What is a good price for a 7 mm?

[courtneyinpink]

I'm in love with an O'Neil wetsuit at the dive center here...only it's $450.00. My ex-boyfriend who is a diver says that is a good price...what do you guys think? I'm not sure what kind it is exactly, I'll have to look at it next time, but it doesn't have a hood or anything...

Thanks!

 

[diveandclimb]

$450 seems like it's a little bit high for a suit without a hood but if it's really comfortable in a way that cheaper ones aren't and you can afford it I would say go for it. My LDS has Bare 7mm suits without a hood in the 200-350 range and suits with a hood or even semi-drys more in the 400-500 range.

 

[foles1972]

I don't know much about the O'neil wetsuits, but the price seems a little high. The dive shop that I go to has 7mm Henderson wetsuits for about $390. Are there many other dive shops near you? What about looking online? I would look around a little. If you can't find it anywhere else and you really like it, then go for it (as long it fits properly of course)!

 

[courtneyinpink]

I definitely can't afford it...what about secondhand suits?

I've looked online, but am afraid I'll order one in the wrong size since I can't try it on...

Thanks so much!

 

[diveandclimb]

I know that every LDS fan/owner will crucify me for this but go with online. Many such as scuba.com will pay to ship it back and give you the right size if it doesn't fit right. I have yet to bite the bullet and buy my 7mm but I got a 3mm from scuba.com and I couldn't be happier.

 

[nereas]

If you truly need something thicker than a 5 mm wetsuit, then you really should get yourself a drysuit instead.

 

[soonerwink]

Check out scubatoys.com under sale items. I saw some Henderson Thermoprene and Pinnacle 7mm wetsuits under 200.00, plus you can get the 10% off and free shipping.

 

[courtneyinpink]

Thanks so much everyone!

 

[diveandclimb]

If you truly need something thicker than a 5 mm wetsuit, then you really should get yourself a drysuit instead.

This makes absolutely no sense. She clearly says that she can't afford a $450 wetsuit. How could she possibly afford a drysuit which would be >1000 plus training?

 

[helimvee]

I have two O'Neill suits, a 7000x-j (7mm with attache vest/hood) and a 3mm. The 7000x-j is just fine for cold water. Both were more expensive than the other suits in the LDS, but they fit much better and have held up very well. I don't regret buying either of them. Try visiting a few different shops to see what they have and how they feel. A $250 suit is no good if it is uncomfortable and difficult to put on - worse yet to get off.

Good luck