Goretex versus neoprene immersion suits

[QDMQDMQDM]

I already have a goretex immersion suit, secondhand, bought from South Eastern Marine Services for £100. I need a second one and am now looking at a US Navy / Coastguard neoprene one. Would this be a bad buy? What are the advantages of goretex vs neoprene? Anyone got any opinions on this?

BTW, this is an interesting website on the subject of aviation survival, run by a near monomaniac:

www.equipped.com

QDM

P.S. Also posted on Rotorheads where they probably know a lot about this stuff.

[englishal]

I wouldn't recommend the Neoprene ones, unless you plan to get wet. I've used various types flying offshore in the North Sea, and with the Neoprene ones you sweat buckets. The breathable ones make hell of a difference especially for any length of time...

Cheers
EA:D

[Julian]

Neoprene is the best insulator, but as stated they are hot!
I fyou can get one with a front zip rather than across the shoulders then you could fly with it undone to give you a bit of comfort - the other consideration with neoprene is they can restrict your movements.

You could consider a tri-laminate suit with are thinner and so would need more undergarments but would be cooler in the aircraft, again go for a front zip.

[AerBabe]

What happens if the immersion suit is damaged? Is the GoreTex ripstop? How does neoprene compare in its ability to withstand tearing? Presumably any hole writes off the entire suit until it can be repaired? GoreTex is pretty easy to patch, but how about neoprene? And what about the face fabric of the GoreTex? Is it fairly abrasion resistant?
Sorry about all the questions... :O

[GeneralMelchet]

Hi QDM,
I have used various different materials for diving suits rather than survival suits and can comment on the pro's and cons of neoprene and membrane suits.

The basic question is how long do you need to survive in the water? Are you going to be far out to sea or far from rescue services. If you can reasonably expect rescue in a couple of hours the goretex suit is fine.If you are going off the beaten track then maybe the neoprene would be worth while.

1/ Purpose made Goretex survival suits will no doubt be the best in terms of comfort- the heat build up will be much lower and the breathable nature of the fabric will keep you relitively comfortable.However it should be noted that the suits thermal insulation is very low.Once you are in the water what you wear underneath determines how long you will last.This adds to the bulk and reduces comfort.If you spring a leak the suit will lose insulation and bouyancy.

2/Neoprene on the other hand is a very good insulator and can be uncomfortable to wear for an extended period out of the water.You sweat a lot!!

However you dont need a lot of undergrments.Also the suit is naturally bouyant so you won't sink if the suit leaks. (this may not be an altogether good thing if you are trying to get out of a submerged aircraft but a membrane/goretex suit will be full of air anyway)

If you are going to be in the water for a long period this would be your choice.And you can get a suit made to measure from a diving suit manufacturer ( usually to your spec in terms of zips and pockets and reflective stripe etc) it can be made quite close fitting and gives with movement so may be OK in the tight confines of a cockpit.Neoprene is very easy to repair either DIY or by the maker.

Whatever you choose buy a neoprene hood and gloves and stash them in a leg pocket so that you have them if you have to abandon your aircraft.You must keep you head warm.Some suits have built in hoods but a rubber hood is superb for keeping the heat in.

Also if you do buy survival gear second hand get it checked out by a specialist.No use finding out it leaks like a sieve in the middle of the Channel.

[Julian]

Good tip from GM regarding hood n gloves, you will be surprised how much difference a good hood makes!

All are easy to repair and kits are availiable.

Tri-laminates/membrane tear more easily and also tend to have rubber cuffs/neckseal. If you are buying 2nd hand then give these a good look. Also check the boots if these are integral to the suit.

Neoprene is tough as boots! The seal are all neoprene as well so very hard wearing, you may find with some suits you require talc or even KY Jelly to get it on. I have done a lot of wreck penetration (oh err missus!) and dragged my neoprene suits over quite a bit of jagged and twisted metal and its still in one piece.

As GM says, you will have to look at the time of lying you are going to be doing and see if you think its worth trading warmth for comfort.

[Hwel]

The gortex suits are very good. Worn mine for 14 hour survey stretches and no probs. You should wear a life jacket as well as the suit though. The suit will give some bouyency but is not desiged as a flotation aid (least thats what the label inside mine says.)