What Kind of Zipper Do I Need?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn cold water wet suits, the zipper included in the design really does matter. The reason behind this is you want to make sure that the water trapped in the suit does not leak out underwater.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Suits come with two different types of zippers. Sometimes, they\u2019re back zippers, and other times they are chest zippers. Out of the two kinds, the one that goes on the back is the type that is more popular. The reason for this is because they\u2019re simply much easier to use when you\u2019re trying to put on or remove your suit. The zipper pull will come with an attached long cord, which you can use to pull the zip closed or open.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Chest zippers, on the other hand, are on the front of the suit (exactly as the name suggests). They\u2019re harder and more time consuming to use when taking your suit on or off. However, if you really want to keep the cold water out, chest zips are usually more efficient at the job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In choosing whether you want a front or back zipper, consider whether you will be diving on your own. If you will have somebody around to help you get your suit on and off, then a chest zip is more practical because it keeps you warmer. However, if you think that you will be alone in trying to suit up , it’s best to get a back zipper so you don’t need to struggle with anything.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Wetsuit Seals<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Because of how wet suits keep you warm, they need to be absolutely watertight after the initial thin layer has already seeped in. This is why you also need to consider the kind of seal that the wet suit\u2019s design uses. The better the seal, the warmer the suit is and the better it is for cold water diving. However, this also means that it does get more expensive, so you need to find a good balance between budget and your target.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Knowing the temperature of the water you will be swimming in can really be helpful. It will allow you to decide the type of suit and seal you need to purchase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
3 different types of stitches and seals exist in wet suit designs today. Here they are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Stitches: Flatlock.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you won’t be swimming in water that is cooler than about 62 degrees Fahrenheit, then you can get away with one of the wetsuits that use flatlock stitches as their seal. As an advantage, this type of design lays flat against your skin\/body which can really help to prevent any discomfort. It does come at the disadvantage of possibly letting water in .<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Sealed Stitches.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Every and all wet suits basically come with stitches. However, in suits that are recommended to use in temperatures that are about 55 to 62 degrees F, you do want to make sure that the stitches are also sealed. For example, stitch panels are first glued before they are blind stitched. This means that the suit is fully watertight because the stitches do not go through the material.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Sealed then Taped.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Finally, in water that is much cooler than 55 Fahrenheit, wetsuits need to be sealed. On top of that, they also need to be taped. Taping is essentially done to the seams in the interior. In doing so, the suits become more durable because of the reinforced seams. As a result, all of the water is kept out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n