Cold Water Wet Suit advice

[scubajcf]

Henderson 7mm Hyperstretch.
Henderson 3/5mm Hooded Vest.
Cold Water (3mm) Gloves

Warm and Toasty. 10mm around core.
Comfortable beyond belief

I have dove this to around 47 degrees without an issue
http://www.hendersonusa.com/default.html


jcf

 

[abitton]

Again, it depends what you mean by cold. I've done 70 dives now in cold water (about 40C), and I've finally decided that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH... time to go dry. Lately it has been 38C, and it just isn't enjoyable anymore.

If buying new, perhaps think of spending the extra for a drysuit. I haven't gone dry yet, but from what I understand, you'll be glad you did.

- ChillyWaters

Amen...

 

[pdive]

Do not buy a wetsuit without reading this first http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/exposure_protection/the_chill_is_gone/1/. This is most non-biased review of suits I've ever seen. The 7mm Akona is the clear winner and you can find it for much less than they say in the review. This is the one I'll be getting soon. I have gone through all the options and seen what most manufacturers put out there and there seems to be alot of BS slinging around with regards to wetsuit performance. Another great article for general wetsuit info is here.... http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/exposure_protection/wetsuit_hype:_10_big_lies/. Have fun... and get the Akona 7mm, you won't be sorry.

Thanks for the links. This is what I have been looking for. Think I'll buy my first wet suit this year. Cold water for me is diving in Cape Ann Massachusetts during the summer. Been thinking of getting outfitted w/ a farmer john type suit.

 

[Lukiedukie]

I recently dove in 55 degree water wearing a bare 7mm farmer john and 3mm hood gloves and booties. I was comfortable but I am thinking of replacing the 3mm henderson hyperstrech gloves with some with something thinker and with some sort of closure. My hands where nice and warm untill I moved my hands to scull. Then it was like I was placing my hands in ice water. After a 45 mintue dive I started to have cramping issues in my legs during the safety stop. Just some food for though. Good luck and I recomend the Bare 7mm. Here is a link to Bare suits on Leisure pro.
http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=CatDisplay&CategoryID=982&Context=980

 

[Thalassamania]

I am looking to purchase a wet suit, 6mm~7mm for cold water diving. I've done some research but there are just too much information, mostly from manufacturers. I need some verified, experienced information. So, help!

Something not too expensive but easy to put on and take off, warm, comfortable, and stretchy. If you own a particular brand and have opinions, I'd welcome any and all. Pluses and minuses? Cost and benefit? All info will be much appreciated.

You get what you pay for. The warmest suits are made from Rubatex GN-231N, which is even more expensive then it used to be. The stretchiest suits (and the warmest) have no fabric on the neoperene, just smooth-skin in and out. Your warmest design is a no-zip jacket with an attached hood and farmer johns (no scoop neck, no plunging arm holes.

Some suits have a titanium foil layer as a feature that is claimed to result in a warmer suit. I think this is Bantha po-do, and Rodale's Scuba Diving agrees.

You will only find this kind of suit from a custom house. I can recommend Monterey Bay Wetsuits (408) 375-7848 and WetWear. Expect to pay between $400 and $800 dollars.

For an interesting history of the wetsuit: History