TESTCENTRE
Sense and sensitivity
There’ s no denying that UK summers have become increasingly warmer over the last few years. Unfortunately for me, I become progressively less active the hotter it is. Even the act of kitting-up, especially in a drysuit, becomes a real chore; I’ m happy to embrace anything that makes my diving day a little more comfortable.
If you’ re a regular reader of Test Centre you’ ll be aware of my love for wetsuits and semi-drys in particular. I just find them a more convenient and comfortable way to dive, despite the grimaces from divers who’ d never( or indeed never have) use one in British waters.
SEAC’ s Sense wetsuit is primarily a warm-water wetsuit intended for the 20-30c range. Manufactured from 3mm bifoderato super elastic neoprene, the individual panels that make up the full-length suit are flawlessly stitched together in white, providing a stylish counterpoint to the otherwise all-black colour scheme.
A smooth mesh skin insert, designed to reduce heat dispersion, sits across the chest area, with the SEAC logo situated centrally. A rear plastic, vertical YKK zip runs from waist to neck, incorporating an internal flap of thin neoprene to protect the back. While a semi-dry suit utilises long wrist, ankle and neck seals to slow water ingress, the Sense has an effective neoprene Smooth Skin barrier situated right on the edge of the cuffs.
The material’ s excellent flexibility makes donning the suit very easy, and a long lanyard makes DIY zipping and unzipping a
48
Sense Wetsuit
COMPANY: SEAC PRICE: £ 159.95 WEB: WWW. SEACSUB. COM cinch. Hook and loop fasteners are located top and bottom to keep the lanyard from flapping about; a firm pull loosens it off when required.
With vertical zippers there will always be a slight gap on the nape of the neck where water is likely to trickle through. This comes with the territory, and the Sense is no different. However, a large Velcro-sealed flap minimises the effect by allowing the wearer to adjust the neck seal closer, for maximum efficiency.
I’ m lucky enough to live close to the sea and in the summer heat it’ s great to be able to access the water relatively easily for a‘ quickie dive’ to cool off and avoid the
effort of launching the RIB with a shore or kayak dive as a no-hassle alternative.
Pairing the Sense with a thin rash vest had two advantages. I could leave off the suit’ s upper and stay protected from the sun while the raised material around the neck would also help make a better seal when it came to diving. I’ d only be descending to a maximum depth of 8 metres and with the majority of the dive’ s duration being above that, I donned the suit and kitted up.
Going from an air temperature of 25 ° C plus to 18 ° C in the water there’ s always going to be a‘ hit’ with the temperature differential. Yet a few minutes into the dive, my body had warmed the water between the suit and my skin, and I felt quite comfortable. The wrist / ankle seals were further enhanced by thin gloves and boots, which all served to slow flushing.
After around 30 minutes of my 45-minute dive I did begin to feel a little chillier, but rising to the 5m safety stop zone before finishing with a shallow bimble soon warmed me up again. The Sense is also an adaptable option for those that enjoy other watersports. Very flexible and comfortable to wear, it’ s ideal for snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and paddle-boarding. Despite being such a great allrounder, the Sense’ s performance as a dive suit is where its true strength lies. I concede there are few UK divers who’ d willingly take on a 45-minute dive, even in sunny Cornwall. Nevertheless, the Sense proved capable in optimum UK conditions. When using in its intended temperature range of 20 ° C and above, I have no reservations in commending it as a fine wetsuit for the discerning diver.
SCUBA SAYS
SEAC’ s Sense wetsuit is smart, lightweight and very flexible. The Sense-ible choice for travellers and a great option for UK watersports of every description. Available in male and female versions.