Henderson 7mm suit.

[Luca Brasi]

Do different manufacturers have different buoyancy

 

[DBPacific]

Do different manufacturers have different buoyancy

There are different types of neoprene but as far as I know they aren't different enough from each other to make a difference in buoyancy with all the gear that divers have. The main difference in manufacturers is size range, stretchiness, warmth, and perhaps durability, though I'm not sure if that last is noticed much by the average diver. Thickness and I think style of wetsuit (like a farmer john vs a full one piece) has more impact on buoyancy

 

[Jason Teixeira]

Hooded vests are also good if you get claustrophobic in neoprene on the surface (like I do). Wetsuits themselves are usually pretty comfy if they fit right but I've rarely met someone who didn't feel like they weren't suffocating in a hood on the surface. A vest you can slip in and out of pretty easily with less scalp-pulling by the hood.

What's the normal water temp range in Monterey? I'm moving there next week

To answer your question about normal water temperature in Monterey is between 50-60°F.

 

[DBPacific]

To answer your question about normal water temperature in Monterey is between 50-60°F.

Wow, that's warmer than I thought. Sounds wonderful!