help to pick a 3mm wetsuit - Pinnacle vs Henderson

[s.s.seafan]

Hi,

Being new in the hobby, I thought I'd put off buying a wetsuit till later, after I get a chance to dive in the sea next week. But I just found out that the resort I will go does not have full length suit for rent (only shorty), now I have to get one before the trip. After some reading and searching, I've narrowed down to the following two, hope the knowledgeable folks here could help me to pick one, or suggest something in the same price range -

1. Pinnacle 3mm Venture Titanium Jumpsuit ($124)

3mm Titanium material throughout for superior warmth
Back Zip with Leash (pull cord)
Great flexibility
Internally reinforced seam intersections for added durability
Hidden Key pocket
Smoothskin neck seal helps keep cold out
O-ring wrist seals
Molded rubber knee pads

2. Henderson Thermoprene 3mm Full Suit - 2007 ($97)

Lycra Trim
Glued and Sewn Seams
Back Zip
Adjustable Collar

The 2nd one being a 3-year-old model, seems to be a good value buy as the current model costs over $200. But I read somewhere on the board that the more stretch there is, the less insulating - is that true in this case? I'll be diving warm water mostly (Caribean, Hawaii etc), but possibly in winter too, so I hope to get the warmest 3mm. The "glued and sewn seams" sound like more durable? but the first one seems to have more good features?

thanks,

Jason

 

[warmwaterturner]

I have a Henderson 3mil Aquasilk. It has about 40 dives on it. No complaints. Can't speak to the Pinnacle.

 

[Scott L]

The Pinnacle Merino-lined series are very popular in S Florida and highly regarded. The more stretchy, the more it compresses losing insulating properties and consequential unsafe weighting at depth. Used more by surfers and free-divers...

Wetsuits - Zeagle Dive Systems

 

[s.s.seafan]

The Pinnacle Merino-lined series are very popular in S Florida and highly regarded.

Is the "Pinnacle Venture" that I'm looking at one of the "Merino-lined series" ?

 

[Scott L]

Is the "Pinnacle Venture" that I'm looking at one of the "Merino-lined series" ?

No. A bit more expensive but worth it. My friends report the 3mm is as warm as previous 5mm suits of other brands. Good luck!

Pinnacle Escape 3mm John and Jacket Mens Package

 

[s.s.seafan]

Is the "Pinnacle Venture" that I'm looking at one of the "Merino-lined series" ?

never mind, I see from the link you have there, they are two different series of products.

 

[SangP]

Both are pretty good, but there's only so much warmth you can expect from a 3mm a hooded vest would help out if you're concerned.

For the price you could also consider ordering from these guys:
Specials : Scuba Diving : AquaFlite
or
Atlan Productions inc.

SangP

 

[Hotpuppy]

I personally have a NeoSport which is Henderson's discount line..... brand and features aren't as important as fit. It's critical to get a wetsuit that fits like a glove, not too tight though. It won't do it's job if it's not a good fit. Each quality manufacturer posts size measurements such as chest, waist, height that you can use to determine if the suit is close to your measurements. While it's often tempting to save $20 here or there, make sure you are comfortable first. You won't have fun if you aren't comfortable and diving is about having fun.

 

[fjpatrum]

Before ordering, I recommend checking with the manufacturer as to which size (chest, waist, etc.) is most appropriate for your suit choice. For me, I wear a small waist, medium chest and extra large length (I'm 6'1" with a 30" waist and a 38" chest and long arms) so I always have to try on before I buy or call the manufacturer. I typically am safe with a large in a full suit, but some fit better than others. I happen to fit the Hendersons better than the Pinnacles, personally, but both are good suits. Hotpuppy's suggestion is good, the savings isn't worth a comfort "discount" because in the end your comfort in the water is worth far more than a few bucks.

 

[fresh_fish]

I just got a 7mm henderson thermoprene. Fits me like a glove! I would definitely recommend trying each one on, if at all possible...

The thermoprene has 75% more stretch tan regular neoprene. I'm not sure what the Pinnacle is, but the stretch definitely helps with doffing and donning. With something like a 3mm, you will have more mobility while diving over a 7mm any day, but if you can't get the thing on before you overheat, you've got other problems. Happy hunting!