Posted by Eins on December 27, 2000 at 09:22:05:
In Reply to: Dry Suits posted by Randy on December 27, 2000 at 08:54:13:
I'm confused.
Crushed neoprene does require undergarments. Crushed neoprene has no (zero) thermal properties because there are no bubbles left in the shell (which is a result of the crushing). Crushed neoprene does stretch and can therefore be cut more snug to your body, creating less drag.
The other shell materials are Trilam, Butyl, and other sandwiches without thermal properties which all require undergarments. These shells do not stretch (if there is some kind of fabric involved in the sandwich) but they are flexible. They need to be cut more loose and will create more drag.
Now, on the other side, there is neoprene, from 7mm down to ~3mm. The good news is that these suits are cheaper, provide thermal protection and fit closer to your body. The bad news is that you loose the thermal protection as you descend (the bubbles compress), your buoyancy changes as a result of that, and, if the suit fits you snugly, it will be tougher to don it with you wearing undergarments.
These neoprene suits come under different names like compressed neoprene, dense neoprene, and what have you. This is, however, not crushed.
Now, go and do your research. A good site to start with is www.dui-online.com
They have a wealth of information there.
Also, checking out the gear guide on www.scubadiving.com will give you some insights.
And don't forget, at the end of the day you get what you pay for.
Eins