Dumb wet suit question

[Scotttyd]

I am only posting this here because I know I probably will never meet any of you in real life and if I do you probably will not remember me!!!:blinking:

I own a 3 mil shorty (with short sleeves). I want something that I dive in colder water with (not real cold, upper 60's to low 70's).
My options:
1. Can I add a 3 mil farmer john or will I get laughed out of the water (I am guessing yes). Anyway would the short sleeves defeat the purpose of diving in cooler water.

2. a 3 mil long sleeve shorty with a farmer john

3. a 5 mil full wet suit?

I want to be most economical, and I am guessing I should have bought the long sleeve shorty in the first place, but we all make mistakes!!!

 

[fedfirediver]

How about a 3mil full wet suit

 

[lmorin]

Is this a question about fashion or staying warm? Obviously, tolerance of cold varies a lot from person to person, but high 60's/low 70's seems to be in the 5-7mm suit range. I get cold easily and a second dive in a full 5 mm suit at 72 is too cold after about 30-40 min. My wife is the same, but hers is a full 3 mm suit. Advice: be careful with your decision and don't be influenced by the fashion police.

 

[LarryHinDC]

How about a 3 mm fullsuit that can be worn over the shorty? That will give your core more insulation and it gives you something that you can wear in those "between" temperatures.

 

[robint]

I am only posting this here because I know I probably will never meet any of you in real life and if I do you probably will not remember me!!!:blinking:

I own a 3 mil shorty (with short sleeves). I want something that I dive in colder water with (not real cold, upper 60's to low 70's).
My options:
1. Can I add a 3 mil farmer john or will I get laughed out of the water (I am guessing yes). Anyway would the short sleeves defeat the purpose of diving in cooler water.

2. a 3 mil long sleeve shorty with a farmer john

3. a 5 mil full wet suit?

I want to be most economical, and I am guessing I should have bought the long sleeve shorty in the first place, but we all make mistakes!!!

water in upper 60s to low 70s means a 7mm fullsuit with hood and gloves! Don't try to save money when it comes to your wetsuit, it is important to stay warm for many reasons including to extend your dive time. Get a nice 7mm and save the 3mm shortie for tropical water over 80 degrees.

 

[scarefaceDM]

drysuit. + thin undies for lighter days and thick undies for them colder days.

save the shorty for the tropics.

 

[sberanek]

I dive in those temps in a 3mil onepiece with a beanie, and I'm just fine.

I know I get cold while standing in the rain when I was doing my rescue dive stuff in my 3mil, but in the water I'm fine. I'm even a person who seems to get cold easily...maybe I just stay warm while swimming.

You could always try what the person above suggested... 3mil with the shorty on underneath.

Good luck,
Shannon

 

[Damselfish]

I agree with a 3mil fullsuit. That way you will have 2 pieces you can layer or are both pretty useful on their own.

IMO long sleeve shorties and farmer john bottoms aren't that desirable for separate use. And although I don't tend to get too cold, in the 60s I really wouldn't want bare arms.

 

[Scotttyd]

Thanks for the advice, I did not think of the 3mil full over the 3mil shorty. As far as getting cold, I did my check out dives in 66 degree water (at surface) and 62 at bottom. I had a 3mil farmer john and 3 mil shorty and was fine (no gloves no hood), just a little cold by the end of the day. Over 80? no wet suit. Was in Belieze and went in my swim trunks, so I really do not forsee every wearing a 7 mil.

 

[redacted]

the 3mm jumpsuit with or without the shortie might get you thru short, shallow dives in 68+ degree water. Longer, deeper, or colder I'd recommend a 5mm jumpsuit adding the 3mm shortie as needed.