CAPTAIN SINBAD
Contributor
Hello:
I am wondering why does UTD not allow neoprene drysuits? I am quoting from the UTD website ...
"Dry suits should be constructed of a non-buoyancy changing type material. Neoprene suits (buoyancy changing) should not be considered for diving at any level simply due to bulkiness, variable buoyancy and thermal protection characteristics. The use of Neoprene as dry suit material causes the undesirable situation of ensuring that the diver is overweighed and has lost a certain percentage of thermal protection during the bottom portion of his dive. Being overweight on the bottom forces a diver to have too much air in the suit/BCD which can cause trim, drag and efficiency issues. Balanced suits on the other hand have minimal buoyancy-swing characteristics. The downside is that they as well offer little in the way of thermal protection. To over come this, some form of undergarment is necessary. (See section on undergarments.)"
This seems to be a very poor case for ruling out the use of neoprene suits. I have owned both shell suits and neoprene suits and I wear less lead in my neoprene suit than in shell. Neoprene needs less undergarment for the same temperature and can be stitched closer to the body due to its flexibility thus reducing the air-pocket.
Are these simply "recommendations" or are the UTD members / instructors obligated to comply by these "standards?"
Thanks -
I am wondering why does UTD not allow neoprene drysuits? I am quoting from the UTD website ...
"Dry suits should be constructed of a non-buoyancy changing type material. Neoprene suits (buoyancy changing) should not be considered for diving at any level simply due to bulkiness, variable buoyancy and thermal protection characteristics. The use of Neoprene as dry suit material causes the undesirable situation of ensuring that the diver is overweighed and has lost a certain percentage of thermal protection during the bottom portion of his dive. Being overweight on the bottom forces a diver to have too much air in the suit/BCD which can cause trim, drag and efficiency issues. Balanced suits on the other hand have minimal buoyancy-swing characteristics. The downside is that they as well offer little in the way of thermal protection. To over come this, some form of undergarment is necessary. (See section on undergarments.)"
This seems to be a very poor case for ruling out the use of neoprene suits. I have owned both shell suits and neoprene suits and I wear less lead in my neoprene suit than in shell. Neoprene needs less undergarment for the same temperature and can be stitched closer to the body due to its flexibility thus reducing the air-pocket.
Are these simply "recommendations" or are the UTD members / instructors obligated to comply by these "standards?"
Thanks -