Triathlon Wetsuit

marshvet · Mar 3, 2014

I have been diving about 3 years but only in the cold Northeast. As such, I only dive dry. I am finally going to experience warm water diving in Belize later this month. I was considering buying a 3ml full suit (My LDS recommended that over a shortie) when I remembered I had a full Tri wetsuit. The only difference I could see is that the armpits have a very thin fabric vs the suit itself. Is there any reason NOT to use this suit for this one trip? Thanks

knotical · Mar 3, 2014

These articles:
SCUBA Diving Wetsuits
and:
Triathlon Wetsuits FAQ | Tri Wetsuits
imply the triathlon wetsuits neoprene wont hold up as well under pressure at depth, nor to general abrasion. They also talk about buoyant panels in the triathlon wetsuit, which seem unnecessary for scuba, and could affect trim.

You might want to consider how likely you are to use the triathlon suit in the future, and if not, try to get a pool session to see if/how your buoyancy/trim is affected.

lmorin · Mar 3, 2014

IMHO, the only consideration is whether that suit will keep you warm enough. If so, the suit is yours and you can wear it if you want.

Redshift · Mar 3, 2014

It should be more stretchy and compressible.
Also, triathlon suits are very fragile on the exterior. The neoprene is not protected and you can easily cut it (even nails are enough to make cuts).

decompression · Mar 3, 2014

Tri suits are much thinner and not made to be used under water in that it looses it's thermal properties with compression. I think you'll be much happier diving even with an inexpensive 3mm full. You could always write Ironman on it.

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Nemrod · Mar 3, 2014

marshvet:
I have been diving about 3 years but only in the cold Northeast. As such, I only dive dry. I am finally going to experience warm water diving in Belize later this month. I was considering buying a 3ml full suit (My LDS recommended that over a shortie) when I remembered I had a full Tri wetsuit. The only difference I could see is that the armpits have a very thin fabric vs the suit itself. Is there any reason NOT to use this suit for this one trip? Thanks

The tri suit will be stretchy, soft neoprene and quite fragile. It will compress rapidly and provide no warmth for SCUBA. Get a suit designed for SCUBA. I have a tri suit, swimming with it in saltwater makes me feel like a motorboat. But, nio good for SCUBA.

N

Triathlon Wetsuit

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