Request for secret wetsuit donning lubrication formula

hmm, interesting topic for sure . . . I don't think the ocean much cares for those concoctions - but I've heard that Great White Sharks act like it's a dinner bell! 

Are these suits warmer, or less buoyant, more flexible, or what? What is their advantage that makes the difficulty worth it?

Like most, I go with the cheapest conditioner I can find.  I apply it using a spray bottle to be sure I don't get too much on there.  One important lesson I learned is that if you're going commando you don't really want the lube to be too slick if you're paddling a kayak to get to your spot...its not very comfortable to be slipping and sliding like that.

I usually go with about 1/4 conditioner to 3/4 water.

Thanks to all for the assist. Bought a bottle of Suave Coconut conditoner and will dilute it in a spray bottle with 15% ratio.

The stated advantage of the unlined(open cell)interior wetsuits is that they adhere to your skin and water does not circulate. These suits are also constructed of high-end Neoprene, have sealed wrists, ankles, and hoods. Am willing to grease up to get the max warmth, range of motion, and comfort to stay in the water for a long time lookng for giant abs and fish. Main reason I bought the suit was for the super comfort and flexibility of the Yamamoto Neoprene.

Shannon

I guess you definitely don't wanna take a whiz in one of those babies.... especially with the coconutz conditoners.....

i have done the following to don the open cell suit:

- use baby shampoo sparingly and mix with H20
- use 25% suave conditioner to 75% water, bring jugs of water to rinse out after you get the suit on.
- dip the suit in the ocean and get in it fast so you dont freeze

you can also lube up with kelp fronds but thats a pain.

I don't think the ocean much cares for those concoctions

  Not to apply too much guilt here, but that's kinda what I was thinking.  I guess it's a minor foul...

And, am I the only one who realizes this could make life easier but is too stubborn/lazy to do anything about it?   

Shannon - the synical piece of crap in me hopes I'm in the water finding a big ab while you're still spraying your foo-foo juice in your suit.   

Sorry, I'm done being an ass (this thread anyway...   )

I don't think the ocean much cares for those concoctions

I don't think the ocean cares for any of us.

It takes an extra ten seconds to spray the conditioner/water in my suit. The suit then slides on easier than my regular suit. I may be the last one in the water but when I'm spearing for hours I stay warm. I was in the water for 2 hours with Dave (early April) and never felt unwarm much less cold. You certainly don't have to have one of these suits to enjoy the water but they are lighter, warmer and much, much stretchier. 

cornstarch

Dumb question?  Why the need for an open cell wetsuit if its so diffcult to get on and off?
With my regualr 7mm I dont get chilled until after 2.5 hours into my dive and i am exausted by 3 hours and on my way in.

In my open cell suit i don't get chilled at all and have stayed in the water up to 5 hours.  It allows for greater freedom of movement.  Its really not that difficult to get on and off, you just hit it with a couple sprays and slide in. 

Ocean_314,

After diving for 20 yrs and reading about and talking with people who wore them I decided to get a Picasso.  I love it and for freediving I will never go back. 

The open cell describes the inside of the suit where the material has actually been cut to leave the microscopic bubbles in the neoprene open.  This causes them to really stick to the skin like a million little suction cups, this excludes water that your body will have to warmup.  And it's what makes it hard to slip on. I use baby powder to get mine on and often find dry spots inside the suit after 2hrs in the water

Most of these suits are also made of a high grade neoprene that even though they are called open cell, don't absorb as much water into themselves as a cheaper neo might. This helps it keep a better insulating factor. I''ve found that mine dries at least twice as fast as any other suit I've ever had.

Then there's the flexibility (to die for) this hi grade neo, has a stretch and flex that must be worn to be appreciated, it also makes the suit hug the skin closer than a stiffer grade N2 suit. this again excludes leakage.

All of these things make the suit warmer per unit of thickness than other suits.  The flex and fit make it feel more like a second skin than a suit you're wearing.  The cut of these suits usually allows people to take a few pounds off the belt too.

Probably more than you wanted to know,

Dale L

Just as Dale L stated, once you try one (open cell), you'll be spoiled for life!

Dale,
Have you tried conditioner/water (20/80 mix) instead of powder?
As stated by others, I goo the suit and slip and slide right in.
For me, donning an open cell is faster than struggling to put on a closed cell scuba suit.

Stuart

Dumb question?  Why the need for an open cell wetsuit if its so diffcult to get on and off?
With my regualr 7mm I dont get chilled until after 2.5 hours into my dive and i am exausted by 3 hours and on my way in.

getting the suit on is actually easier because its lubed. have you tried putting on a wet closed cell suit before? with an open cell you just slide it on after its been wet already.

part of the reason you might be exhausted in short time is because its not as easy to move in a closed cell suit as opposed to open cell inside suit. the nylon layer over the neoprene is restrictive. the open cell suits which require lube also keep you warmer thereby preventing early exhaustion too. i stay in my suit from 7am to 1-2pm sometimes diving all over and i rarely get pooped. i am in no great shape either.

open cell is the way to go for freediving where you are maximizing your breath and energy. open cell suits are way more stretchy and allow for more freedom of movement. a proper fitting suit feels like you are diving in your birthday suit.

also, while people are jumping out of their closed cell suits after a dive on a dive boat or beach dive, those with open cell suits are keeping them warm and staying warm. the suit does not act like a radiator cooling you down when there is wind. also, if you dive for abalone and the places require hikes to get to you may appreciate an open cell suit because its not as tight feeling and flexes more for walking around in.

i think those who dive with traditional closed cell suits often make a change to the open cell after having tried it just one time. its like a second skin and by staying warmer you are enjoying the day much more, maximizing your breath hold and diving better than ever before because you are not as restricted in terms of movement and comfort.

a good way to see how good they are is to go to a dive shop like wallins and ask to try one on, jump in their pool and feel the difference. you'll be sold the first time.

i have a hammerhead bottom with an omer top because i tore my bottoms out. they work good together though.