scuba diving and everything in between. Our in-house staff of surfers, kiteboarders, windsurfers, scuba divers and kayakers will help you choose the right gear for your specific needs and just as important, your budget.
Why does one 3/2mm wetsuit cost $69.99 and another wetsuit that looks just like it cost $89.99?
Answer: Shopping for a wetsuit is kind of like shopping for a car. First start with price. What can you afford or what would you like to spend on a new wetsuit? Price usually determines performance features of the wetsuit. In other words, the more a wetsuit costs, the more "bells and whistles" are packed into the suit.
Example:
Hyperflex Men's Access 3/2mm Fullsuit $69.99 versus Hyperflex Men's Cyclone 3/2mm Fullsuit $89.99
As you can see, both wetsuits are 3/2mm men's fullsuits. The Access is $20.00 less than the Cyclone fullsuit. There is a reason this wetsuit is slightly more money. This is because, in terms of performance, these are 2 different wetsuits.
The Access wetsuit is a basic entry-level wetsuit. It will definitely keep you warm, but it does not have a lot of higher end "bells and whistles". It is targeted towards price rather than performance. You can think of this wetsuit as a good solid wetsuit at a fantastic price. Kind of like a Honda. It is not going to be as fast as a Porsche, but it will be a lot cheaper and still get you to work.
The Cyclone features superstretch neoprene panels in the back, shoulders, underarms, crotch and torso. This allows the user more mobility and flexibility with less resistance. In addition, the seams are glued and blind-stitched, meaning they are nearly 100% waterproof. This adds to the warmth of the wetsuit. So for just $20.00 more, the Cyclone is a higher performing wetsuit. You could liken the Cyclone to a Ford Mustang. Still not a Porsche, but it will get you to work a little faster than the Honda.
"Bells and Whistles" on wetsuits include features like: Superstretch neoprene, waterporrf seams, taped seams, liquid taped seams, hollow fiber fleece panels, waterproof zippers, waterproof neoprene, and anti-flush barriers.
How do I care for my new wetsuit so it lasts for years?
Answer: Now that you have purchased your new wetsuit, you need to know how to properly care for your wetsuit to make sure you can enjoy it for years to come.
Take these steps to insure a long lasting wetsuit:
- Rinse out with fresh water: After each use, rinse your wetsuit out with fresh water and hang dry it in the SHADE. Sunlight is extremely bad for neoprene as the UV rays breakdown the rubber and can eventually make it stiff and even brittle.
- Soap: After every 5th use, rinse the wetsuit out with a MILD dish soap. Gently scrub inside and outside of suit with a sponge. Rinse all the soap off and hang dry in the shade.
- DO NOT PEE in your wetsuit! Trust us on this one!
- No Stink: Do not leave a wet wetsuit in your car, in the garage, etc. overnight or for an extended period of time. This is the fastest way to make the wetsuit stink.
- Storage: Store your wetsuit on a strong plastic hanger. No wire hangers, just like the movie! You can also fold up the suit and put it in an air tight storage bin or bag if not using for an extended period of time.
- Check the wetsuit after each use for nicks, cuts, or other damage. This especially rings true if you do any watersport in extremely cold water. Water will pour into the hole or tear making for an unpleasant experience. Often times, I have been surfing in 45 degree water and realized I had a hole in my wetsuit only after I had paddled all the way out into the lineup.
Is there a proper way to put on my wetsuit?
Answer: 3 words to remember when putting on your suit: Take Your Time! You will become an expert at putting on wetsuits soon enough. Like everything else, it simply takes a little bit of experience learning how to properly do something.
Follow these steps when putting on your wetsuit:
- Step into the wetsuit and pull the suit up to waist level. Bend down and adjust the legs. Smooth out any wrinkles and work any excess material up the leg towards the crotch or hip.
- Now that the legs are looking good. Pull the suit up to your armpits. Again, take the time to smooth out any wrinkles or folds in the material by working them up towards your chest.
- Put your right arm into the sleeve and up around your right shoulder.
- Repeat with your left arm and shoulder.
- Smooth out wrinkles and folds in each arm by working them up towards the shoulder.
- If it is a standard back zip wetsuit, reach behind your lower back and feel for the zipper pull string. Grab the zipper pull and GENTLY pull zipper up towards your neck. If the zipper snags material, pull zipper back down and repeat. DO NOT FORCE ZIPPER UP! These can lead to broken zippers, broken zipper heads, etc.
- Once zipper is completely up, fold the Velcro flap across the neck and secure. Make sure that the flap is flush against the neck and flat. Also, make sure the flap is secure, you definitely do not want cold water rushing in and down your back!
- You are finished. Move your arms and legs, bend over and stretch. This will allow any other excess wrinkles to unfold. Now go get'em!
How do I take off my wetsuit correctly?
Answer: Repeat the put on wetsuit procedure in reverse. Here is an important tip: Pull down material (Gently!) on left forearm and wrist. Get the neck and collar area down to your left elbow. From here on, it is easy.
What if I have a warranty issue? Where so I send the wetsuit to be repaired?
Answer: All wetsuits come with wetsuit warranty information included somewhere on the suit or hang tags. Some even require you to register the wetsuit so the warranty is valid. The best bet is to read all the information on the hang tag pertaining to the warranty. Keep this information with a copy of your Wetsuit Planet receipt which is your proof of purchase. In the event that you need to get the wetsuit repaired, you will need this information.
If you do need to send the wetsuit back for a warranty repair, send the wetsuit directly to the manufacturer. This not only speeds up the repair process, but the original manufacturer is the only one that can decide the outcome of the warranty claim.
Learn more:
Glossary of Wetsuit Technical Terminology
Expert Tips for Selecting a Wetsuit for your Sport
Wetsuit Temperature Chart-Comparing Gear for Water Temps
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