ft. wetherill ......SAT may 31st?

[shellbird]

you might brave the temps later in the season but for now, you will need a hood for warmth.

You must have a 7mm with a 1mm shorty liner? I am looking to by a wetsuit as well and the LDS is pushing the layering system, with a 1mm underneath a 5mm with another 2 mm vest. I like the versability of that. You can always take something off if you get to warm, not likely to happen to me up here - but if I were to go to Mexico, a little 1 mm might be nice to have around... or just the farmer john later in the season...

 

[yak]

In addition to fat-finger typing skills , I have a 7mm henderson gold core full suit. Shellbird - No layers, just the basic suit. I decided that I'll most likely be diving locally, or Florida and parts south. I also have a 3mm gold core shorty, which I used in PDC.

I know I need a hood and gloves, wanted opinions on 5mm vs 7mm. I plan to try a hyperstretch hood, as they seem to offer a more comfortable fit.

 

[shellbird]

Interested in the Henderson but not sold on it yet, you will be the guinnea pig....

 

[yak]

Having the goldcore shorty, I can attest to its silky smooth lining, which makes dry entry pretty easy. However, it does cling to your skin, which makes for a warm diving experience, but also makes for a hot, clingy warm-weather surface experience (you sweat like a pig). You probably don't sweat any more than you would in a normal suit, but it doesn't get absorbed into the inner lining, so you feel the suit clinging to you.

I chose the fast-drying suit with the surface discomfort on hot days over getting into a cold wet suit on a second dive. I guess I won't know how wise a trade-off this is until August.

 

[shellbird]

Curious to know where you got it.

 

[yak]

LP . I figured that since the medium shortie fit pretty well, I'd take a chance on the full one. If it doesn't fit, it'll go back and I'll probably look at the LDS.

 

[shellbird]

9 am on Saturday - that is a bit early for me, I think 10 is more realistic, I have an hour drive.

 

[MSilvia]

As far as warmth goes, I don't think you'd regret the purchase of thick gloves and hood... especially if you're not comfortable below room temperature. There's definately a tradeoff though in terms of flexibility and dexterity. Personally, I find 7mm gloves a little bit akward when using my camera or trying to manipulate anything requiring finer control than an inflator button, and have been using a 5mm pair. The thick hood will keep you warmer, but will also make you stiffer. Basicly it comes down to personal preference. Dive what makes you comfortable.

 

[yak]

I'm think I'm going to try 5mm gloves and hood. If I find they're too cold for early/late season, then I'll spring for 7mm. It's not as bank-breaking as the price of a full suit.

I'm not generally a cold person when swimming or playing outdoors in the snow. I guess I'll know soon enough.

 

[shellbird]

My reverse psycology on the Rain Gods did not work. I said let it rain, and well, we are expecting 3 inches on Saturday.

I am hoping it doesn't start until the afternoon and I wouldn't mind the rain but they are saying it will be windy as well which may make conditions crappy.

So, do we hold out and go, hope for the best... hit the bar if it is a washout, or just scrap the dive... I think I am going to go either way.