Advice on wetsuit purchase

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

So, my cousin is looking to buy a wetsuit. I have a 7mm seac semidry, which I have not yet had a chance to try out, and he wanted one like it, but the LDS doesn't have one in his size, and they say Seac is out of stock in that as well. They do have a cressi wetsuit that, based off the description and the price, is a 7mm Fast. However, a look online suggests that the Castoro 7mm suit would be cheaper by about $25, which makes me wonder, what's the difference?

So, does anyone know the difference between a 7mm castoro and a 7mm Fast? Also, is it worth holding out for a semidry? Thanks!

 

[Zef]

I don't know the difference between any of the suits you mentioned above, but I do know that the most important thing when acquiring a wetsuit is how it fits. The second most important thing is....how it fits. In fact, fit is such a priority that nothing else matters if the fit isn't right...not price, not make/model, not color/style.

Fit is everything and will dictate how confortable your cousin will be when they dive.

Good luck.

-Z

 

[wizbangdoodle]

^^This is so true. IMHO, it's worth it to have a custom suit made.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@wizbangdoodle I wouldn't even know how to go about that, and more to the point, he's still in school, so definitely not looking to spend that much.

@Zef A good fit is basically just being as snug as it can be while still being comfortable/allowing movement, right?

 

[Zef]

@wizbangdoodle I wouldn't even know how to go about that, and more to the point, he's still in school, so definitely not looking to spend that much.

@Zef A good fit is basically just being as snug as it can be while still being comfortable/allowing movement, right?

No.

A good fit can really only be experienced. One must try some suits on and compare fit. It should not be "as snug as can be".

Realistically, the suit should fit with the following in mind:

1. It should hug the body without being "tight" or restrictive.
2. One should have nearly full range of motion of the arms and legs.
3. Have no voids/space such as in the lower back area.
4. Should not have excess length in the arms and legs.
5. Feel overall comfortable.

-Z

 

[happy-diver]

What about the bit about the unhindered chest expansion thing like when the air goes into the lungs

if ever a diving suit could feel comfortable on land

 

[Rilelen]

I can’t speak to the Castoro but the Cressi Fast are really nice budget suits - we use them for classes and our research participants. Warm and stretchy enough to fit a wide range of bodies.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@Zef Good to know. I think my current suit fits pretty good, and here's to hoping it does, cause the shop has a no refunds policy lol.

@happy-diver Yeah, my cousin and I have an ongoing discussion over which part of diving we'd most love to not have to do. Putting on the wetsuit generally comes in second to...taking off the wetsuit.

@Rilelen What water temp would you say it's comfortable in? And does the "water stop" system keep the current from pushing cold water through you as it goes by?

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I've had probably 12 - 15 different wetsuits over the span of my diving. I've had everything from budget suits, one piece, two piece, up to full custom suits - one was 1/2" thick!
I need at least a 7mm.
Besides ordering a fully custom suit with a specified material (brand/density/thickness), the best thing I found to use is a freediving suit.
Look at suits from @MAKO Spearguns, Dano has some good options, although I have not tried one of his yet.
I just purchased a closeout Omer suit from my LDS that gave me a great deal on it. I have not had a chance to use it yet, but I have not found a warmer suit than freediving suits. I just wore out a Yazbeck suit that I had for years. Prior to that I had a Picasso.
They're skin-in so they need to be lubed up to get in but sliding into them is easy and peeling them off is easy too. Since they are skin-in the inside dries quickly combined with the nice smell of a hair conditioner used for the suit lube, they never stink. They have no zippers so no leaks. Most or all are a two piece beaver tail design with attached hoods, the warmest style wetsuit available. I don't know what more I can tell you.

 

[Zef]

snip...They have no zippers so no leaks...snip

I know what you are referencing but that is hilarious when taking into consideration we are discussing wetsuits.

-Z