Sport Products
The SALVIMAR Drop Diving Wetsuit is a specialized diving suit designed with technical divers in mind. Unlike standard wetsuits focused on warmth and buoyancy, the Drop prioritizes mobility, flexibility, and freedom of movement critical for demanding dives where intricate equipment configuration and maneuvering are commonplace. This review will explore every aspect of this unique wetsuit, from its design features to user feedback, helping you determine if it's the right choice for your diving needs.
The SALVIMAR Drop is a marvel of modern neoprene technology and ergonomic design. Here are some key aspects that set this suit apart:
This wetsuit employs a hybrid construction, combining the insulating properties of traditional neoprene with strategically placed stretch panels made from Yamamoto #39 cell neoprene. This blend ensures excellent thermal protection without compromising flexibility or freedom of movement. The Yamamoto neoprene is particularly prized for its exceptional elasticity and low water absorption rate crucial in cold waters where you need to maintain warmth while still being able to maneuver freely.
The SALVIMAR Drop boasts a highly anatomical cut, meticulously designed to contour the diver's body without restricting movement. This includes pre-shaped elbows and knees for optimal articulation, as well as an articulated back panel that follows the natural curvature of the spine. The result is a wetsuit that feels like a second skin, allowing you to move with ease in any dive situation.
Technical diving often involves rubbing against rough surfaces or grappling with heavy equipment. To withstand this abuse, the Drop features reinforced panels at high-wear areas such as elbows, knees, and shoulders. The outer layer is constructed from a durable Superstretch fabric that resists abrasion while maintaining flexibility. This combination ensures long-lasting performance even under demanding conditions.
One of the most innovative features of the SALVIMAR Drop is its integrated trim pockets, strategically placed on both thighs. These pockets provide a convenient and streamlined method for attaching weights without relying on external weight belts. This reduces drag and improves buoyancy control, allowing you to fine-tune your trim with precision an essential skill in technical diving.
The Drop's rear zipper is strategically positioned to minimize water intrusion while maximizing ease of entry and exit. The oversized pull tab allows for easy operation even with thick gloves, ensuring you can quickly don or doff the suit as needed. This feature is especially important when dealing with decompression stops or emergency situations where every second counts.
The SALVIMAR Drop Diving Wetsuit isn't just about comfort and functionality; its also built to withstand the rigors of technical diving. Here's a breakdown of its durability features:
As mentioned earlier, the suit incorporates reinforced panels at high-wear areas like elbows, knees, and shoulders. These strategically placed reinforcements provide an extra layer of protection against abrasion and tears, extending the lifespan of the wetsuit. The Yamamoto neoprene's inherent durability further contributes to its overall robustness.
The outer fabric is made from a Superstretch material that resists scuffing and tearing while maintaining exceptional flexibility. This ensures that even after repeated use in challenging environments, the suit will continue to perform at its best without showing significant signs of wear.
The seams are double-stitched with high-quality thread for enhanced strength and water resistance. The flatlock stitching further minimizes bulk while maximizing comfort against the skin. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the suit remains watertight even under extreme pressure changes experienced during technical dives.
Comfort is paramount in a diving wetsuit, especially when you're spending hours submerged in cold water. The SALVIMAR Drop excels in this regard thanks to its thoughtful design and high-quality materials. Heres what makes it so comfortable:
The Yamamoto neoprene used throughout the suit provides excellent thermal insulation without restricting movement. Its low water absorption rate ensures that you stay warm even after repeated dives, while its exceptional elasticity allows for a full range of motion. This combination makes the Drop ideal for cold-water technical diving.
The suit's anatomical cut perfectly contours to your body, eliminating pressure points and chafing. The pre-shaped elbows and knees further enhance comfort by allowing for unrestricted movement in any direction. This glove-like fit ensures that the wetsuit feels like a natural extension of your own skin.
The interior lining is made from a soft, plush material that feels comfortable against bare skin or rash guards. This helps to prevent chafing and irritation even during long dives. The smooth surface also facilitates easy donning and doffing of the suit.
Beyond its comfort and durability, the SALVIMAR Drop Diving Wetsuit is packed with features that cater specifically to the needs of technical divers. Here's a closer look at some key functionalities:
As mentioned previously, the integrated trim pockets are one of the standout features of this suit. They provide a convenient and streamlined method for attaching weights without relying on external weight belts. This improves buoyancy control and reduces drag, allowing you to fine-tune your trim with precision an essential skill in technical diving where precise positioning is critical.
The rear zipper allows for easy entry and exit of the suit, even when wearing thick gloves. The oversized pull tab ensures that you can operate the zipper effortlessly, regardless of hand size or dexterity. This feature is particularly valuable during decompression stops or emergency situations where every second counts.
The wrists and ankles are sealed with Glideskin material to minimize water intrusion and maximize warmth retention. These seals provide a snug fit without restricting blood flow, ensuring that you stay comfortable throughout your dive.
To get a better understanding of how well the SALVIMAR Drop Diving Wetsuit performs in real-world conditions, we've compiled feedback from various diving forums and online reviews. Here are some common themes that emerged:
The SALVIMAR Drop Diving Wetsuit comes with a premium price tag of around $1200 - $1500 USD depending on size and retailer. While this might seem steep compared to standard wetsuits, it's important to consider that this suit is specifically designed for technical diving a demanding discipline that requires specialized equipment. Considering its superior warmth, flexibility, durability, and functionality, the SALVIMAR Drop offers excellent value for money for serious tech divers who prioritize performance over cost savings. Its integrated trim pockets alone are worth the investment, as they eliminate the need for external weight belts and improve buoyancy control significantly.
The SALVIMAR Drop Diving Wetsuit is a top-tier choice for technical divers seeking exceptional warmth, flexibility, durability, and functionality. Its hybrid construction, anatomical cut, reinforced panels, integrated trim pockets, and rear zipper make it the ideal suit for demanding dives where precision and mobility are critical. While its price may be higher than standard wetsuits, the SALVIMAR Drop's superior performance justifies the investment for serious tech divers who demand only the best equipment.
A diving wetsuit, like the SALVIMAR Drop, is designed to keep you warm while underwater. It does this by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit, which then warms up with your body heat. This prevents hypothermia in colder waters, allowing you to enjoy longer dives.
The SALVIMAR Drop wetsuit is designed for technical divers, featuring a 3mm neoprene material providing excellent thermal insulation and flexibility. It includes reinforced areas at critical stress points (knees, elbows) for durability and longer lifespan. It also features adjustable closures for a secure fit, and ergonomic design for freedom of movement.
The SALVIMAR Drop is available in multiple sizes to ensure you get the perfect fit. Please refer to our sizing guide on the product page for accurate measurements. We recommend measuring your chest and waist, then comparing it to the chart provided.
While designed with technical diving in mind, the SALVIMAR Drop is versatile enough for all levels of divers. Beginners will appreciate its warmth and comfort as they develop their skills. However, more advanced divers will benefit from its durability and flexibility during challenging dives.
A 3mm neoprene wetsuit like the SALVIMAR Drop offers an optimal balance between thermal insulation and freedom of movement. It's ideal for warm to cool water conditions where you need protection from colder temperatures without feeling restricted.
The SALVIMAR Drop Diving Wetsuit utilizes 3mm neoprene, known for its excellent thermal insulation and flexibility. The reinforced areas are made with a durable nylon fabric to withstand wear and tear.
After each dive, rinse your wetsuit thoroughly in fresh water to remove salt or chlorine residue. Hang it up to dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners as they can damage the neoprene material.
Yes, the SALVIMAR Drop is designed with UV resistance in mind. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may still cause fading over time.
A proper fit is crucial for comfort and performance. The wetsuit should be snug but not restrictive, allowing you full range of motion without feeling too tight. It shouldn't have any gaping or wrinkles that could allow water to enter. If unsure about your size, consult our sizing guide or contact us for assistance.
The SALVIMAR Drop features a robust zipper and Velcro closures on the front of the wetsuit. This allows you to adjust the fit around your chest area for maximum comfort and security during dives.
No, the SALVIMAR Drop is designed to work seamlessly with most BCDs. The slim profile ensures it doesn't restrict movement or get in the way of your equipment.
The SALVIMAR Drop is a full-body wetsuit, offering complete coverage from neck to ankles and wrists for maximum warmth and protection.
Yes, many divers prefer wearing thermal underwear beneath their wetsuits for added insulation in colder water conditions. You can also add gloves, hoods, and socks as needed. We recommend using neoprene-compatible items to avoid damaging your wetsuit material.
The 3mm thickness of this wetsuit makes it ideal for warm to cool waters (typically between 60F and 75F). For colder conditions, consider a thicker wetsuit or drysuit with undergarments.
The extra layers of neoprene and nylon fabric in high-stress areas like the knees and elbows provide superior abrasion resistance and prevent tearing during dives. This extends the lifespan of your wetsuit significantly.
You can purchase this wetsuit directly from our online store or through authorized Salvimar dealers. Visit our website for more information on purchasing options and locations.
We offer a hassle-free return policy within 30 days of purchase, provided the wetsuit is in its original condition (unused and unworn) with all tags attached. Please refer to our website for detailed instructions on how to initiate a return.
Yes, we ship worldwide! Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on your location. You can view estimated shipping rates during checkout.
We occasionally offer special discounts and promotions on our products. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on upcoming sales and exclusive offers!