Good 3mm wetsuits?
- Thread starter JDelage
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I've been diving in a local aquarium for 20 years and the average water temperature is around 72-74 degrees. Over the years we have been provided with numerous different brands of wet suits that were/are 3 and 5 mm. The 3mm were for guests and 5mm for staff and workers/volunteers. Of the Bare, Henderson and Pinnacol, the 5mm Pinnacle 5mm was the best, but the difference between the best and worst was not significant. What was important was how it fit me and what I was doing. Guests generally wore the 3mm (they were branded with the aquarium name) and easier to put on) for less than 30 minutes. If I wanted extra warmth, I added a hooded vest or a beanie. BTW, I'm 5-10 and weigh 155 and also wear a M. If I need to wear a 3mm for special occasions and know that I have to be in the water for longer than 30 minutes, I'll put a Large on top of my Medium and I'm warm as toast.
+1 for WaterProof and also Fourth Element.
I have a couple of 3mm suits, including a Bare Reactive. The Reactive is my favorite 3mm.
But, I haven't worn it in a few years. Now, mostly wear my Waterproof W7 5mm. It is rare that the water is too warm for me in a 5mm. I was in Cozumel 2 weeks ago. The water was 82F. I was very comfy.
And the W7 has thigh pockets! Stretchy and do not flop around or create drag when they are empty. But, perfect for carrying a backup mask or wetnotes, or a finger spool and SMB or whatever.
When the water is really warm, I go to a Wateproof Neoskin 1mm. I probably would have worn that in Coz, but I needed pockets and the W7 was more convenient than the Neoskin with pocket shorts over them.
So, I really have no real use for a 3mm anymore. The difference in packing a 5mm vs a 3mm is not significant enough for me to bother over. With gloves and a hood, I'm good in a 5mm down to at least 60F. I have done dives in a 5mm, hood, and gloves to 51F for 50 minutes. I was cold, but not freezing.
In other words, I'm pretty cold-tolerant, but I still like a 5mm for just about everything except really warm or really cold (or cold and long).
But, if you are dead set on a 3mm, the Reactive would be my top choice.
But, I haven't worn it in a few years. Now, mostly wear my Waterproof W7 5mm. It is rare that the water is too warm for me in a 5mm. I was in Cozumel 2 weeks ago. The water was 82F. I was very comfy.
And the W7 has thigh pockets! Stretchy and do not flop around or create drag when they are empty. But, perfect for carrying a backup mask or wetnotes, or a finger spool and SMB or whatever.
When the water is really warm, I go to a Wateproof Neoskin 1mm. I probably would have worn that in Coz, but I needed pockets and the W7 was more convenient than the Neoskin with pocket shorts over them.
So, I really have no real use for a 3mm anymore. The difference in packing a 5mm vs a 3mm is not significant enough for me to bother over. With gloves and a hood, I'm good in a 5mm down to at least 60F. I have done dives in a 5mm, hood, and gloves to 51F for 50 minutes. I was cold, but not freezing.
In other words, I'm pretty cold-tolerant, but I still like a 5mm for just about everything except really warm or really cold (or cold and long).
But, if you are dead set on a 3mm, the Reactive would be my top choice.
ontdiver
Contributor
I have a very old Bare 3/2 Ignite as well as a newer Bare 5 Velocity. I had a 7MM Henderson which I retired a couple of years ago in favor of a dry suit.
There a lots of choices and everyone has a preference. Ultimately...the one that best fits you for the type of diving you will be doing is the one you will love.
There a lots of choices and everyone has a preference. Ultimately...the one that best fits you for the type of diving you will be doing is the one you will love.
seattle_sailor
Registered
FYI
I ended up selecting the Bare 3mm Velocity Ultra Full Blue - XLS Retail $339.95
I purchased it from divers-supply.com
SKU: B-002186BLU-54XLS 1 Free shipping + no sales tax = $267.95
After spending the past 10 days in Cozumel reef diving 80F water and Cenote 77F water I am very pleased with this wetsuit. I found the sizing/stretch to be generous and easy to put on / remove.
Good luck,
Patrick
I tried a bunch to find one that worked for me, I like the Aqualung as it is very flexible and easy to put on. It isn’t as prettty as a Scubapro, but it worked better for me. I mainly dive 3mm now so didn’t need a custom, but that is another option to get you what you want.
I've got a Sharkskin Chillproof rear zip and love it. It was $350ish.
It's plenty warm, extremely flexible, and neutrally buoyant so you can dive less weight and don't have to worry about neoprene compression w depth change. They're also machine washable.
Chillproof Suit (Male)
You are diving in the tropics and surface in your 3mm wetsuit to find a substantial breeze has picked up. You find you are getting cold, even while your wetsuit is on, because your body is wet and the wind is cutting through the suit. That is one of the reasons why divers prefer the Sharkskin...
sharkskinusa.com
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