Exposure Suit for an Old Fat Guy

[scuba_frog]

I am relatively new to diving. So far, I have only used a FJ style rental wet suit (6.5 mil I think) which keeps me warm, but I have a hard time breathing in it..too constrictive. So I have been thinking about giving up on the 2-piece and go to a 1-piece full wet suit thinking that may help with the constriction, but I don't know for sure.

I would like to get my own suit. I have the rest of my gear so this is the last purchase (yeah right). Because of my inexperience, I think a dry suit is a little premature. I need to master what little skills I have before I try something new. The water temps here can go as low as 45 degrees below the thermocline and 70 at the surface.

I am 6 ft tall and 275 lbs. From what I see online, there are not too many manufacturers that carry suits that would fit. I see that Akona does and that's about it. I have not checked out the pricing for a custom suit. But that might be an option too. Yes, a gym may help too.

So my questions are:

1. What are the pros and cons between a FJ and a full suit.
2. What manufacturers carry something that would fit.
3. What should I be looking for is a suit...flexibility, type of material, etc.
4. Even though I am new to the sport, should I consider a dry suit instead.

Thanks to all who respond. I do realize the importance of a hood and gloves too, so that's not a concern really. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bdrannik]

Just a quick wetsuit comment.. Be sure to try one of the "HyperStretch" types also to help with the breathing constriction.. Henderson offers a HyperStretch up to a 3XL, I'm not sure about other brands.. The 3XL is listed as being for 46-48 Chest, 41-44 Waist, 230-250 lbs and 6'2 height with 31" inseam and torso.. Although the specs are a little off from your weight/height requirements these types of wetsuits are quite stretchy, so you might want to try and find a 3XL in stock someplace to try on..

 

[RIDIVER501]

I just had to replace my 7mm jumpsuit so I did with a henderson hyperstretch. It is the most comfortable suit I have ever owned.

the best part is the flexibility of the suit. feel like you are diving in a bathing suit.

I highly recommend it

 

[saltwater taffy]

Hi there,
Rather than getting a FJ, I would recommend this configeration. Get a full suit with a sleeveless step-in. This way you can wear both pieces together or both pieces separetly. That's what I got and I love it. You can't beat the hyperstretch material. It gives you so much flexibility. My is a 3.5mm so I don't know how much stretch the heavier fabric might have. I also got extended leg zippers and wrist zippers in my custom wetsuit . I would try the Hyperstretch at your LDS. See if these might fit you. A dry suit is quite an investment. If you think you're going to be diving quite a bit in cold water, that might also be an option as long as $$$ are not a problem. Since I'm such a WWW, this is what I would have to do!!!!!

Good luck to you,
SWT

 

[ChrisA]

I am 6 ft tall and 275 lbs. From what I see online, there are not too many manufacturers that carry suits that would fit.

Have you seen "Triple L". They will custom make a suit for under $100.
You don't need expensive and short lived "hyperstrech" if the suit is custom made to your measurements
http://store.triple-l.biz/

There are domestic shops that will make custom suits too. Here is one near me http://www.jmjwetsuits.com/jmjindex.htm
Likely there is another outfit like them near you.

If you lived in California there are a few other places I could recomend that would have what you need off the rack without needing to spend a fortune.

 

[scuba_frog]

Just got an e-mail from one of my LDS. They are pushing the Akona over the Henderson. They also say that a 1-piece would be more comfortable than a 2-piece FJ style. Any comments?

 

[bdrannik]

I had forgotton about "Triple L" custom suits as the person mentioned above.. They have excellent prices for high quality stuff.. Might want to check them out... Only problem I see would be that they are a "standard" wetsuit neoprene, I don't think they offer a HyperStretch type of material.. So, you will have to do the tug of war to get into it. Price could make it worth the effort though..

 

[spectrum]

Liquid fit did a great job on my wifes's full suit. Calling back for a hooded vest anytime now. They are great to work with. We can't all be off the rack.

Pete

 

[scuba_frog]

Thanks Pete. Do you have a web site for those guys...and where you from BTW.

 

[dazedone]

I am about your size and while I am normally an XL or 2XL, the 3XL Xcel 976 SCS Polar Tri density fits really, really nice for some reason. It is a very nice suit, very flexible and easy to get on/off. I don't feel restricted in it at all.

http://www.xcelwetsuits.com/dive/home.html