Uwatec WETSUITS, Manual

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4
SAFETY FIRST
NOTE: SCUBAPRO RECOMMENDS THAT ALL DIVERS OBTAIN THE REQUIRED TRAINING
AND LEARN HOW TO USE THIS PRODUCT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A CERTIFIED
DIVING INSTRUCTOR BEFORE USE UNDERWATER.
• ALWAYS check to make sure the zipper is functioning properly before using your wetsuit.
• ALWAYS remember that the amount of ballast weight you use when wearing your wetsuit
should be just enough to achieve neutral buoyancy with an empty tank – and no more.
Ballast Weight Tip: With the correct amount of weight, you should be able to remain neutrally
buoyant at a depth of 3 meters (10 feet) in order to make a 5- minute safety stop with 30 bar
(500 psi) or less of tank pressure.
•
NEVER exceed the maximum depth you are qualified for by your certification level.
• NEVER use your wetsuit in contaminated or heavily polluted environments, or in toxic or
hydrocarbon-rich waters.
• NEVER use your wetsuit as a safety/buoyancy device.
• NEVER use your wetsuit with a weight harness or other weight system not equipped
with a quick-release system.
ANATOMY OF A SCUBAPRO WETSUIT
SCUBAPRO offers wetsuits of various designs and thicknesses (0.5mm to 7.5mm) to meet
divers’ thermal protection needs in a wide variety of water temperatures and conditions.
MATERIAL
Your new wetsuit, and, in fact, all SCUBAPRO wetsuits, are manufactured from 100 percent
pure neoprene made from an exclusive formula called X-Foam which is made from limestone
neoprene.
This neoprene is petroleum-free, it is the only neoprene formula that complies with the very
strict P.A.H. (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) test requirements.
SEAMS
The seams that join the panels of all SCUBAPRO wetsuits 3mm and thicker are glued
(solvent free glue) and blind-stitched. This is generally considered to be the best stitching
available. In this process, first seams are glued and treated with a waterproofing substance.
This is followed by the “blind-stitch” where the needle penetrates only the top layer of the
material. Because the needle never passes all the way through the neoprene, the result is
a durable seam that blocks water intrusion, maximizing the suit’s overall thermal properties.
ZIPPERS
Zippers on SCUBAPRO wetsuits vary depending on model and style. Zippers can be
diagonal, vertical or horizontal, and they can be found on either the back or the front of the
suit.
Vertical/Diagonal Zippers:
These zippers are designed to be closed from the bottom up. Always close - and open -
vertical or diagonal zippers while standing. This prevents the formation of folds along the
length of the zipper that can get jammed in the zipper teeth. Before closing the zipper
make sure the inner gusset or under-flap beneath the zipper is properly smoothed out. (All
SCUBAPRO zippers feature gussets or under-flaps to reduce water seepage through the
zipper teeth.) Some zippers have external over-flaps that also help reduce water intrusion;
these are held in place by Velcro tabs.