Sharkskin Titanium Top & Bottom Review
Last updated: July 2025
- Easy donning: Slides on and off quickly, even when wet.
- Thermal underperformer: Fails to deliver the promised 5mm-equivalent warmth.
- Frustrating fit: Retains water around the ankles despite correct sizing.
- Weak support: Customer service never responded to sizing questions.
- Poor value: Premium pricing without the performance to justify it.
Overall Score: 3.6 / 10 (Weak)
See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Shop
How Dive Otter scores scuba gear
The Sharkskin Titanium Top & Bottom was supposed to replace a 3mm wetsuit on warm-water trips, but the promised 5mm-equivalent warmth never materialized. Even when the sizing was correct, water pooled at the ankles after dives and the suit felt loose. The only genuine strength was how easy it was to get on and off thanks to the slick lining. After just a few dives, I shelved it in favor of my Bare 3mm wetsuit and a full-body rash guard.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to put on and take off | Grossly exaggerated thermal claims |
| Decent durability of exterior material | Poor customer service |
| Poor sizing and terrible water retention at ankles | |
| Overpriced compared to wetsuit alternatives | |
Why I Chose the Sharkskin Titanium Set
This was an attempt to find a lighter-weight warm water alternative to a 3mm wetsuit. The Sharkskin Titanium line advertised itself as a 5mm thermal equivalent while offering flexibility and comfort. I thought it would be perfect for warm water trips where a full wetsuit felt like overkill. That turned out to be a mistake.
Verdict
This product is an expensive disappointment. Customer support was nonresponsive when I raised questions about sizing. Despite their premium branding and technical claims, I would strongly advise against this purchase. It’s the only item I’ve ever regretted buying this much.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely not. I’m planning to sell mine.
Who Sharkskin Titanium Top & Bottom Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers who prioritize how quickly they can get in and out of their exposure gear.
- People who value a tough exterior fabric more than overall thermal performance.
- Anyone comparing it as a cautionary example when evaluating premium exposure suits.
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers who expect 5mm-level warmth or even reliable 3mm insulation.
- Anyone needing a snug fit that avoids water pooling at the ankles.
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 | 3.6 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 3.6 / 10 — Weak
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 1.0: Fails its main purpose. Nowhere near a 5mm equivalent.
- Ease of Use – 9.0: Easy to don and doff, even wet.
- Versatility – 1.0: Too poor for diving use, and not stylish or comfortable enough for surface wear.
- Durability & Build Quality – 8.0: Surprisingly good material durability, despite everything else.
- Value – 1.0: An overpriced failure. A good 3mm wetsuit costs less and performs better.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 0.0: Zero. Nonresponsive support and exaggerated marketing claims.
Performance in the Water
- Thermal Comfort: Inadequate. It does not feel remotely equivalent to a 5mm or even a 3mm suit. Calling this 5mm-equivalent is completely misleading.
- 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 just a full-body rash guard instead.