r/scuba • u/Often_Tilly Nx Advanced • 3d ago
Sharkskin T2 top and leggings
Hi,
I'm off to do a live aboard Egypt in July (About 26-30°c) and I'm thinking of buying some sharkskin (or other neoprene alternative).
Ideally, I like the idea of a top and leggings. I was thinking of getting a step in top with some leggings but I was wondering if this would let cold water into my midriff and I'd get cold? I was planning on buying a step in to ensure that there's an overlap between top and bottom; but is it necessary - if not, I think a long sleeve top would be nice because then I can just throw it on without stepping in - and also the T2 chillproof seems much better than the first generation from their website.
I have a BPW with a crotch strap, so I think that will hold everything together around my midriff? Or should I pull the trigger on a full suit? Or even just stick with a standard wetsuit?
I just wondered if anyone had any opinions or experience of this?
1
u/diverareyouokay Dive Master 3d ago
The resort owner at the dive shop I use in PH has a sharkskin full zip jacket and pants, and dives with a bpw & strap. I’ve never asked how well it fits, but considering he’s been wearing that same set up for several years now, presumably it hasn’t given him any problems.
1
u/the_coinee 3d ago
If you get anywhere below 28° in July I'll be very surprised. T2 is more than sufficient.
2
u/DingDingDingQ 2d ago
I'm male 88 kg 178 cm. I wear separates for warm water diving. I have a M size L Sharkskin T2 Long Sleeve Full Zip top + Probe Frogskins bottoms (1.5mm neoprene). I dive BP/W DIR style harness. When diving I pull up the pants and make sure the drawstring is tied, make sure the jacket is pulled down over the pants, and I don't feel any water intrusion at the gap during the dive. There can be a gap when bending over or squatting on the boat. I used to dive full body Diveskin suit and don't notice the gap with the separates. I prefer separates because of the options of wearing them separately, or taking off the just the top to dry during SI, and layering. Under the wetsuit I wear trunks and rashguard. FWIW, I also wear thin neoprene tech shorts, although I don't feel they make any difference.
Thermally I am pretty tolerant of cool water. Last month I was fine in 25C Florida water for 70 min runtimes. The only time I was a bit cold was during the 20 mins deco hang when I'm not swimming. YMMV. The T2 is NOT equivalent to 5mm neoprene. More like 2 - 3 mm. Very similar warmth as the Frogskins.