I thought all neoprene was alike. What are the differences?
Almost all neoprene manufacturers offer at least half a dozen grades of neoprene. Some foam is made with so much “filler” that is comes into the country classified as “blended foam” and does not even qualify with US Customs as neoprene! Such inexpensive foam is used for wraps for horses and athletes but is not suitable for water or diving use. Some water sports grade neoprene is designed with a zero depth rating (for surfers, water skiing, etc.). Some is designed for sport diving (with a typical depth rating of 100 feet). Some is meant for commercial diving and, with extra ingredients added to the basic neoprene (such as butyl – a strengthening agent), can withstand repeated pressure to 165 feet. Compressed neoprene (also marketed as micro-cell neoprene) is foam that starts out life at one thickness (and with additives to improve its compression strength) and is compressed under pressure to a slightly thinner ending thickness. Only the strongest, most robust air cells survive this proc
