Help - need 7mm by next weekend

[TexasKaren68]

After my AOW dives were canceled due to crappy weather in Hawaii (go figure) I just stopped by my LDS to sign up to complete my classes. I hadn't really planned to do this quite so soon but there is a very slight possibility of going to Florida in another month or so and I'd like to get AOW complete before then.

Anyway, my dives next weekend (May 1) are going to be in Lake Medina which is apparently low 70s on the surface and upper 50s at depth :cold:

I tried on a Farmer Jane at the shop. Well, I should say I attempted to try on a Farmer Jane. It was the same brand (Deep See) and size as the 3mm I own but I couldn't get the darn thing over my chubby calves. I gave up after that in the hopes I can find something with a little more stretch online.

I need something that will get me through a few cold lake dives in the Spring and Fall, but I'm not anticipating a lot of use of the 7mm so I don't want to spend a lot of money ($300 maximum).

I'm about 5'6" and wear a women's size 10/12 out of the water.

If anyone has any helpful suggestions for a good brand and where to look online I'd appreciate it. Links would be great.

I guess I need a hood as well, so suggestions for a good one will also be much appreciated. I tried one on at the shop - it looked ridiculous and fit terrible

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Right now Wateproof has a super deal on their "last year's model" 7mm Aries women's full suit. $99!

To top that off they still have a pretty good selection of sizes, and they make a LOT of women's sizes. They seem to be really good quality (I have three) and have nice features such as doubled wrists and ankles with zippers, a small zipper you can undo to open the neck on surface interval, etc.

Here is a link. Once you put in your ZIP they somehow credit a local dealer (if you have one), but you buy it online. The one possible downside is that you cannot return, but only exchange for other sizes (since it is a close-out).

Waterproof USA Store - ARIES 7MM WOMEN'S FULLSUIT | Waterproof Facing Reality

Here is a copy of their size chart. It's available on the site but it would be broken up into four or five different charts (for regular, tall, plus, etc.) and thus not as easy to quickly compare the various sizes. Note that if you click on it a couple of more times after you get the image to come up on the black screen, then it will get large enough to read.



They ship out of California, so you might need to talk with them about how soon they could ship, etc. They are available/helpful on the phone, in my experience.

Oh, and they have hooded vests on close out too (and maybe plain hoods too?). You can find them in the same general site area (store ---> closeouts) as the Aries wetsuit. I just bought one of these (hooded vest) and although I have not dived it yet I like the features better than a number of other hooded vests and hoods I found in various dive shops.

Blue Sparkle

 

[diveprof]

I am fairly cold natured and have tried the farmer johns. I now prefer the 7mm (or 8/7 semi-drys) full suits. You can add a hooded vest if needed (I dive this combo into the 40s). - less bulk and about the same warmth to me. Oh, less weight on the weight belt too.
I like a hood anyway for local diving. you will need a hood for those temps. LP has them or better yet a hooded vest (look at the Bare hoods and hooded vests)

From Leisure Pro:

Choice 1 is a little over your budget, but more sizes offered:
Bare 7mm Elastek Full Stretch Suit Women's

Choice 2
Henderson Thermoprene 7mm Women's Jumpsuit (Back Zip)

These suits have great stretch.

Another suit (if the size chart is closer to what you need - not as stretchy) is:
Mares Womens Isotherm Semi-Dry One Piece Wetsuit 2010 Model with Hood

 

[diveprof]

Oh, if buying from Leisure Pro, give them a call rather than buying on-line. Sometimes you get a better price.

 

[spectrum]

Karen, were you coached in how to don it? If you get your feet in the rest can roll up onto you. You don't want to step into it like a pair of slacks, think pantyhose. More here.

Bare has an awesome size range if you have a local stocking dealer.

Pete

BTW.... I too am partial to the full suit and hooded vest combo. In the 50'sF you will want 2X on your core.

 

[TexasKaren68]

I know I want something returnable - Size charts aren't always perfect. I do plan to order over the phone from wherever I decide to purchase just to get the opinion of someone who supposedly should be knowledgeable about what I'm buying.

I like the look of that Henderson, so would a hooded vest underneath be the best option for a hood, rather than just a hood to tuck in? I guess it's good for the extra warmth but is that the only reason?

Pete, I don't want to know how you know how to put on pantyhose, but thanks for the tips

 

[diveprof]

A hooded vest will give you more warmth:

Neo Sport X-Span 5/3mm Women's Hooded Vest Black
It can be worn over or under the suit (some designs such as the Pinnacle are made to be worn under the suit). Neosport is made by Henderson.
The downside about a farmer jane is that you will likely never just use 1 piece. You could ditch the hooded vest in a full suit when it warms up. PM sent about another option.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Just in case I wasn't clear, the Waterproof close-outs are exchangeable, just not returnable for cash. Of course you still may not be interested; I just thought I would clarify.

 

[TexasKaren68]

I think I'm narrowing it down

Wetsuits:

Neo Sport X-Span 7mm Women's Jumpsuit Black/Light Blue

Womens Henderson Hyperstretch 7mm Wetsuit discounts on sale Henderson

Henderson Thermoprene 7mm Women's Jumpsuit (Back Zip)

Hoods: (choosing this is harder - not as many good choices)

Henderson 7/5mm Women's Titanium Hyperstretch Hooded Vest

Neo Sport X-Span 5/3mm Women's Hooded Vest Black

It would be nice to order both from the same place.

Am I gonna die if I wear 3mm gloves and 3mm low cut booties?

 

[TexasKaren68]

Any thoughts on differences between these two?

Henderson Thermoprene 7mm Women's Jumpsuit (Back Zip)

Henderson Thermoprene 7mm Full Suit - 2007- Womens- BLUE ONLY discounts on sale Henderson