Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Aaron Carney photo
1 Level
802 Review
39 Karma

Review on Wetsuit Neoprene Wetsuits Swimming Snorkeling Sports & Fitness by Aaron Carney

Revainrating 5 out of 5

this quality - tops

I ordered two other neoprene tops from Revain and sent them back before trying this one. Once you figure out what size you need, buy it. I'm 6-1, 198 lbs, size 44, jacket, chest 42, waist 37, arms outstretched, 71 1/2 inches to fingertips, 55 1/2 inches to wrist. Wrist. I wear a normal t-shirt, a large classic shirt. With this XXL top, it sits perfectly on the chest, snug without leaving space. The length of the sleeve was to the wrist. The waist was very tight but not uncomfortable as I have a small stomach and large midriff area. This material is very stretchy, consider a compression shirt (I wear a size plus in a Hawk compression shirt). Also note that wetsuits tend to loosen up a bit when wet. For those new to wetsuits, a dry wetsuit is not going to keep you warm. A wetsuit keeps a thin layer of water between you and your skin. Your body heats this layer, and the suit's neoprene insulates this layer from the surrounding water or air. A wetsuit should be snug against the skin when wet, so when dry it should be slightly stretched or very tight, not tight. If your suit is too loose, water can move between it and your skin, constantly draining your body heat. Note: Two other brands advertised as 2mm were no thicker than this 1.5mm. There are different grades of neoprene and nylon covers (earlier wetsuits were all neo, then nylon on one side neoprene 1, then came neoprene 2 with nylon on both sides. Neo2 is now standard). Nylon denier and thread count also vary. Yes, nylon stretches when wet. This top fits just as well as the top brands I have used while active diving. When you raise your arms, there is almost no empty space in the armpits and sides like in cheap, ill-fitting suits. I have found that I can paddle white water without strain or fatigue as the arms and shoulders are very well designed. The stitching looks as good or even better than some brands. The shoulder design is great for free movement without fatigue or voids that cause water ingress. The number of nylon threads covering the neoprene is higher than most. The only downside is the zip (which is excellent, as is the wide neo storm flap behind the zip) is on the wrong side for men. Apparently, the Chinese do not differentiate between men's and women's clothing in terms of the position of zippers, as we and most people in the world do. They just consider them unisex and always pull to the left. For me, regardless of your budget, this is the best buying option. Spend more if you have to, but you won't get in better shape. A NOTICE. If you are not a woman and are not buying a women's top, I recommend it for comfort and warmth as the anatomical shape of the bust allows the top to fit snugly under the bust and snugly on the upper abdomen. This avoids a gap at the top that would allow cold water to flow under the breast and onto the underside of the breast. Keeping the head and chest warm are the two main areas that determine the warmth of the rest of the body and prevent heat loss from the body, which can lead to dangerous complications. I would like this manufacturer to address this issue and offer a women's top of the same quality as these unisex tops that they now offer. Note: Open Water Diver with rescue certificate; Paddlers and instructors for white water, recreational and coastal sailing

Pros
  • Excellent construction
Cons
  • Some difficulties