3/2 Wetsuit with Ankle Zippers ??

[VAmtnguy]

My current 3/2 wetsuit is getting a bit ragged after 12 years. In looking for a new wetsuit, I can find very few with ankle zippers for under $150 or so. Any suggestions with brand and model that might work for me ?? I probably need an XL (men's).

Thanks in advance.

 

[azstinger11]

A used waterproof W3 (3.5mm so not a 3/2) has ankle zips and could potentially be in your price point. This could work, another 3/2 with ankle zips I was able to find, another 3mm option.

Unfortunately nothing I found was $150 or less, you can look on ebay, the many facebook scuba gear swaps, or this sites marketplace to find used or pre-owned but not used one.

If the price point is a firm and you can't find ones with ankle zippers, I'd highly suggest lycra socks. They make getting in/out of wetsuits much easier, since I'm guessing thats the point of you wanting ankle zippers.

 

[Altamira]

You can have ankle and/or sleeve zippers installed on virtually any wetsuit. Based on your location, you might have to mail it out for alteration. I had ankle and sleeve zips installed in two Bare wetsuits by Chris at Terrapin Wetsuits, and she did a great job. I can highly recommend her work.
http://www.terrapinwetsuits.com/alterations.html

 

[stuartv]

Any particular reason you want ankle zips?

With a 3mm (or 3/2) suit, it's so thin that most people find it easily stretchy enough to not need ankle zips.

My thicker suits have ankle zips and I'm glad of it. But, my 3/2 does not and I have never missed them.

 

[CT Sean]

My Bare Velocity suit has ankle zippers, though like others have suggested, I don't find them very useful - I'd actually prefer it didn't have the zippers.

Regardless, Leisurepro has them on sale for 169.00 Bare 3mm Velocity Full Men's Suit

 

[richdrogpa]

My Bare Velocity suit has ankle zippers, though like others have suggested, I don't find them very useful - I'd actually prefer it didn't have the zippers.

Regardless, Leisurepro has them on sale for 169.00 Bare 3mm Velocity Full Men's Suit

^^^ I have one, got it in 2010 on sale for $129.00 from Leisurepro.com... Loved it... But this year I upgraded to Waterproof W3, also from Leisurepro.com for $299.00, and man let me tell you, a lot better suit for the money, a little warmer and the quality and construction is way better than Bare Velocity. W3 isn't as super-stretchy and fitting as Velocity but has a better lining, more robust seams, better knee and elbow pads... In addition, it also has ankle and wrist seals, wrist and neck front zippers. I know it's more expensive but definitely worth it

I was starting to get colder lately on my second and third dives in the Bare suit and W3 is just perfect. I usually dive in temps from 66-86F. Above 80-82F, Bare was perfect, W3 shines in the 74-82F range and when combined with the Waterproof U1 hooded vest (2/5mm) it works all the way down to 66-68F, for a little while

 

[Fathom044]

I purchased a scubapro profile 3/2 from LP that was about $110. Great suit!