Henderson Gold Core 5mm vs. Normal 7mm

[zboss]

Hello,

I have a question about the Henderson Gold Core line. I am in the market for a good 7mm however Henderson claims that their Gold Core series is warmer than neoprene wetsuits of the same thickness.

If this is true then I would rather go for the 5mm because I am planning on splitting my dives 50/50 Virginia and Caribbean diving.

Has anyone had first hand experience on this line of exposure suits?

 

[vertaqua]

Although the henderson goldcore material is very warm, it's quite a hassle to get on. At least it is with my goldcore gloves. If your going to buy a whole suit made of that stuff look into a suitable lube. I like to use liquid dishwasher soap and water for my gloves, but I'm not sure I want that stuff all over me.
My .02 $
neil

 

[miked]

Hi Z boss,
I can't help with the relative warmth of a "gold" 5mm vs a "regular" 7mm, but I can comment-with certain qualifications, about putting on a "gold core"suit.
I have had a 3mm Gold core suit for 2 years, and I haven't noticed any problems in getting the suit on. Of course, the 3mm is probably much easier (flexible?) than the 5 or 7 to get into.
The gold lining tends to "grab" if you try to put it on wet, but I have found two solutions-again for the 3mm.(Yup-a warm water weany here )
First: if I turn the suit inside out between dives, the inside dries in approx. one half hour, and is ready to put on for the next dive.
Second: if the suit is wet,for whatever reason, turn the legs and arms "almost completely inside out". insert feet through the proper openings, then roll the legs of the suit up onto your legs. Repeat in similar fashion for the arms.
Hope this is helpful.
Mike

PS- I have found that a 3 mm vest worn over the suit helps during dives "later" in the week on a multi day-multi dives per day trip. Perhaps a similar setr up could help in the "5" vs "7" decision.

 

[Viv]

In my case I am warmer in my Henderson Gold 5mm than in my "regular" 7mm. The reason for me is probably the fit. I am not a standard size and so my 7mm has a lot of gaps where cold water keeps flushing through the suit making me chilled. With the Goldcore the 5mm is thinner so it conforms to my shape slightly better. Also, that lining that everyone is complaining about sticks to my skin so the cold water isn't flooding the suit and freezing me.

Just my personal experience. Hope that helps.

 

[Garfish]

I wish i would of known sooner about the gold core before i bought my present 5 mill suit.
I now own the 3 mill henderson gold core suit & love it . Not only is it warm but it sticks to about every part of your body to reduce water flushing. I never had a problem with putting it on. Like they say, turn it inside out if wet to dry. My suit is about 2 yrs old and made a hell of alot of dives with it and so far can't find any fault with it.
For myself, the gold core suit of either thickness would be the way to go for thermo protection.

Safe diving to ya: