A question for the short divers out there

[Marcus Leeper]

I'm buying a semi dry suit for my next piece of equipment, for the cold California waters. I'm 5'5'' (165cm) and I weigh 150lbs (68kg), mostly lean muscle, thick in the shoulders, chest, and legs somewhat. And there is the problem, for height I fit into a small (or extra-small for some brands), weight I'm borderline medium.

I wanted to know which brands fit guys the best with a similar build. And I'll post l my results as I try on different suits.

Thanks!!

 

[reefduffer]

I'm 5'5" and weighed 154 this morning, still taking off some weight from 5 weeks of travel in July & August. Fairly athletic build for 67 years old.
Heavy in the chest, shoulders, and legs.

I've got a Bare 3.2 MLS (Medium Large Short) that fits me very well IMO, size chart here:
Dive - Support - Consumer - Size Charts
It says 160-185 lbs and 5'6" - 5'8", but it works well for me.

I don't do a lot of local San Diego diving, but a few years ago I found a lightly used XCEL 9.7.6 ML on Craigslist at a price I just couldn't pass up, and it works.
Fit & Sizing | Xcel US
MLS would be better, maybe keep me warmer, but I don't dive locally enough to justify replacing the great Craigslist deal.

 

[Tool Belt]

5' 4" 138, similar build. Bare MLS 5/4mm fits great.

 

[Gunrock]

Not sure if your current dive count is up to date but if you're going to do a lot of diving I say just take the plunge and get a drysuit. I tried several wetsuits but none really impressed me and I was always freezing diving in San Diego, but then I was doing at least 70-80 local dives a year. If you're only diving occasionally then maybe this doesn't make economic sense. My coldest bottom temp recorded was 48F -- in July. I did a lot of night diving and stripping off a wetsuit in winter with the wind blowing was nothing short of brutal. I bought a used DUI TLS 350 for $1000. Single best gear purchase I ever made.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I, too, am a member of the Bare size Medium-Large Short fan club. I'm 5'8", broad in the shoulders, but short legs. The Bare M-L Short fits me perfectly. I own the same suit in a 3/2 mm and a 5/4 mm.

 

[Marcus Leeper]

Thanks. I ended up getting with an Aqua Lung SOL AFX. The small fit just right.