Soft neoprene versus the ‘old’ style neoprene, is it better or not?

[ChangeAgent]

It is that time again to get a new wetsuit. I have mine tailor-made as I live around the corner of the factory and get lovely prices. However since a few years there is this so called soft or stretch neoprene on the market.

I have read all the advertising hype and of course as they are easier to get I and out off, and they are easier to sell, as they tend to fit quicker around strange curves people might have, any shop would tell you they are better.

However as you all know it is its insulation factor that matters deep down and I wonder if folk have personal experience with soft neoprene. I would be interested to hear how the material holds up after 50 or more dives or after flying to locations a few times, wear and tear, does it stay this playable over time, and any other insights that might be out there.

Thanks in advance.

[tony J]

However as you all know it is its insulation factor that matters deep down and I wonder if folk have personal experience with soft neoprene. I would be interested to hear how the material holds up after 50 or more dives or after flying to locations a few times, wear and tear, does it stay this playable over time, and any other insights that might be out there.

Thanks in advance.
I've done 3 liveabord trips with my soft neoprene waterproof 7mm suit. I is as good as new after 67 dives. If stretch to fit like a glove and is so easy to put on

Tony

[ChangeAgent]

thanks Tony! did it loose thickness? how deep where you with it?

[paul_c]

well after last weekend alll i can say is make sure they put a decent zip onto it.

never seen the main part of a zip rip apart in human hands before but lo thats what happened to me. looks like the zip body was a plastic which has aged very fast

the suits done maybe 20 dives and is 3 years old and has been washed properly at the end of every majour use

[tony J]

thanks Tony! did it loose thickness? how deep where you with it?
It seems to be pretty thick still (no drop in weight yet !), only used on red sea air/nitrox diving so max depth 50m on brothers but mainly in 30m range

[ChangeAgent]

It seems to be pretty thick still
cool, how many dives did you do with it?