TESTCENTRE
Low-flow wetsuit wonder
A
recent trend I ’ ve noticed over the last year is the greater availability of wetsuit and semi-drysuits for diving . Whether connected with our enforced stay-at-home diving habits or just coincidence , it ’ s always nice to have a few more options .
The latest offering to come Test Centre ’ s way is from Swedish manufacturer Waterproof . The W7 , available in 5mm and 7mm thicknesses is described as a wetsuit , but with inner glide-skin seals at the wrists and ankles to slow water movement , I reckon it functions more as a semi-dry .
Made from extremely soft and flexible limestone Neoflex neoprene with an inner thermal lining , it offers a good four-way stretch that makes donning the suit an absolute joy . I ’ ve very little tolerance to kitting up in hot weather but I was able to slip on the W7 on with the minimum of drama .
There are YKK zips at the ankle and wrists plus a vertical rear zipper benefitting from a double neoprene seal system to minimize water flow . The black / dark grey colour scheme with silver logos and shoulder protection looks great and is available in gender-specific styling in 15 male and 12 female sizes .
Neck tab : The suit has an adjustable tab located on the neck
Optional neck : The optional W7 Neck Seal eliminates water flow
I ’ ve never been an advocate of pockets on a wetsuit , but Waterproof ’ s extremely low-profile hip versions won my approval . Barelynoticeable when unused , they stretched easily to accommodate a DSMB and mini-reel in one and a spare mask in the other . Both wrists feature handy ‘ anchors ’ which keep watches and computers safely in place .
The inner elbows and rear of the knees use panels of flexible , ribbed neoprene ; I found these enhanced movement , while the reinforced Duratex seat provided ample protection while kitting up on rough terrain . The suit ’ s padded Kevlar / Duratex knee pads were also among the most comfortable I ’ ve come across .
As I may have mentioned in past reviews , vertical zips have their downsides . Lacking the ability to furnish a complete seal around the neck – such as with a drysuit – there ’ s always going to be an ingress of water . While the W7 combats this and reduces it to a trickle with an adjustable Velcro tab , it ’ s perhaps not such a tolerable experience in
Waterproof W7
COMPANY : CPS PARTNERSHIP PRICE : £ 385 PRICE : 01424 442663 WEB : WWW . CPSPARTNERSHIP . CO . UK
Main image : Front and rear views of the Waterproof W7
UK waters as it would be in warmer climes .
A hood with a tucked-in collar can fit the bill , but Waterproof has devised a separate neoprene neck seal that ’ s perfect for the job . Affixed to a corresponding hook and loop pocket on the inner side of the suit , I found the difference was immediate . As an optional accessory it adds an extra £ 24.50 on top of the cost of the suit itself but I ’ d recommend it for our colder climate .
I used the W7 in a variety of depths , from shallow shore dives to RIB trips in the 25-30 metre range for an average of 45 minutes per dive . In water temperatures of around 15 ° C I remained warm and comfortable for the duration , only becoming slightly chilled towards the end of deeper repetitive dives . Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
While it may not appeal to those looking for a budget buy , Waterproof ’ s W7 offers good value for money , with excellent thermal protection , great comfort and stylish looks . Ideal for diving at home or abroad .
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