After presenting in Apneapassion’s X-Ray column the Snake wetsuit by SEAC, we tested it at sea, in the waters of the Strait of Messina. A sea always beaten by strong tidal currents that make every dive rather cold, especially in a period, that of November, which is approaching the coldest months of the year.
We tested the Seac Snake with a 7 mm jacket and 5 mm pants, which are the minimum thicknesses for these periods.
Dressing and undressing
Wearing the SEAC Snake, as anticipated in the previous article, was not challenging at all. The wetsuit feels quite soft to the touch. The 100% Ultrastretch neoprene, used to make it, appears stretchy but durable. We got this feeling both in our X-Ray evaluation and in the topical moment of donning. Warm water and a bit of shampoo, allowed us to slip the internal open cell surface smoothly over the skin. This was as true with the pants as with the jacket, albeit thicker.
The watertight seals at the cuffs and ankles ( Aquastop system), of course make operations a bit more challenging than on wetsuits that do not have them, but without ever being an undue hindrance.
Similarly, in undressing, we had a little more difficulty in pulling the pants off, in the last stretch when the seal had to go over the heel.
Although standard size, once put on, the wetsuit fit fairly evenly. We did not notice any creases or constricting points or, worse, uncomfortable air pockets.
Elasticity
As mentioned, 100% Ultrastretch lined neoprene makes elasticity, in all directions, its greatest asset. This is true for both the wider “patches” and near the seams.
What we have noticed is that near the knees, where the PU Print protection is located, the special design of it does not overly stiffen the part, nor does it restrict its movement.
Thermal insulation by SEAC Snake
Thermal insulation is perhaps the aspect that, once we got into the water, impressed us most about this wetsuit. The good fit of the cut on the body, but more importantly, the Aquastop system at the ankles, wrists and face contour, make this wetsuit a very warm model indeed.
Body heat loss is limited. And almost nullified is the recirculation of water during swimming, diving or in more pronounced movements.
Even with water stays of more than 4 hours and 16-17°C as the water temperature, thermal comfort was optimal.
Buoyancy
Due to the thickness and density characteristics of the material, it was necessary to have more significant ballast. Testing the wetsuit at an average depth, the buoyancy was quite stable. In deeper dives however , we did not notice appreciable effects of material crushing.
Given also the configuration of different thicknesses between pants and jacket, moving to the shallow water, we realized the need for a harness.
Camouflage
The particular texture and colors of the SEAC Snake wetsuit have the characteristics of adapting well somewhat to all visibility conditions. In particular, in the chosen seabed, the optical and color rendition proved particularly effective.
We must recognize that the combination of the particular “scale” pattern and the color palette, with the gradient effect, result in a rather effective decomposition of the image.
Cut of the SEAC Snake wetsuit
Even in the water the wetsuit fit very precisely with no areas of constriction and no pockets. Despite the jacket’s greater thickness, we did not notice any impediments to ventilation.
The smooth-edged face contour ensures that the hood does not move during dips. Even following major head movements, it never slipped off the chin.
The beavertail jacket closure, with double snap buttons, does not annoy or create annoying constrictions. It also does not disturb during finning. The sternal reinforcement, small in size, is well placed. When charging, it is very intuitive to center it with the stock of the sling spearguns and fulfills its task perfectly.
Even after long swimming trips, there was no skin sensitization or redness from abrasion.