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wetsuits
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| Typically you get a measure of wetsuit thickness in millimeters. If this is more than one number like **3/2** or **4/3** - the **first number** is the **thickness for the body trunk or some portion of the body core** which is most critical for heat retention, the **second number is the thickness for legs and arms**. **Three numbers (5/4/3 etc.) means Torso/Legs/Arms thickness**. However wetsuits vary widely in terms of how much coverage the torso or core gets with the thickest material - make sure you get good torso coverage and not just your chest. Full body wetsuits on the warmer end of the warmth spectrum are sometimes called "steamers". Also consider if you are a surfskier that you may want some more thickness in your legs where you get and stay wetter in rough conditions - wetsuit configurations may not serve this and you might want to look at some kind of layering with some additional liner leggings or stretchy shorts??…. | Typically you get a measure of wetsuit thickness in millimeters. If this is more than one number like **3/2** or **4/3** - the **first number** is the **thickness for the body trunk or some portion of the body core** which is most critical for heat retention, the **second number is the thickness for legs and arms**. **Three numbers (5/4/3 etc.) means Torso/Legs/Arms thickness**. However wetsuits vary widely in terms of how much coverage the torso or core gets with the thickest material - make sure you get good torso coverage and not just your chest. Full body wetsuits on the warmer end of the warmth spectrum are sometimes called "steamers". Also consider if you are a surfskier that you may want some more thickness in your legs where you get and stay wetter in rough conditions - wetsuit configurations may not serve this and you might want to look at some kind of layering with some additional liner leggings or stretchy shorts??…. | ||
| - | Better suits go to more expense to make [[https://surfing-waves.com/equipment/wetsuit-stitching.htm|seams]] more waterproof (and therefore **warmer** with immersions) **with blind-stitching, double blind stitching, tape, or liquid tape**. **Overlock and flatlock stitching are** most commonly used in **cheaper** wetsuits **and** **do not prevent water entry** very well. **Overlock stitching** also often **can create rubbing** spots. | + | Better suits go to more expense to make [[https://surfing-waves.com/equipment/wetsuit-stitching.htm|seams]] more waterproof (and therefore **warmer** with immersions) **with blind-stitching, double blind stitching, tape, or liquid tape ** ([[https://www.facebook.com/reel/1352388286332624|liquid tape application video]] (facebook)). **Overlock and flatlock stitching are** most commonly used in **cheaper** wetsuits **and** **do not prevent water entry** very well. **Overlock stitching** also often **can create rubbing** spots. |
| Body warmth can be retained by the insulation provided from wetsuits. However, that retention via reduced heat conduction can be overwhelmed by the heat loss that can occur from water that flushes through a wetsuit. **If a wetsuit is too loose, or allows water to pass freely through holes or seams** that are not sealed, **far more body heat can be lost** when you are in the water than can be saved via insulation. | Body warmth can be retained by the insulation provided from wetsuits. However, that retention via reduced heat conduction can be overwhelmed by the heat loss that can occur from water that flushes through a wetsuit. **If a wetsuit is too loose, or allows water to pass freely through holes or seams** that are not sealed, **far more body heat can be lost** when you are in the water than can be saved via insulation. | ||
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