Anyone diving comfortably in a 7mm or semi-dry in Lake Michigan?

[DirtRider]

I think it really depends on the person. I have a 7mm Bare and a 7mm hooded vest like another already mentioned. I only use 5mm scubapro boots and have thin neoprene liners that i use inside them. My feet are the coldest but I should get some 6 or 7mm boots. The ankle and lower calf area on my boot doesn't seal tightly on my skin so water gets in easy. Obviously I cover it with my wetsuit but it can work its way off.
That said...I was diving 2 weekends ago on the WI and at 129' it was 39 degrees on my citizen aqualand watch and 40 degrees according to the vytec. That was kinda cold but my dive was 22 minutes followed by another at 24 minutes and I would have stayed longer if I had the air and wouldn't have run into deco. As long as temps are high and you can warm up on the surface between dives you'll be fine.
I haven't looked into diving dry...mostly because I don't get that cold at mid 40s which is what most of my diving is. A good $300 wetsuit sure is cheaper than a good $2000+ dry suit. I'd rather spend the money on more diving. Some people in florida wear 7mm suits in 70 degree water though. It all depends on your body. If you aren't having fun because you are freezing then get the dry suit.

 

[Dean810]

If you can afford the drysuit, get it and it will end the discussion. I've worn mine in water from 35 degrees to the low 70's. With the underwear I use, 35 was chilly and the 70's was a little warm. All diveable. I have only one wetsuit, and that is a 3mm I reserve for warm water, mid 70's and up.

 

[Oldpirate]

That's the point. Why be "kinda cold" or "sort of warm", if you can afford. And I know that's a big "if" for some folks. Bottom line is, for maximum comfort and enjoyment, dive dry if you can affford it.

 

[SwimJim]

I bought my 7MM "Titainium" wet suit for around $350.00 four years ago and it has served me well. I still use it alot. I bought a Dive Concepts Z-Flex for $950.00 last November. I consider that a pretty good dry suit. I currently have around thirty dives on it. If I'm diving deep where the tempperature is in the low forties its dry suit all the way. If I'm diving vintage regs or the temps are mid forties and above, I use the wet suit. In the end, just keep diving. If you have to cut a hole in the water, you'll either have to shoot warm water into your wet suit or dive dry. Dive Safe!

Jim

 

[biloy53]

No question! Dive dry, when you know it's cold. The freedom from weight and bulk you have in a wetsuit is a very strong argument for diving wet. On the other hand, I dove with author Chris Kohl a year ago and as of that time he had never dove dry. Nor had his wife Joan who was also on the dive. I at the time had not made the investment in my own well fit dry suit but had found a reasonably close fit rental. Much better to have your own but don't miss a dive.