Big Tall Guy Wetsuit Issues

[fjpatrum]

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.

No problem at all. Wear what works for you and fits you. There is no "right" answer to the question other than that. I have, I think, 8 or 10 different wetsuits that I wear in all kinds of different combinations and a dry suit. Use the right tool for the job.

 

[2airishuman]

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 have a 3XL wetsuit from freedivestore.com in 7mm and after a few dives I'm so happy with it that I just ordered another one in 3mm. I am 6-1 and 240 pounds. I would imagine you'd do well in a 2XL from them.

They have a wider range of sizes, especially larger sizes, than most other freediving-oriented retailers, and their sizes run a little larger.

These suits require suit lubricant to put on, which is no big deal but takes some getting used to.

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.

Fit is less of a problem with two-piece suits because the fit is relatively unaffected by torso length. If the arms and legs fit, and the suit fits in the waist and chest, then height doesn't matter so much.

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.

I have been delighted with the quality, value, and service on everything I've bought from MAKO, particularly my rubber weight belt and pinch weights. I wish you guys offered wetsuits in my size.

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.

People use various approaches involving layering. I think that the most common approach is to add a vest or shorty under a one-piece full suit when the water is too cool for the one-piece suit alone.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Wow thanks for the positive feedback on our gear. We've been doing our best to help enlighten scuba divers about some of the benefits of certain pieces of gear which have (historically) been primarily associated with freediving.

As you mention, freedive suits, rubber belts and pinch weights are definitely beneficial to scuba divers. There are other items which many people feel are superior as well, such as: very low volume masks and for many people, long fins.

Good luck with your new 3 mm freedive suit (I wish we had a size that would accommodate you). Many people are surprised when we tell them that a good fitting, quality 3 mm freedive suit, with attached hood, no zipper, smooth rubber interior is about as warm as a typical 5mm scuba suit that has zippers and a separate hood.

thanks
Dano

 

[jhnmdahl]

I'm 6'2", 200lb, and the closest stock fit I could find was a Waterproof large tall. I ended up custom ordering a suit from JMJ wetsuits. The difference in fit is such that I don't think I'll ever buy an off-the-shelf suit.

 

[CT-Rich]

I am 6'7" and 220 lbs. I have been using a 2XL camaro semi-dry (no idea why they call it that... it isn't). fit is surprisingly good. it has a front zip and wrist and ankle zippers. I bought it about 2008 and am just now thinking about relpacing it after a lot of use.

 

[rongoodman]

If you're thinking of diving locally, just start looking around for a dry suit.

 

[Painter]

If you're thinking of diving locally, just start looking around for a dry suit.

I do hope to do some local Upstate NY dives, though I live on Cape Cod during the summer. I'm sure a dry suit would be good for me there, too. Finding one that I can afford, especially after paying my summer rent, might be a problem.

 

[rongoodman]

Keep on eye on the Classifieds here. You never know what might turn up. Another place to look would be the Outlet Center on the DUI site. (I found a smoking hot deal there a couple of years back on a 30/30.)

 

[oya]

6'6" 230 here

Xcel size XLT
or a Wetwear custom

(I have and use both)

 

[JohnJL]

Having the same problem 6'1" long torso 50" chest 36-37" waist I am using xxl 3 ml pants & 5x vest. Anything smaller is way to tight across the chest.