Best bang-for-the-buck in basic wetsuits ? (3-5mm, shorty and full)

[Mark IV]

I've been out of the scene for a good while, and have been rooting around the interwebs looking at various options, but don't really have a feel for who's-who and what's-what anymore.
Back in the day, I found that the Hobie/Stearns shorty I got at Sams Club for around $40, was damn near bullet proof, and lasted forever (it wasn't my everyday suit, but I used that thing for years, till it finally went missing.......I believe I left it on the beach or in a taxi after giving a free intro beach dive to a girl I was putting the moves on !! ).
Any other operations making solid, but economical, suits? There are brands out now that I'm not familiar with, and we've all seen once-reputable companies turn to crap over the years, so I'm asking for recommendations for good options, and warnings on ones to avoid.
Any good info at all is much appreciated......

 

[jerzeedivr]

I like 1 piece suits over the old farmer john and jacket style. I bought a 1 piece and its very flexible, comfortable and warm.Aqua Lung. It cost $375 at a LDS.

 

[Anthony A.]

Divers direct in Florida sells EVO wetsuits. I just bought a 3mm in December for $75. Its on par with my Bare Elastic that cost me almost $300

 

[CJM3]

I recently got an Edge Fusion 3mm full. Good quality neoprene, warm, and dirt cheap.

Edge Fusion 3mm Full Wetsuit Mens

 

[Sam Miller III]

The Hobie/Sterns wet suit was designed and developed for surfing and water skiing, therefore the arm area was cut a little full for scratching for a wave or water skiing. A proper fitting modern suit will (or should) fit considerably tighter, but with the modern advances in wet suit materials will stretch and be form fitting.

I would suggest that you contact Dano who is a member of this board at @MAKO Spearguns - he has a decent wet suit at a decent price

SDM

 

[SOFDiver]

AquaLung makes a line of suits they call “High Value” while primarily intended for rental use these suits are full feature. While I have high end AquaLung and Henderson suits I wear these High Value suits as my work suits. Really like my 5/3, and find the full 7mm to be one of the warmest suits I have worn although it is a bit hard to get into. Check it out.

 

[WVScubaSteve]

Any suggestions on a size wet suit for a man 6’ & 250 lbs. without going to a dive shop and trying one on? Thx

 

[Trailboss123]

I've been out of the scene for a good while, and have been rooting around the interwebs looking at various options, but don't really have a feel for who's-who and what's-what anymore.
Back in the day, I found that the Hobie/Stearns shorty I got at Sams Club for around $40, was damn near bullet proof, and lasted forever (it wasn't my everyday suit, but I used that thing for years, till it finally went missing.......I believe I left it on the beach or in a taxi after giving a free intro beach dive to a girl I was putting the moves on !! ).
Any other operations making solid, but economical, suits? There are brands out now that I'm not familiar with, and we've all seen once-reputable companies turn to crap over the years, so I'm asking for recommendations for good options, and warnings on ones to avoid.
Any good info at all is much appreciated......

I have found that the best bang for the buck is the Neo Sport line of wetsuits made by Henderson
Neosport by Henderson Wetsuits | Jumpsuits |Shorties buy at LeisurePro

 

[Mark IV]

Any suggestions on a size wet suit for a man 6’ & 250 lbs. without going to a dive shop and trying one on? Thx

Size EDJ ? (Extra Double-Jumbo" !! )
But seriously, I'd say at least a XXL. Check Leisure Pro, specifically the various manufacturers sizing charts, as well as the reviews and FAQ's. Many times people will state their size/weight, and how a given item fit them. I'm 5-11" and hovering around 210+, and most charts have me in an XL. But, if you're at 250#, even a XXL may be a squeeze, I dunno.

 

[Mark IV]

Good info guys, thanks, I'll check some of these operations out. BTW, I recently scored a brand new/un-used Mares 3mil full suit, in size 6/XL, on ebay......with a counter offer of $60,delivered !!! I was more interested in a decent shorty, and something thicker in a full suit, but I figured a brand new Mares for $60, was too good to pass up !