Weight for a 7 mm wetsuit: what to know
Thicker neoprene holds more gas, so it floats more at the surface and loses more lift as you descend. Check buoyancy at the end of the dive, not only the start.
Worked example
For an 80 kg diver with an average build, wearing a 7 mm wetsuit and using an aluminum 80 tank in saltwater, the calculator estimates 8.5 kg (18.5 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 7 mm wetsuit?
About 6 kg more than no suit in this model. Semi-dry and hooded setups need more.
Why do I feel light at depth in thick neoprene?
Compression removes lift, so you become heavier as you go down.
Do I need more weight in a semi-dry suit?
Yes. This model adds about 7 kg for a semi-dry 7 mm suit with hood, against 6 kg for a plain 7 mm suit.
Should I check weighting at the end of a cold dive?
Yes. Neoprene compresses at depth, so the suit lifts less than at the surface, and the tank is lightest at the end.
Can I use the same belt for 5 mm and 7 mm?
Not usually. You will likely need about 2 kg more for the thicker suit, so adjust and re-check.
Related calculators
Weight for a drysuitWeight when diving without a wetsuitWeight for freshwater divingHow much weight do I need?
