At 165cm (5'5") I'm hardly eXtra-small

[cwkline]

David,
After my initial response to you, I got out the 7mil and tried it on again. I intended to use it again for extended deco hangs. I found that it no longer fit as I have lost some weight since buying the suit. I contacted the manufacturer, and he will refit the suit for me and send it back for $30.00. And if I decide on a different suit, the next one is 10% off. But I will have this one refitted for now, as even though it is 3 years old, it is still in very good condition.
My suit is also a semi dry, and I have been in water as cold as 37F. I was cold, but not as bad as a farmer john.
Even after all the good I can say about the suit, I understand completely about the service part of your dilemma, and if I were in your place would look for a local company first. Then I would reach out to a Nationally based company, then think of overseas.
Good luck in your search, and please post your decision as it may help someone else in your sitiuation.
Safe Dives
Charlie

 

[japan-diver]

For 12 degree water I would suggest a dry suit, there are many places in the world we teach diving in a dry suit from the beginning so no reason to get more experience to go dry. If your instructor is not comfortable teaching you to dive dry find one with more experience teaching dry suit diving. If you are going through the process and price of a custom wetsuit a good quality dry suit is not that much more and you will be much warmer than either a wet suit or semi dry.
There is also nothing difficult about diving dry.

 

[saltwater taffy]

David, why I'm razzing you so much is that you seem to focus in on some of the strangest things. I've never, ever, ever heard anyone complain about the last time a company updated their website. In defense for Aqua flite, how many ways can the tell you how to measure for their custom wetsuit??? You seem to be really drawn in by the gimmicks that wetsuit companies offer each year. Basically, your concern should be to get the best fitting wetsuit that you can. Rack suits are just that. They fit the norm. With your height and weight, you simply don't fit into that range. I can go into any store in the US and buy an outfit off the rack, but when it comes to wetsuits, wow, I just don't fit into the norm. It's a shame, but that's the way it is. With neoprene prices soaring, I'm sure that it's not going to be getting any better. So, if you're still looking for a custom wetsuit, don't judge them by the age of their website. Instead, read reviews on this board. You'll get some really good insite. There's one the board right now about Terrapin custom wetsuits. This is a very, very fine company. If you want stylish, this is one company that you should look at. Have you looked at Wet wear. This is a company that promotes the neoprene Rubatex.

Anyway, my friend, I wish you the very best of luck in your search. Those of us who have had a difficult time finding a wetsuit feel your pain.
SWT .

 

[Hoosier]

Sorry. I don't get your issue.

Any stock medium (5 or 7 mm) fits well to your body size. Don't worry too much about a length or tall size range. In addition, if you are going with the hyperstretch, it is much easier.

 

[TheScream]

David, why I'm razzing you so much is that you seem to focus in on some of the strangest things. I've never, ever, ever heard anyone complain about the last time a company updated their website.

Come on mate, why are you giving me crap over only 1 of my 5 reasons I gave for not going to aquaflite? My reasons again:

• Unusual design (of the suit, not the website!)
• Want semi-dry style (horizontal zip), not john/jacket style
• website appears to be last updated 8 years ago
• delay in response
• other custom options instill more confidence

When you combine the delay in response with the non-updated website, I have to draw parallels to other companies I have dealt with, and those are companies I try to avoid. You must understand, I have no options locally and its going to be risky and stressful whomever I deal with. Why would I choose someone whom I have reservations about?

Let me explain why I wanted horizontal zip (which is not a yearly gimmick as you say but has been available for at least 10 years) It is because I have found while trying on that style of suit, it fits better.

 

[saltwater taffy]

Oh David, David, David,
I really do wish you the very best!!

Any custom wetsuit maker should be able to do a horizontal zipped suit. Was there a problem. Did you look at the last two makers that I recommended?

 

[TheScream]

Oh David, David, David,
Did you look at the last two makers that I recommended?

Yes and only Aquaflite and Liquidfit responded. Liquidfit doesn't ship internationally any more.