| Do search around, this is a topic that randomly pops out.
That said, my opinions:
- crushed neoprene 2-3 mm thick (Forget non-crushed neoprene or thicker suits unless in very special condition like artic diving)
Pro: more robust and rugged. Can withstand small abrasions. If well chosen or adapted is a little more streamlined (no creases). Provides (little) thermal protection which is useful in cold waters.
Against: more difficult to repair, less mobility, very heavy when wet, much longer time to get dry, a little more hot when used in summer or in warm climates. If the neoprene is not of very good quality (DUI ...) or is thicker then 3 mm it can compress when at depth, affecting buoyancy.
- trilaminate
Pro: amazing mobility and lightness. Very easy to repair. Thermal protection depends only to undersuit, so flexible in every climate/water temp (I use the same suit in the Red Sea, with just a thin polipropilene undersuit or in ice dives with 3 °C with heavy undersuit). Gets dry quickly and weights nothing traveling
Against: you need to be careful in wrecks or restrictions.
Bottom line: I had both, and the neoprene one was a CF200, a very good neoprene drysuit. But I prefer trilaminate for mobility and flexibility in usage.
HTH |