Big Tall Guy Wetsuit Issues

[Painter]

I went shopping for a 7mm wetsuit the other day...actually was interested in a Henderson 8/7mm semi-dry. I tried on the 2xl and couldn't get it over my head and the ankles were so tight it took me 20 minutes to get it off (I was wearing a lycra skin, by the way). I'm 6'2" and weigh 210-215. Big feet, too. I also tried on a Hollis 2xl and couldn't get it on either. Looking online I havent seen any wet/dry options in say a 3xl tall.

I ran out of time befrore I could try other suits, but now I'm thinking a combo of hooded vest with 7mm wet suit. I will be diving in New England this summer and want to stay warm. Any suggestions? Budget is an issue.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I feel your pain brother.
I'm 6'-4" 225 lbs. with a small waist.
Custom was the only way I could get a truly good fit.
I do use a Yazbeck 7mm freediving suit off the rack, it's a 62cm and it fits OK, but the legs are 2" too short. So I'll have to find some neoprene and add some onto the bottom of the legs. My problem is If I go to a 3xl in any brand of scuba suit the height is OK but I float in them sideways especially in the waist because they are cut for the average fat overfed American with cankles. That's why I use freedive suits (or custom) because they are generally cut for people with an athletic build.

 

[dmaziuk]

Even at modest 6'1"/185 I'm at L height, M chest, and S waist by most size charts.

 

[decompression]

It can be tough, if the o'neal J type is around have a look at that, one of the stretchyest 7 mm suits I've ever seen. It's a hooded vest attached to a 7 mm suit, super warm and comfortable.

Men's O'Neill J-TYPE Hooded SCUBA Wetsuit | Wetsuit Wearhouse

 

[rhwestfall]

custom, custom, custom...

At 6'-7", 235#, it's hopeless for anything to fit me properly.

When I started this hobby as a broke college student, just to do my open waters I had to chunk down for a custom (we did our OW in 42 degree water). Best choice I ever made. Never regretted it. Especially as I dive cold water exclusively. I now have both wet and dry made to me.....

Your other choice is to move to warm water.... bet that costs more....

 

[NorCalDM]

Take a look at www.xcelwetsuits.com I use the hydroflex hooded 8-7-6 size large and it fits good I'm 6'1" and was 210 when I got it and it fit me perfectly. They have a pretty good size chart on their website.

 

[VsubT]

I will be diving in New England this summer and want to stay warm. Any suggestions? Budget is an issue.

I have a similar build. Akona Quantum wetsuits run to 4XL, stretch well, and don't cost as much as custom. You might have to mail order though.

Another great option is to find a used drysuit. Takes a little patience, but worth it given your location. We found a $200 suit on Craigslist for my wife last year that had less than 10 dives on it. Bigger suits tend to sell slowly, so I see them pretty often in the mid-Atlantic.

Good luck with your search!

Lance

 

[Painter]

Thanks all. Great suggestions.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

I went shopping for a 7mm wetsuit the other day...actually was interested in a Henderson 8/7mm semi-dry. I tried on the 2xl and couldn't get it over my head and the ankles were so tight it took me 20 minutes to get it off (I was wearing a lycra skin, by the way). I'm 6'2" and weigh 210-215. Big feet, too. I also tried on a Hollis 2xl and couldn't get it on either. Looking online I havent seen any wet/dry options in say a 3xl tall.

I ran out of time befrore I could try other suits, but now I'm thinking a combo of hooded vest with 7mm wet suit. I will be diving in New England this summer and want to stay warm. Any suggestions? Budget is an issue.

You should check out our 7 mm two -piece freedive suits. The XXL should fit you well and it will be very warm with integrated hood, no zippers to leak and the smooth rubber interior means that very little water will enter the suit.

MAKO sells our suits DIRECT. There are no middlemen in the distribution to drive up the price.

Yamamoto Reef Camo 2-Piece Open Cell Wetsuit | MAKO Spearguns

 

[Boatswain2PA]

6'5, 240#, with 54" chest, 44" waist, with goofy orangutan length arms here, with tendency to get overheated quick. And I'm brand new to diving so please excuse me if this is a stupid question:

Any problems using a skin suit and a mis-matched 2 piece wet-suit give better flexibility? Use the skin suit anytime, then then skin suit + XXXL top for cool water, and then skin suit + XXXL top + XL bottom for colder water?? Seems like this would give best flexibility and fit for fewest dollars.