Drysuit Undergarment vs Neoprene Wetsuit Equivalent

[foglesre]

I've decided to take the plunge on a drysuit, a custom cut TLS350.

Now, I'm trying to pick out undergarments. Based on my dimensions (tall and thin) I think I'm going to get a custom cut undergarment from Softwear Diving. I'm just trying to get a starting point on fleece weight, based on equivalent neoprene wetsuit weight.

In 82 degree water, I'm wearing a 7mm full-body wetsuit (XCel 7/6/5). Obviously this is quite a bit more than the average diver...

For whatever temperature water you would be wearing a 7mm wetsuit in, what weight undergarment would you select for a trilam drysuit?

Bob

 

[PlayMore]

I'm tall and thin like you and found a 7/5 Semi Dry Wetsuit not enough once temp gets below 60F.
Switched to DUI TLS350 and I use their Polartec PowerStretch 300 undergarment. I've dove it down to 50F so far and have always been nice and toasty warm.

BTW: I just bought stock sizing in this (6'3 / 185lbs) and the Large fits me very well. Also, I was advised by a knowledgeable DS diver on a boat that you shouldn't wash the undergarment after every dive--apparently, it has a tendency to wash out some of the loft and that's what keeps you warm. The logic seems to fit, so I've taken to wearing a very-lightweight pair of Patagonia or North Face wicking long underwear to prevent any "funkiness". So far so good. Enjoy your new drysuit--as many will tell you, you'll probably only dive wet again when you're in the tropics.

 

[dave4868]

I'm tall and thin like you and found a 7/5 Semi Dry Wetsuit not enough once temp gets below 60F.
Switched to DUI TLS350 and I use their Polartec PowerStretch 300 undergarment. I've dove it down to 50F so far and have always been nice and toasty warm.

BTW: I just bought stock sizing in this (6'3 / 185lbs) and the Large fits me very well. Also, I was advised by a knowledgeable DS diver on a boat that you shouldn't wash the undergarment after every dive--apparently, it has a tendency to wash out some of the loft and that's what keeps you warm. The logic seems to fit, so I've taken to wearing a very-lightweight pair of Patagonia or North Face wicking long underwear to prevent any "funkiness". So far so good. Enjoy your new drysuit--as many will tell you, you'll probably only dive wet again when you're in the tropics.

All great advice! I agree almost completely.

Adding a homemade fleece chest pad might help below 60F, since 300 wt Polartec will crush down quite a bit on the diver's lowest surfaces.

At 50F, I'd be cold with just 300 wt Polartec and a first layer, even with the chest pad, but I may get cold easier than you guys.

Remember, if you use enough insulation, water temp will no longer limit the length of your dives!

Enjoy the new suit!

Dave C