While the word wetsuit is kind of self-explaining, this cannot be said about a drysuit. If you ask anyone what a wetsuit is, they will probably tell you that is related to water sports or something like that. The answer may not be so clear when you ask what a drysuit is.
Someone may tell you that there is nothing like that; there are only wetsuits. Well, let’s start by clarifying that there is indeed something called a dry suit. Below, we discuss the qualities of each, so that you can decide, wetsuit or drysuit.
Whether you end up using a wetsuit or a dry suit depends on a number of things. First of all, it is important to note that dry and wetsuits are suitable for different conditions. Whether you use one or the other will depend to a great extent on this. However, the real practical difference boils down to the cost of each, the warmth each one can provide and the weight.
To Keep The Water Out Or Not
As the name of the drysuit suggests, it is to be used by someone who wants to keep themselves totally dry while in the water. The main reason for using this kind of suit is to ensure that the skin and the water are never in contact.
Well, keeping the skin dry will not be your only reason for using a dry suit. The other reason is that you do not want your skin to be in contact with the outer side of the suit that is in contact with the cold water.
In terms of keeping the water out, it is a whole different story when it comes to the wetsuit. When manufacturing the wetsuit, the seams do not necessarily have to be made to be totally watertight with either glue or tape.
So, some water may still be able to come in through the seams. This is not to suggest that the water rushes in. It means to say that it is not totally kept out in the way it is on a drysuit.
Issues Of Weight
The other consideration when you are faced with a choice between the wetsuit and drysuit is the need to achieve a buoyancy underwater that is neutral. Another factor that can have an influence here is how thick the undersuit you are using is.
Experience shows that, when using a dry suit, you may be required to add more weight as compared to a wetsuit even if they are of the same thickness. Divers will tell you that when you start using a drysuit you are likely to experience what is called “floaty feet”. This can be solved by using weights.
If You Need To Keep Warm
A big difference between using a wetsuit and a drysuit depends on the level of warmth you are looking for while diving of doing any other water activities. The drysuit has a big advantage when it comes to this area.
One of the reasons why you are able to keep warm when using this particular suit is that you are not getting wet. Your body does not need to use some of its heat to heat a thin layer of water permitted inside by the suit.
The other advantage with a drysuit is that when you emerge from the water into a cold atmosphere, you do not experience the same discomfort as you do when you come out with a wetsuit. The drysuit will certainly be great for anyone who is afraid of cold water. It is also ideal in an environment where temperatures outside the water are too cold for comfort.
Your Diving Technique Changes
If you are a diver, the choice between a wetsuit and a drysuit should be made with the knowledge that this may affect your diving technique. This calls upon you as the user to ensure that you receive adequate training when it comes to diving using a drysuit.
The bottom line is that the choice between using a wetsuit or a drysuit is something pretty premised on personal preferences. It also depends on which type of diving you have in mind. If you can afford, it may be a good idea to have both. However, if you can only have one wetsuit, you have to look at the factors we discuss above and make your choice.