Henderson Hyperstretch/Aqua Suede vs. Others

[djac5700]

Are there are any Henderson Aqua Suede 3mm jumpsuit owners out there with a perspective on its quality? Specifically, does it live up to its claim that it doesn't damage/pill as easily as the original Hyperstretch? Also, does anyone have a quality recommendation for other extra-stretch 3mm jumpsuits?

 

[Optik]

Its fine the hyperstrech is really comfortable and is the equibilent of using spandex instead of neoprene. However, the only draw back to it is the damage factor. Yes, it pills easy and turns into a fuzzy mess. I assure you its ok and the suit will take it fine. Also make sure at no point that the suit comes in contact with velcro, it makes it super fuzzy when pulled away. If you are looking for comfort i totally recommend it, but nothing is free and i cant see this suit lasting more than 2 years. Still a high recommend.

 

[ZenSquirrel]

I have a regular hyperstrech 3mm and I've seen the aqua suede in the dive shop. The arms/legs/back of the suit I saw were made of hyperstreach while the chest panel was the only thing made of aqua suede. My impression was that the aqua suede would be a more sturdy material, would not pill, quicker to dry, and would be warmer to boot. I've found that 3mm of hyperstreach is not as warm as 3mm of neoprene.

You will still run into the pilling problem because most of the suit is still hyperstreach. I try to minimize the pilling on my suit because it is more wear and tear, but I don't care if I'm diving equipment that doesn't look "new". I think that the suits were similar in cost and probably would have gotten an aqua suede suit if they had been around when I was shopping.

 

[5615mike]

Parkway uses the same material as Henderson and they are much cheaper. They get materials from same source I have heard. Love my Hyperstretch but would buy the Parkway now and have extra funds for new toys.

 

[cortez]

I have no experience with the newer Hyperstretch/Aqua-suede, however, I owned an original Hyperstretch/Titanium 3mm. Because of that purchase I will never touch another Henderson product....

First time in the water with it I was working as a safety diver (aka bobber) at an event that my shop was hosting. Right sleeve caught on velcro of my BC when I was readjusting it in the water and unravelled 2" of the elbow seam (It should be noted that I purchased the product from another shop just before starting to work at my current shop). Called Henderson, they said since I was working as a DM and safety diver, it was beyond the intended use of the suit and it was not a manufacturing defect, therefore the warranty was void. Tried to return to the AUTHORIZED DEALER I bought it from, they told me they don't deal with warranty returns has to go through Henderson.

blah.. blah.. blah..

4 dives later caught the same seam on velcro tightening my BC and unravelled the entire seam from armpit to about 3" above the wrist. Same response from Henderson and LDS.

But that's just one man's experience. My wife owns one, never had a problem (doesn't use it but twice a year) and loves it.

 

[saltwater taffy]

That speaks very, very poorly of Henderson and your LDS. I have a friend who got a custom wetsuit from Henderson. After 4 tries, they never got it right. Henderson, said that they had done all they could and he was stuck with it. His local dive shop, not wanting to lose a very good customer, had to eat the cost of the suit. They should have at the very least, offered to restitch the seams. Like with everything, check out what the warranty is. Most custom wetsuit makers guarantee the seams for at LEAST a year. Hope that you have better luck on your next suit!!!

 

[Kosh]

I agree with you saltwater taffy. The LDS and/or Henderson should have taken care of cortez's problem. I bought a Henderson Hyperstretch and went to the pool to try it out (with the rest of my gear), and while putting it on, one of the seams in the leg unraveled! I went to the LDS, they took the suit back, no questions asked, and handed me a brand new Hyperstrech. Now that was good service!

That speaks very, very poorly of Henderson and your LDS. I have a friend who got a custom wetsuit from Henderson. After 4 tries, they never got it right. Henderson, said that they had done all they could and he was stuck with it. His local dive shop, not wanting to lose a very good customer, had to eat the cost of the suit. They should have at the very least, offered to restitch the seams. Like with everything, check out what the warranty is. Most custom wetsuit makers guarantee the seams for at LEAST a year. Hope that you have better luck on your next suit!!!

 

[ScubaMarc]

I have the Henderson Aqua Suede, very confortable, fast to dry, and easy to don. My only complaint is that if U use velcro and the velcro touches the the fabric. The fabric threads will come out. and U will have a fussy patch of fabric in that area.

 

[djac5700]

Thanks all for your replies. I've heard that you should get the Hyperstretch a size or two smaller than the chart for best fit. To those who own Hyperstretches, is that true?

I tried on one at an LDS (by the chart, I am a mens Large, so I tried on the Medium. I would have tried on the Large as well, but they were out of stock). It was very comfortable, with a tight fit everywhere except noticeably in the small of my back. I'm new to diving, so I'm not too sure if that is normal. The employee at the LDS told me that it fit fine, but being that I am a newbie, I got a little suspicious that he might be trying to make the sale over my best interests. Any thoughts?

 

[CALI68]

Get a Gold Core or wait untill June when Henderson releases the mack daddy "Insta Dry" wich is a combo of 'em all (hyperstretch,Gold Core and a new Instant drying outer material). VERY COOL!

If you need something right away get a gold core. They are comfortable and easy to get in to but best of all you wont have to step into a soggy suit before your second dive. Hyperstretch takes forever to dry.