Henderson: Hyperstretch or GoldCore?

[chiara]

OK, I found out LeisurePro is happy to send overnight (jut 4 $ more expensive than the slow compulsory Fedex) a new, nice Henderson suit to me, just in time for my annual Mediterranean diving trip (two dives on Saturday, I'm leaving on Thursday morning).

Last question is: if it's true that GoldCore is better on warmth, but not necessarily on flexibility, and the other way round for Hyperstretch, considering 7mms as a necessity, what would you buy considering I'll be switching to drysuit in just a couple of months, and only use my wetsuit in summer?

I'm fed up with the Michelin Man's effect of Mares!

 

[JustJules]

Personally, I'd go with the hyperstretch. Having a "curvy" figure in a few places, I can't get a non-stretchy 7mm wetsuit over my hips unless it's far too big everywhere else. My 7/5mm hyperstretch wetsuit came from LeisurePro, and I have never been happier with any wetsuit (I have 12 now...). If you are concerned about warmth, you can always wear a hooded vest underneath.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

well like others stated before i love my henderson gold easy don and easy drying your self have to take care in several areas first your size and shape might be wise with hyper strecht cant answere that never used it but just a thought

 

[buff]

I would save a lot of money and get a "regular" wet suit....and a bottle of liquid soap to help get in and out of it.

If you are switching to a dry suit soon(best move you can make) then just get a hood or vest to wear over your inexpensive wet suit in the mean time.

All that stuff about warmth and titanium and neoprene is baloney.

You have to have suit that fits well at the ankle/wrist area otherwise you'll be warming up all of the Med. Minimizing water inflow is the most important thing to do.

 

[rickyd]

I have the Hyperstretch, and I'm not exactly a rack fit. I'm 5'8" and 245lbs. I was going to order a custom, but my LDS suggested I try one off the rack.

The Hyperstretch is a perfect fit. I wear the 7mil, with the Hyperstretch hooded vest. Easy on and off, even when wet. So far I've had no problems with warmth. Coldest I've been in it is about 52 degrees.

Note that the hyperstretch is VERY vulnerable to "pilling"; the LDS and the Henderson web site say this does not effect performance, but, the outside neoprene is very easy to scrape, like when sitting around on the boat waiting for that next dive. It will not look new even after only a few dives. Also, watch out for loose threads pulling out. Trim them off, and maybe hit them with some black glue.

Bottom line is I love this suit. It's EXTREMELY confortable, easy to put on, and keeps me warm.

 

[chiara]

Bluff wrote:

I would save a lot of money and get a "regular" wet suit....and a bottle of liquid soap to help get in and out of it.

Actually, Henderson, with shipping and all, is not more expensive than what I've seen here so far.

I do have a drysuit, but I need to change my first Mares 7mms.

Anyway, as I'm leaving on holiday tomorrow to Italy, I'll have a look over there and then make a final decision.

 

[numan]

I have gold and very happy with it. Haven't tried the other one, however I can get in to gold without any problem. also it keeps very warm.

 

[cybordolphin]

I have a Hyperstretch. It is quite amazing. It is extremely light compared to my other 7mm suits. It glides on effortlessly, and is very comfortable. By far the most comfortable wetsuit I have.
I have (4).

BUT as mentioned..... it damages VERY easily. You will want to be careful with it. As mentioned... just sitting on a boat deck will cause pilling.

If you are going to switch to dry soon.... I'd say go with the Hyperstretch. I think everyone should own one.

I purchased mine on Ebay for $200.00 brand new still in the bag.
I think the person I bought mine from has more if interested.

 

[art.chick]

I agree that with the Hyperstretch you do sacrifice some of the warmth that you get in other wetsuits, noteably the goldcore. However, the comfort & ease of motion has me sold despite the drawbacks. My only complaint is that in the past year since the suit went on the market, it has become so popular that everyone has one just like mine. That's great for Henderson, but when you are washing gear with a group including 6 girls & 8 guys, and almost everyone has they hyperstretch, people accidentally grab the wrong stuff! Could others join me in writing to Henderson & asking them to offer color variations that will alleviate this ongoing problem? Some enthusiasts would probably buy one in each color pattern (yes, we love them that much!)

 

[plongere]

Like a previous poster I have a .. hard to fit figure. After struggling and struggling to get into Scubapro suits, and feeling like a powdered and soaped marshmellow, my wife and I ordered a custom hyperstretch.

This is what is is supposed to be like. Easy on, easy off, great warmth, flexible, +++++

Can't say enough about the product. It is excellent!