Sharkskin Titanium Top & Bottom Review
Last updated: July 2025
- Extremely easy to don and doff
- Thermal performance falls far short of advertised claims
- Loose fit leads to water pooling and heat loss
- Durable exterior fabric, but poor overall design
- Premium price without corresponding performance
Overall Score: 3.6 / 10 (Weak)
See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Shop
How Dive Otter scores scuba gear
The Sharkskin Titanium Top and Bottom are marketed as a lightweight exposure system capable of replacing a 3mm wetsuit with claimed 5mm-equivalent warmth. I tested this set on warm-water dives hoping to reduce bulk while maintaining insulation. That promise did not hold up. Despite correct sizing, the system retained water around the ankles, delivered poor thermal performance, and failed to justify its premium price. After only a few dives, I retired it in favor of either a standard 3mm wetsuit or the Bare Exoware, which actually delivers meaningful warmth in a low-bulk layer.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Slides on and off easily, even when wet | Thermal performance is nowhere near the advertised 5mm equivalent |
| Exterior fabric is reasonably durable | Poor fit results in water pooling at the ankles |
| Customer support was nonresponsive to sizing questions both pre and post purchase | |
| Significantly overpriced compared to wetsuit alternatives that perform better | |
Why I Chose the Sharkskin Titanium Set
I bought the Sharkskin Titanium Top and Bottom looking for a lighter-weight alternative to a 3mm wetsuit for warm-water trips. The marketing positioned it as a flexible, comfortable system with insulation comparable to much thicker neoprene. On paper, it sounded ideal.
In practice, it failed to meet those claims. Even with correct sizing, the fit allowed water to collect at the ankles, and the thermal performance was disappointing. What I hoped would replace a wetsuit ended up being shelved after only a few dives. Since then, I have switched to the Bare Exoware for sub-3mm conditions, and it has performed exactly the way the Sharkskin Titanium should have.
Verdict
This product does not deliver on its core promise. While it is easy to put on and take off, that is not enough to offset poor thermal performance, inconsistent fit, and a lack of meaningful customer support. Given the price and the claims made, this was a disappointing purchase.
Would I buy it again? No. I would not recommend it, and I am planning to sell mine.
Who Sharkskin Titanium Top & Bottom Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers who prioritize ease of donning over thermal performance
- Situations where insulation expectations are very low
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers expecting reliable warmth equivalent to a wetsuit
- Anyone needing a proper fit that minimizes water movement
- Divers shopping based on performance rather than marketing claims
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Weak | 1.0 | 30% | 0.3 |
| Ease of Use | Exceptional | 9.0 | 20% | 1.8 |
| Versatility | Weak | 1.0 | 15% | 0.2 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Strong | 8.0 | 15% | 1.2 |
| Value | Weak | 1.0 | 10% | 0.1 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Weak | 0.0 | 10% | 0.0 |
| Total | Weak | 3.6 / 10 | ||
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 1: Fails its primary purpose. Thermal performance is far below advertised claims.
- Ease of Use – 9: Easy to don and doff, even wet.
- Versatility – 1: Not effective as dive exposure protection and not useful enough to justify surface wear.
- Durability & Build Quality – 8: Exterior materials hold up reasonably well despite functional shortcomings.
- Value – 1: Significantly overpriced given performance. Cheaper options outperform it.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 0: Nonresponsive support combined with exaggerated marketing claims.
Performance in the Water
- Thermal Comfort: Inadequate. It does not feel remotely equivalent to a 5mm or even a 3mm suit.
- Fit: Sizing is inconsistent, and even when correct, it leaves sagging water pockets at the ankles after dives.
- Ease of Use: Very easy to get into and out of, which is honestly the best thing I can say about it.
- Practical Use: I stopped using this after a few dives. I now use either my Bare 3mm wetsuit or the Bare Exoware for sub-3mm conditions, depending on water temperature.