Full Suit Skin vs Shorty

[johndiver999]

A 1 mm suit is going to be very delicate. A 2 or 3 mm suit will not be that warm and would handle the abuse of scuba diving better.

 

[lowwall]

I wouldn't trust a 1mm to hold up. I use a Henderson 3mm long sleeve front zip shorty (it may be the same one as @drrich2) - Henderson Thermoprene Jacket.

I like it. Easy on and off and I've got a relatively short legs for my torso, so a fullsuit that fits up top always has extra material in the legs. Depending on conditions, I'll wear it by itself or over these $10 MMA leggings or these $30 1.5mm pants.

 

[RobPNW]

I really like the mobility that a Shorty gives me in the arms and legs. I may go try on one of the 3/2 suits. I hear the argument that a thin suit may not be enough. But a 3mm seems like overkill for me at least. It almost sounds like a 2mm full suit would be perfect but I'm not seeing a lot of options there...

 

[RobPNW]

I'm looking at a couple web sites that carry full suits that appear to target open water swimmers. That almost sounds like the right track. They're going to be designed for mobility and thermal protection...

 

[eelnoraa]

How about rent in destination? Suit is this thickness, exact fit isn’t too important. 3/2 takes quite a bit is space in luggage. And on your return flight, they may still be wet (heavy)

 

[lowwall]

I'm looking at a couple web sites that carry full suits that appear to target open water swimmers. That almost sounds like the right track. They're going to be designed for mobility and thermal protection...

It's been a long time since my last triathlon, but from what I remember my open water wetsuits had an exterior liner that was supposed to cut drag but would get quickly destroyed by a BC harness.

 

[Jcp2]

I really like the mobility that a Shorty gives me in the arms and legs. I may go try on one of the 3/2 suits. I hear the argument that a thin suit may not be enough. But a 3mm seems like overkill for me at least. It almost sounds like a 2mm full suit would be perfect but I'm not seeing a lot of options there...

Surfing suits are readily available and not super expensive.

 

[RobPNW]

It's been a long time since my last triathlon, but from what I remember my open water wetsuits had an exterior liner that was supposed to cut drag but would get quickly destroyed by a BC harness.

Good to know!

 

[RobPNW]

At this point, I'm actually thinking about taking Marie's advice and getting the separate top and bottom in something like the full length Lavacore, and also getting the shorty. Two suits but they should fold up well enough for travel. That way I can enjoy the shorty but if diving on a wreck or if jellyfish are anticipated for a particular dive site or if doing a night dive, I have the option of throwing on the full length setup. As far as the suit not drying out before traveling, I bet if you asked the hotel staff, they would probably have a small fan you could borrow to expedite that after your last dive.

 

[broncobowsher]

If you get warm in a wetsuit it is easy enough to just grab the neck and pull it out and take a gulp of fresh water. Flushes out the suit and cools off at the same time. Easier to cool off than it is to warm up.