The Best Neoprene Dry Suits

A dry suit is essential if you participate in water sports for extended periods in water that's colder than 60 degrees F. A dry suit will keep you warm, using your body heat. Neoprene is a rigid, rubber-like material that provides superior protection and insulation. It's an excellent choice for winter fishing and boating or scuba diving.

Types

Neoprene dry suits include customized designs for specific activities. For example, diving suits come with an inflator valve and an exhaust valve. Suits designed for boaters, rafters or anglers feature other waterproof and breathable materials, using neoprene at the cuffs and for cushioning. In neoprene suits, the neoprene is 3 to 5 mm thick. The thicker the layer of neoprene, the warmer the suit is, but the more difficult it is to move or get into it.

Features

A neoprene dry suit is expensive. You can expect to pay $1,000 or more, as of 2011, for a high-end suit. Features you should look for depend on how you plan to use it. There are suits with insulated boots to keep your feet warm. Reinforced elbows and knees will prevent damage and extend the life of your suit. Suits also come with valves to control the air in the suit and buoyancy. Better quality dry suits have additional stitching.

Zippers and Reinforcements

The placement of the zippers is a compromise between ease of getting into your dry suit and keeping it from being too rigid. Suits designed specifically for a man and for a woman will have additional zippers for convenience. If you have worn wet suits before, you may be surprised at how much easier it is to get into a neoprene dry suit. Many suits also have thicker padding on the knees and seat, and around the neck for added warmth.

Dry Suit Care

Even the best neoprene dry suit requires periodic care and maintenance to prolong its use. Care is especially important if you use it in extreme conditions. Before putting on your suit, inspect it for signs of damage, paying attention to zippers and areas where wear is likely to occur. Wash your dry suit with a cleanser designed for neoprene suits to remove salt, odors and debris.