The Aqua Sphere Aqua Skinsuit occupies a fairly rarefied niche in the wetsuit/tri-suit/swim skin universe. Unlike most tri-suits it lacks thick neoprene flotation panels. Unlike a pure swim-skin, it does provide some insulation. These features, combined with a low price point, make these suits pretty appealing for freedivers looking for a warm-water competition/training suit.
This is my second Aqua Skin and it has significant improvements in construction, materials and cut over the older model.
The Specs
Here are the specs from Aqua Sphere:
- Quick drying
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Can be used in both the Pool and in Open Water
- Wrist and Ankle Cuffs that keep water out
- Aqua Flex Double Lock Neck with Aqua Grip Seal double layer, which maximizes comfort, while keeping water out of the suit
- 0.5 – 1mm Glide Skin neoprene that is ultra soft for comfort, water repellent, and fast drying
- Thermo-Guard technology, which provides warmth, maximum flexibility and range of motion in the shoulders, legs, and chest
For the record, I am in agreement with all of that.
Performance
- Buoyancy: To stay neutral with the same neckweight I use with no suit, I have to swim about 12 inches deeper.
- Insulation and Seals: Our pool runs 78f and I am quite comfortable during both slow apnea swims and sprints. The seams are pass-through surge stitching – so they all leak. Wrist, ankle and neck seals all work well; they do not flush during monofin sprints.
- Streamline: I gain about 1 to1.5 meters of glide compared with no suit.
Comfort
- Quite comfortable despite being a size smaller than they say I should wear. The material this model is made from seems more flexible than my previous suit. It gets four stars from me because, like literally every other off-the-shelf wetsuit, it’s built for someone with a bit more bulk.
Looks
- This is one stylish suit, can’t really say more than that!
Value for the money
- Here in the states these suits are a steal. They list for $169.99 but normally sell for about $130. If you shop them on Amazon you can find tremendous deals on suits that are ‘used’ (someone tried it on) or have ‘cosmetic damage’ (the suit I have – can’t find the ‘damage’ – cost $60).
- Elsewhere in the world they seem quite a bit more expensive, with an average price around 188 EUR in Europe.
How to get the Aqua Sphere Aqua Skinsuit
- Manufacturer: Aqua Sphere
- Recommended Retail Price: $169.99
