• The Neoprene: The most critical element of any suit. The neoprene we use gives a high degree of comfort and flexibility, whilst minimising compression, maximising its recovery, therefore keeping you warmer for longer. O’Three’s 65 Semi Dry Diving Wetsuit uses three densities of quality dive grade neoprene.

• The Fabrics: In order to capitalise on the quality of the neoprene, we need to laminate it with the best fabric combinations. From the durable 210D fabric used on the seat and front of the legs, to the Thermal Plush used internally throughout the Torso, no fewer than 8 different linings have been utilised, each having a specific function and job to do.

• The Cut: Tailoring and ergonomically shaping remain a priority. Get it right and the detail in marrying the Neoprene and Fabric combinations will come into their own.

• Thickness: 6mm Body, 5mm Arms and legs.

• Thermal Plush: Internally the torso has been laminated with Thermal Plush. This new material combines fibres and a unique weaving technique that will increase warmth and speed up drying times.

• Seams: Triple glued and blind stitched, resulting in watertight seams.

• Stretch Panels: A careful combination of supply neoprene and ultra-stretch linings, tailored into areas that require additional flex and comfort.

• 210D – Fabric: A tried and tested version of the material we use on our Ri2-100 Dry Suit. 210D has been used on the rear and front leg panels.

• Sea seal: Pressure fit glide skin wrist seal.

• Floating Collar: A soft micro mesh combined with a super ultra-stretch lining resulting in a neck seal that floats and contours your neck like no other. Adjustable Velcro closure.

  Modern fabrics have allowed all manufacturers to produce products that now stretch and flex like never before.  Velcro will attach to some of these fabrics, this small disadvantage is far outweighed by the advantages of these modern fabrics. The issue is easily avoided by always marrying both parts of the Velcro when not in use.

• Zip: YKK HD metal slider back zip.

• Knee Pads: 210D Fabric has been reinforced with a strong, yet flexible PU laminate.

• Storm Guard: 1mm super ultra-stretch neoprene barrier subtly incorporated into the zip panel, creating a 100% waterproof guard.

• Colour: All Black, with Alloy Blue and Mid Blue graphics.

Please take a little time to read and think about what is explained below, before you buy a wet / semi dry suit for diving.

Neoprene was invented by DuPont in 1930 and remains the best thermal insulator for any water sport, above or below the surface.

As you would expect, neoprene has evolved in those 85 years. Refined techniques and huge investment has created a range of Neoprene suitable for applications from Running Tracks to Triathlon Wetsuits.

The vast majority of people who enjoy water-sports and wear a wetsuit remain at the surface.

The demand for extreme flexibility and movement has been and remains the overriding factor for the surf and surface water sports industry.  It is this sector that has been driving that neoprene evolution.

We have neoprene available today which has been specifically developed to be super light and ultra-soft, which is then laminated with ultra-stretch super extend materials.

That has quite simply surpassed what any of us in the industry thought could have been achieved only 8 to 10 years ago.

However, it is only diving that inflicts a sustained compression on your neoprene product.

It is the thickness of the neoprene that is your insulator.   The softer the neoprene, the thinner it will become at depth.   A really soft 5mm suit will be half its thickness at just 2 meters (6feet).   At 30 meters it’ll be paper thin.

Softer neoprene will allow over stretching, creating thin spots even before you get under water.

Softer neoprene will not recover from compression.

The longer and deeper your dives, the quicker this will happen.

O’Three use several types of neoprene.  The vast majority of which have been developed specifically for diving.  These neoprenes have more mass and strength, whilst remaining flexible and comfortable.

It may take a little longer to don and doff and therefore to sell an O’Three semi dry diving wetsuit, but we will not compromise the diving grade materials we use.

Ultimately, it is these materials that are helping to keep you warm and in the most extreme circumstances alive.