Flexible, Lightweight, & Warm?

[Big-n-Buoyant]

OK, I give up. I can no longer wait for the way too infrequent warm water opportunities to get wet. It's quarry time!

Here's the Q: What recommedations for a wetsuit (no drysuit) can you make from your own experience? My old cold-water suit fits fine & is in pretty good shape, but is so thick (john and long-sleeve shorty with separate hood) that I dread fighting it. ...also tough to wear enough weight.

What new suits allow for warmth without bulk? I would consider built-in hood because I am a big heat-escapes-from-your-head-bigtime believer.

Thanks,
B-n-B

 

[spectrum]

A well fit 7mm set should not be a fight or dread. I Dive wet in local (Maine) waters ranging from trunks to 7mm with a second 7mm layer on the core. I was pefectly comfortable through my final pair of wet dives this fall in 50F water, I'm sure I could have gone to 45 F without pushing anything but chose to go dry for the colder months. Being in Kentucky I don't know what you coldest dive plans are but I'm guessing 50F has you covered. Keep in mind that we each have our own tolerance for cold.

Here is what I am refering to:
https://www.divetank.com/gear/product.php?id=128
https://www.divetank.com/gear/product.php?id=132

I also have a Bare 5/4 Velocity full suit and this vest:
https://www.divetank.com/gear/product.php?id=306

In the summer I wear this vest under the Arctic full suit. And am fine in the 60s and for excursions into the 50s. This makes a very comfortable combo and leaves about 4 pounds of lead in the gearbag.

The beauty of a hooded vest of any form is that it provides great neck opening closure while muting back zipper seepage.

Pete

 

[Big-n-Buoyant]

Thanks, Pete. I was looking at 7mm doing the job in a full suit. Thanks for incluiding the link in your reply for a quick look.

50deg in the quarries are about the coldest I'll be doing in Kentucky. I do agree with your comments about the hooded vest. I have a 3mm Herculaneum that I carry on all dive trips because of its versatility. I don't think it would be enough head covering in cold water, so I'll probably need to up the mm to add to my heavier suit.

..guess I could add a beanie to the hooded vest, but (chuckle) I'm not sure that I can commit myself to such a fashionable display.

Your comments were a great help.

B-n-B