When we were in the process of buying equipment for our dive centre, we made a trip to visit our supplier in Newcastle, Australia. What I didn’t know at the time was that the man who sold us our compressor also owns and operates one of the largest wetsuit manufacturing companies in the country — Neptune, and its subsidiary, Sharkskin. After a tour of the factory he introduced us to their latest innovation, the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof wetsuit.
Now, the Sharkskin T2 chillproof had been on my wishlist since I first found out about it. But, I couldn’t justify buying it when my old sharkskin was still holding up so well! Yet as we were about to leave, Jim kindly gifted us a set to try for ourselves. So, almost a year later, as our dive centre is finally open, we thought it was time to finally share our honest opinion on this high-tech wetsuit. Does it really live up to all the hype?
Warmth
Sharkskin is infamous in the world of water-sports for it’s warm and stylish wetsuits. Their most popular pieces being the Sharkskin chillproof range made from a 3-layer proprietary fabric:
- The outer layer a nylon/spandex for durability and abrasion protection
- The middle layer a windproof and breathable membrane
- The inner layer a hollow fibre fleece for warmth and comfort.
This lightweight material already boasted the thermal insulation of a 3mm neoprene wetsuit. But with the addition of a new titanium nano-technology – which captures and generates Far Infared (FIR) energy – the Sharkskin T2 chillproof wetsuit claims the thermal protection of 4-5mm neoprene as well as improved metabolic function for recovery and health.
So Is The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof warmer than neoprene?
I put the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof to the test. Being sensitive to the cold, I usually wear a 5mm wetsuit for scuba diving in 28°C water, so I was skeptical about whether this wetsuit alternative would really keep me warm. But with a T2 Chillproof vest and long pants, I was surprisingly comfortable—though towards the end of the dive, I started to feel a chill only on my arms.
To really push it further, I layered my T2 vest with my old Chillproof long sleeve—and the result? Toasty warm! After diving in my T2 Chillproof for months now, I’m fully convinced. It provides the same thermal protection as my 5mm wetsuit, at least when it is layered. So my next investment? A T2 long sleeve to add to my collection. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to traditional wetsuits again!
Everyone has different tolerances to cold, and in my case, I’d likely switch to a drysuit before even considering a 7mm wetsuit. That said, the T2 has apparently proven itself in some seriously cold conditions, including the waters of the Galápagos. Plus, it’s designed to be layered under a wetsuit, making it the best wetsuit for warm and cold water diving.
Abrasion, Sting & UV Protection
Similar to a rashie, the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof provides divers with abrasion protection—not just from their own equipment, but also from scrapes and stings in the marine environment. So far, I’d say it performs on par with traditional wetsuits in this area, though I have noticed some bobbling on the material in areas. This is usual wear and tear however could be improved with some reinforcement or stronger material on high use areas like the bum, knees and shoulders.
Beyond just water protection, the T2 also shields against wind and sun, featuring UPF50+ sun protection and a 100% wind-resistant outer layer—say goodbye to sunburnt shoulders and chilly boat rides. Having personally chosen a hooded vest to save my face from a mask tan, I can personally say it works! And even when wet, I feel noticeably warmer in my T2 chillproof than if I were wearing a traditional wetsuit.
Lightweight
Part of the beauty of the T2 chillproof material is that is neutrally buoyant. What this means? Instead of having to add extra weight to compensate for the buoyancy of your wetsuit, you only take what you need to get down. Which I can say is 100% true. Being someone who sinks easily I can dive with no weights in my Sharkskin, whereas I would need an additional 2kg in my 5mm wetsuit.
Not only is it lightweight in the water but Is also light and easy to pack. Couple this with its quick drying properties and it is the perfect wetsuit to travel with.
Versatile
Lastly, one of my favourite things about the Sharkskin wetsuit range is its versatility With long pants, sleeveless vests, hooded vests, hoods, socks, gloves and full wetsuits there is a style to suit every preference.
Two or three piece sets also allow for a closer fit (for my bigger busted or bootied ladies) and means you can chop and change your wetsuit wardrobe to your needs. I love the fact that I can wear my vest with some shorts in warm water, add my pants if it gets a bit colder or layer on another top to create a full wetsuit. Or even just easily take pieces on or off as I please between dives instead of having to tie a wetsuit around my waist for the whole day.
Small details like foot straps are also a nice touch, especially when layering the suit under other garments. Some improvements I would suggest for the hood though would be a strap to tuck it away when not in use. I found it collected bubbles and was always floating around my head. A vent or hole would also help with this as I found that even when on, trapped air would pull the hood away from my head.
Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the T2 Chillproof may feel snug at first, but are true to size. With 4 way stretch fabric, cozy fleece, breathable membrane and anti-microbial odour resistance, the Sharkskin T2 chillproof is one of THE most comfortable wetsuits I have ever worn.
Final Thoughts About The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Wetsuit
Although I was initially skeptical that the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof could fulfil ALL of the amazing claims, I can now officially say that it lives up to the hype. Not only is it a flattering fit that makes me feel like a badass underwater, but it does everything I need in a wetsuit and more.
Designed to last, I can see myself loving this wetsuit for years to come. In fact the team at Sharkskin bet on it with a 2 year workmanship guarantee. Couple this with their biodegradable and compostable packaging and eco-friendly manufacturing process and there really is no reason not to invest in one!
Do you own your own Sharkskin T2 Chillproof? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
