Fusion Drysuit - Can't Stay Warm

[Marie13]

Have a hot drink before the dive. Are you keeping warm beforehand? I've heard the Thermal Fusion can almost be too warm for some people. Do you have a good hood?

 

[Taath]

Have a hot drink before the dive. Are you keeping warm beforehand? I've heard the Thermal Fusion can almost be too warm for some people. Do you have a good hood?

Here in AZ pre-dive warmth is not a problem. This past weekend it was nearly 70 degrees at the surface. I was actually too warm before getting into the drysuit and into the water. I do have a good hood, 7mm hood. Head stays rather comfortable.

 

[grf88]

Presuming you mean be more active on the dive? I've tried that too. Even when active and kicking way more than I should be I'm still chilled.

What you consume before the dive. Getting a good breakfast or whatever meal is appropriate can make a big difference.

 

[Scott]

I dive a Fusion Bullet with the Thermal Fusion garment over some Hot Chilis base in 38F cave for four hours. Am I toasty warm? No, but I'm not terribly cold either.
May try a thicker hood, dry gloves, a warm meal or drink before the dive, heavier base layer.

 

[Beau640]

It doesn't have anything to do with the suit itself. All shell suits provide essentially zero thermal protection. Assuming you are not talking about a neoprene dry suit or equivalent, that particular suit is the same for warmth as any other brand shell.

You shouldn't need to add more air/etc, you just need warmer undergarments. There really is a giant difference in undergarments between brands even if they seem similar. If you're cold you just need better undergarments for that temperature.

 

[boulderjohn]

I used to dive a Fusion regularly in water in the 58°-62° range, and I used a simple base layer plus what was then White's medium eight suit--the MK2. I was just fine, with dives up to about 80 minutes. I then did a one hour dive in Puget Sound with temperatures of about 46°, and I made the mistake of thinking that would be cold enough to merit the Whites MK23 undergarment. It didn't. After one hour, I was sweating.

 

[guruboy]

I just dove in 50-55F water with a simple base layer and 200g BZ200 with dry gloves. Was ok for about an hour in the water.

 

[Reku]

I dive a fusion bullet in Michigan winters with a thermal fusion - it's toasty...... the water temperature is low 30s in some places.

Everyone is different - you just need something warmer. Maybe a heated vest?

 

[Trailboss123]

If your base layer that you are wearing beneath your thermal fusion does not wick the moisture away from your body, your perspiration while diving (and you will perspire)-- as you stated, your surface temps are pretty warm also; you will definitely get chilled. Make sure your base layer beneath your thermal fusion will wick moisture away.

 

[Taath]

So this is the exact base layer I am using:

Cabela's Men's E.C.W.C.S. Polartec® Power Dry® Polar Weight Crew – Regular : Cabela's

Forgot I had went with the Cabelas ECWCS. It is made of Polartec PowerDry, fabric is 94% polyester. I would presume this should be a sufficient wicking base layer?