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Henderson Full Core Wetsuit with Hyperstretch
Since the day I put on my first wetsuit, I have been saying “Can’t someone make a wetsuit that is easy to put on!” Then I would repeat it louder after my second dive saying, “Can’t someone invent a wetsuit that is easy to put on when wet!”
Henderson Aquatics has added yet another innovation to their extensive line of thermal wear. The Titanium Hyperstretch is a new four-way stretch neoprene that can stretch up to 250 percent of its original size. Making a wetsuit out of material that is so stretchable, makes this wetsuit regardless of style or size, feel as if it were custom made.
The custom-like fit will allow many body types to wear the same size suit. Since they are so stretchable they are great for layering. They can be worn over other suits, as well as many different hyperstretch combinations. With this flexibility of combinations, Henderson places emphasis on maximum thermal protection of the body’s “core” — the torso.
My test dive was done with the hyperstretch jumpsuit as a base. The jumpsuit is a full length backzip wetsuit. The jumpsuit comes in three thicknesses for all water temperatures. The 3mm, 5mm and the one I chose—the 7/5mm. The thicker material was where it is needed the most, around the torso. On the arms and legs, the thinner 5mm material still provides good insulation, but the thinner material allows for more mobility in the limbs.
The next layer, the one worn over the jumpsuit, is a 5mm sleeveless tank mid-thigh shorty called the hyperstretch core warmer. Again, the key emphasis here is to keep the core body warm — torso and groin. This suit can be worn by itself in warm water or over any wetsuit to help improve warmth. It can also help prevent water entry through zipper openings. The core warmer is easily donned with a single velcro shoulder opening.
I added a 5mm matching hyperstretch hood to round out my combo. The hood has a long bib that keeps the hood tucked in during the entire dive, no matter the movement. The hyperstretch material makes the hood extremely easy to get over your head and does not pull or pinch the ears or put pressure on the neck.
This dive was made in late winter with water temperatures in the high 50s. Upon entering the water there was a bit of cold water shock (as with all wetsuits when the water first gets between you and the wetsuit.) As soon as the water layer warmed up, I stayed warm throughout the entire dive. Much of which was spent posing for photographs.
Made out of extremely warm titanium impregnated neoprene, you can wear less neoprene than accustomed to, which in turn can sometimes lessen the amount of lead you wear. Less lead and a super-flexible material makes this wetsuit not just comfortable because of the warmth but also for the mobility.
I am very used to a hooded vest and was apprehensive about using a separate hood, something that I have not done in years. Nonetheless I never noticed any cold water seepage from the neck or anywhere else on the suit.
The Titanium Hyperstretch is extremely versatile for any diving. There are so many combinations to chose from; you can dive anywhere, anytime, and for virtually any size male or female.
There are several full wetsuit combos, you can choose. There are jumpsuits, step-in combos, shorties, vests, hooded vests, and a very stylish bolero jacket for women.
For the summer months I may trade the core warmer for the hooded vest. The hooded vest is great for adding warmth for just the basics, the trunk of the body.
As with just about every Henderson wetsuit I have tried on, they fit extremely well. These wetsuits are all “off the rack,” with sizes ranging from extra small to XXXL for men and extra small to XXL for women.
There is also a hyperstretch jumpsuit specially made for the junior diver in unisex sizes 10 -16. The hyperstretch is a unique for the junior diver and ideal. They are the ones that continue to grow and this wetsuit may last them quite a bit longer than the conventional neoprene, stretching more as they grow. They have also recently added their new zipperless boot and gloves to the hyperstretch line.
These wetsuits come in basic black with a blue and purple trim. For more information on the Henderson Titanium Hyperstretch neoprene or their Full Core wetsuit or any of their other wetsuit combos, see your local dealer or check the web at www.hendersonusa.com
Kim Sheckler is Executive Editor of California Diving News, Executive Director of the SCUBA Show 2002 expo (June 29-30 in Long Beach, CA), and co-author of the book A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.