help me compare wetsuits?

[cowprintrabbit]

I am thinking about buying my first wetsuit; and it's between a Neosport, an Evo, and a Triple-L. I have seen all 3 mentioned here in separate threads, but never compared and contrasted. I dive ~4x a year, tropical water, and I think I will also be wearing it occasionally to kneeboard/waterski/snorkel on/in Baker Lake, WA. (Long story on the snorkeling, but it involves conquering a fear of lakes, and a theory that the ocean doesn't bother me because I know what's down there.)

Also, what weight should I think about? I was chilly in May in Cozumel in a rental 3mm shorty. Will going to a full jumpsuit in the same weight provide any more warmth? I hesitate to go too much thicker that that for packing reasons.

 

[mempilot]

A buddy of mine dives with the 3mm Evo long sleeve shorty. He likes it, and it didn't break his wallet. It seems flexible enough for all watersports.

A 3mm is fairly versatile. It works well for all year tropical depending on your temp tolerance. Down hear in SE FL, the water temps dip to the upper 60's in mid winter. You could always buy the Evo farmer john to go with it for the winter.

 

[ChrisA]

I
Also, what weight should I think about? I was chilly in May in Cozumel in a rental 3mm shorty. Will going to a full jumpsuit in the same weight provide any more warmth? I hesitate to go too much thicker that that for packing reasons.

Adding a hood will add more warmth than making the legs longer.
and the hood will add very little bulk to your luggage
Adding a hooded vest will add even more warmth

 

[yknot]

Consider that while a full 3mm jumpsuit may not be a lot warmer than a shorty that extra full body protection will be worth it's weight in gold if you are suceptible to irritants like fire coral. Some people I know have a problem with that stuff just from being near it without even having to touch it. I don't know if any of these suits are available as a 3/5. I did recently purchase a stock size Triple-L. Quality looks very good and you won't find a better price. You could likely purchase more than one piece from them and give yourself some flexibility in case your needs change.