Weight for a semi-dry suit with hood: what to know
Semi-dry suits seal the wrists, ankles and neck to slow flushing, and the added neoprene and hood bring about 7 kg of lift in this model. Re-check at the end of the dive, because neoprene compresses at depth.
Worked example
For an 80 kg diver with an average build, wearing a semi-dry 7 mm suit with hood and using an aluminum 80 tank in saltwater, the calculator estimates 9.5 kg (21 lb). Your number will differ with your body and gear, so enter your own values above and then do a buoyancy check.
Common questions
How much weight for a semi-dry suit?
About 7 kg more than no suit in this model, against 6 kg for a plain 7 mm suit.
Does the hood change my weighting?
Yes. A hood adds lift, so include it when you check.
Is a semi-dry the same as a drysuit?
No. A semi-dry still lets in some water; a drysuit is sealed and uses air for insulation.
Why is my semi-dry heavy to wear?
Thick neoprene is bulky and absorbs water, though the lift it adds is what you weight against.
Do I need more weight as the suit ages?
Usually less, because old neoprene compresses and floats less.
Related calculators
Weight with a steel HP100 tankWeight with a steel HP120 tankWeight for lean and muscular diversHow much weight do I need?
