Bare T-100 adequate for the cold?

[hex92]

jiveturkey: I would think that being from the Great White North you would be looking at the CT-200 (although you say its not really an option...) I have the T-100 and I have to layer some stuff on underneath to stay warm in 43-53 F water. At the bottom end of the range I will wear polypro underwear as the bottom layer, a pair of sweatpants and a long sleeve t-shirt and then the T100 over it all. Once the water hits 50 I dump the sweatpants.

I think I have to wear so much because my hands are so cold. Dry gloves would probably make all the difference.

Last weekend the water was 64F - I wore swim trunks and a polypro shirt under the 100 and was toasty warm.

I think I am going to buy a set of the CT200s this winter so I don't have to layer as much on.

 

[nwdiver2]

I use the Bare T-100 by itself during the summer 5-12 C here in BC, in winter I add a 100 weight fleece top and bottom under it, temps 2-7 C. I dive a 4mm compressed neoprene suit. You can add undergarments easily.

 

[jiveturkey]

Woohoo!!!! My shop is allowing me to upgrade my underwear to the CT-200 for a few bucks more. Should afford me a bunch of more comfort underwater.

 

[nwdiver2]

CT-200 would be too hot in summer in BC.

 

[jiveturkey]

CT-200 would be too hot in summer in BC.

What are water temps like at depth?

 

[lawofgravity]

In the summers, the water temps around here are in the low 50s. On a recent trip, I tried the CT200 for the first time with my XCD2 Pro Dry and I was sweating bullets. To make it worse, I had to add extra weight because of the bulk. It was uncomfortable enough that I switched to cotton long johns, track pants, a polypropylene top and a sweater for all subsequent dives. Much nicer, especially during the SI. I haven't tried it out in the winter yet but I'm guessing the CT200 would be much more useful then.

What drysuit are you using?

 

[jiveturkey]

I'm buying a Bare Nex-Gen. The warmest waters here are around 53 on the surface and 46 to freezing at depths lower than 30 feet.

 

[nwdiver2]

At depth it runs 7-10 C year round in BC, below the thermocline which may be anywhere for 3-12 m. Some of the coldest diving is in winter when surface temperatures are near freezing due to the fresh water from the mountains floating around, it can be so fresh you can drink it but it can also be 2-3 C for the first meter or so. The temp at depth doesn’t change much. Another reason for the thinner T-100 suit is you can mix and match to have what you need that day, with the heavy suit if you need less your stuck with it.

 

[lawofgravity]

I'm buying a Bare Nex-Gen. The warmest waters here are around 53 on the surface and 46 to freezing at depths lower than 30 feet.

Bilams aren't going to provide a whole lotta insulation, so go with the CT200. Make sure you try it out first and test how restrictive it is on your range of motion. I had to exchange mine for a slightly bigger one because I couldn't even kneel down to put on fins, without even the drysuit on. I've been keeping on eye out on Andy's stretch undergarments. Those look sweet but they don't have a dealer in Canada.

 

[Boogie711]

The Andies Stretch Undies dont' have a dealer in Canada, but - I swear by the Diving Concepts stretch Undies.

They're warmer than my old 200G Bare undies, way more flexible, and I think they're even slightly thinner. The material is also a lot slipperier on the surface, which makes for more range of flexibility - it can slide along the sleeves et al inside the suit.

PM me if you're interested in more info - I love my undies.