Membrane vs Neoprene

[jackadam]

I need to buy a new suit, I have always dived Neoprene. But a number of factors are pushing me towards Membrane;

1. Freedom of movement for Shutdowns
2. They do seem to be more hardwearing than Neoprene (if you consider how many patches I have on mine)
3. Most of my fellow club members swear by Membrane.

However, I am never cold in my suit (currently Northern Diver and Weezle Undersuit). My fellow membrane clad divers yesterday all passed comment on the cold 7 degrees), but all believed they were wearing the “best” suit they had ever owned.

Has anybody in YD switched from Neoprene to Membrane and had regrets, or Membrane to Neoprene and wished they hadn’t.

[Richie]

I have used both and prefer neoprene.

perhaps because the membrane was a not very good ND thing and I now use an O'three which is a very good thing.

[jackadam]

Which 0 Three, and how much?

[Buoyant Babe]

Just about to switch from membrane to neoprene as I REALLY feel the cold, despite layering Xerotherms under Arctics .

Don't do shut downs myself so can't comment on that aspect - expecting to try my new suit out soon when it comes back from ND after a boot change.

Tried it on in the shop with all my undersuits - far more than I will probably wear - and didn't feel any more restricted (nice 4mm compressed jobby) than with the membrane. Twas a sorry sight me wandering round the shop doing squats, much to the amusement of the lads at Denney Dive .

Will let you know when I've tried it out.

Hxxx

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by Richie

I have used both and prefer neoprene.

I've used both and prefer membrane.
You are going to get a split poll here.
My preference is based on using a proper 200gm undersuit under a good Otter Britannic but both sorts of suit when properly made will beat a cheap one. I decided trilam had sufficient margin to win my money mostly on weight, flexibility and nice latex seals. I'm a scrawny runt and neoprene doesn't like sealing where my wrist and neck ligaments stick out. See here for more woffle.

[Richie]

Originally Posted by jackadam

Which 0 Three, and how much?

The MSF 500 TB -the cheapest any way. Off the peg it is now £599 I think.

For this price they will, or would, make minor mods- change boots etc.

After sales service has been superb.

[Peter M]

Used to have an oceanic flex didnt like it got a typhoon cnk neporene MTM it's great i am really warm in 6-8 degree water and i have more movement in this suit

[Dave Crampton]

I have used Both Neophrene and Menbrane too. I started with a Typhoon Compressed Neo Suit which was excellent, but I old it in favour of a Membrane as I bought twins, and couldn't reach the valves. I wish I'd just inverted and kept my Neo. It was a very warm suit, with my Weezle Extreme, and I have to now wear a warmer under suit in Winter.

If I ever get another suit I think I'll buy a compresed Neo again.

Dave C

[jackadam]

Thanks for the info, so far. Still no wiser. I think Neoprene is coming out tops at the minute. Approx 400 + Dives in my neoprene and I still haven't needed to change neck or wrist seals (although as I mentioned all the seams are bloody dodgy and patched). The membrane users I know with Latex type seals need to change seemingly every year. If I went for Membrane is their any drawback (apart from cost) to change them to Neoprene neck and Wrist Seals. Personally, I haven't seen many suits with this config.

[Hazel W]

my oceanic membrane had neo seals for durability worked fine and no problem getting them fitted


hazel