Advice on wetsuit purchase

[ontdiver]

Forget about brand loyalty. As is said so many times in this space, the suit that fits is the one you should buy.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

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

-Z

I meant leaks through zippers. Zippers leak like hell and they are one spot that cold water enters and pumps through, along with an ill fit and plush lining.
Skin-in freediving suits provide a skin seal on your entire body similar to a smooth skin neoprene seal found on some drusuits around the neck for instance, so water intrusion almost has to be initiated by pulling away your face seal or opening an arm seal, etc.

 

[Rilelen]

@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?

It’s a pretty standard/basic 7mm…depends entirely on your personal comfort level. I get cold easily and am in a 7mm for anything below 80, and prefer to be dry if it’s much below 75. Others are fine diving wet in a 7mm down into the 50s.

I personally dive a Bare Evoke for my 5mm and 7mm suits, but that’s a much pricier suit.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

I meant leaks through zippers. Zippers leak like hell and they are one spot that cold water enters and pumps through, along with an ill fit and plush lining.
Skin-in freediving suits provide a skin seal on your entire body similar to a smooth skin neoprene seal found on some drusuits around the neck for instance, so water intrusion almost has to be initiated by pulling away your face seal or opening an arm seal, etc.

Yes that is correct. There is very little leakage into a well made freedive suit. In fact, our hoods seal so well, that it is highly recommended that upon entering the water, the diver deliberately peel back a section of the face seal and allow a tiny bit of water into the hood near the ears. This is typically only needed once during a dive session.

If the diver fails to do this, they may well get an external ear squeeze which is a vacuum on the outside of the ear drum which eventually becomes painful, soon after decent.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Yes that is correct. There is very little leakage into a well made freedive suit. In fact, our hoods seal so well, that it is highly recommended that upon entering the water, the diver deliberately peel back a section of the face seal and allow a tiny bit of water into the hood near the ears. This is typically only needed once during a dive session.

If the diver fails to do this, they may well get an external ear squeeze which is a vacuum on the outside of the ear drum which eventually becomes painful, soon after decent.

Oh yeah I'm well aware of ear squeezes. I shave my head so this effect is enhanced, but skin-in suit on skin head makes for a pretty warm head, and keeping your head warm is half the battle to staying warm.
I've also experienced other squeezes in locations that can trap air, let's just say where the family jewels are stored. VERY uncomfortable! That one can be more difficult to flood.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Yes that can be an issue as well. One solution is to pour a few cups of water down your suit pants to try to allow it to flood the crotch area. It is much nicer if you have some warm water available.

This will happen with any suit that has essentially zero leakage and has completely water tight seams.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@MAKO Spearguns I have a one quart themos I fill with hot water before I head out for the day. Takes the edge of the initial shock on jumping in, that's for sure.