Is 5mm too much for Caribbean?

[trob09]

It's a HUGE difference, not only from a weighting POV, but from a bulk and overheating POV.

Let's put in in Imperial terms: 3mm is approx 1/4"; 5mm is approx 1/2". That is about DOUBLE the bulk.

Again, way too much for the Bahamas.

Not debating that 5mm _might be_ too much for the Caribbean, but 5mm is nowhere near 1/2" and 3mm is less than 1/8"

2.54 cm = 25.4mm = 1"
1.27 cm = 12.7mm = 1/2"
.635 cm = 6.35 mm = 1/4"
.508 cm = 5.08 mm = 1/5"
.317 cm = 3.17 mm = 1/8"

The metric system is your friend.

FWIW, suit thickness should be determined by time in the water, depth and tolerance to cold. What might be too much for 40' for 30 minutes is not enough for 200' for 30 minutes with 30 minutes of deco obligation...

 

[Knight1989]

I dont think its to much at all. You dont need that much, but it certainly wont hurt. I dove in Curacao for many months with a 5mm and found it very comfertable.

 

[cmm1970]

So I have been reading all of the responses and feel like there are good pearls here for the original query. First, I agree with those that say there is nothing in the world "wrong" with a 5mm in 80 degree F water. Cold is cold. Period. If a person is cold natured, a little thicker suit is a good idea.

One thing that I have noticed and this is anecdotal, is that fit seems to be more important than thickness. I have had many suits of the same thickness, but some are warmer than others. If you are hesitant to purchase the thicker suit that will require additional lead, consider buying a suit with excellent wrist seals and a good fit. There are differences between each company's fit and by trying them on, you will find the "right" fit.

One other issue that is pertinent is the recommendation to use a core warmer/hood. The few times that I have been diving in cooler or cold water, I have been amazed at the difference covering the chest and head makes in keeping one warm. The hyperstrectch style core warmers and hoods are not uncomfortable to wear and really enhance ones warmth. Probably more than moving for a 3mm suit to a 5mm suit. Net, net, is that maybe the poster should purchase a well fitting 3mm suit with excellent wrist, ankle, and neck seals and also a core warmer. Most likely would end up with a warmer diver and less lead on the belt.

Hopefully this is not too redundant.

Mike

 

[Hank49]

Hey guys....

I am thinking about getting a full body 5mm for Caribbean diving. Is this gonna make me too hot or should I go with something thinner. I have heard that successive diving through out the week may cause one to be colder as your body acclimates to the warmer waters.

Thanks...

Right now, this time of year, 5mm is perfect. I have a 4x3 and I was cold yesterday. Summertime (hurricane season) you'll only need a 2-3 mm.

 

[AtomicWalrus]

I've found a 2mm shorty fine in 78°F water in the USVI, and I wore a 3 mm full suit for a week of diving in Cayman Brac in 82-85°F water. No problems either time. On the other hand, I've got instructor friends who've moved to tropical destinations to teach, and they all seem to buy 5 mm suits after a month or two! (And these are cold water divers!) I think that they acclimatize to the warmer water, and then they become so much more efficienct with their diving that they simply don't generate much body heat. Just seems to be a comfort thing.

 

[pwraudio1]

I don't Like to be cold so I go with a 3/5/3mm

 

[Tom Smedley]

In my personal experience I have been too cold numerous times underwater but I have never been too warm. When I lived in the tropics I developed the thin blood that caused me to wear 5 mm in 79 degree F water. When I was in Bonaire in December all the divemasters there wished for five mils.

Now I am accustomed to 48 F water and when I go to the tropics wear a speedo. Folks often ask me if I get cold. BTW I dive dry in the 68 degree waters of the Florida springs.

Be comfortable and dive often and long.

 

[miketsp]

I just got back from a week diving the Caribbean and I just took a 3mm long.
I regretted it on almost every dive.
We were doing 3 longish dives per day, normally the first one was deep 30-45m and I was getting cold in the water which was 25C.

 

[r00t0fallevil]

As many others have said, it all depends on your tolerances. I have been diving with a someone who was wearinga 7mm with a vest while I was hot in a 3mm shorty. One thing that no one has mentioned is that if you are worried about being cold, take a beanie/tropical hood. You lose lots of body heat through your head and a beanie can make a ton of difference in your comfort level without the bouyancy and mobility issues of a heavier wetsuit.

YMMV,

Jackie

I got a 5 mm to go diving but I never used it. The scuba instructor that I travelled with recommended that I do something really minimal. The reason wasn't the thermal protection, but rather the buoyancy problems I would be experiencing as a new diver. He was right on the money! I dove in 85 degree waters for a week and I was more than comfortable in a 3 mm shorty with long sleeves. I had more problems with air consumption, buoyancy and form.

In fact there were a few times we went out when the weather was raining and I found my body colder on the ship than in the water! In any case my scuba instructor told me not to dispair because in the winter there are places in the carribean that can dip below the 80s and a 5 mm would be required.

So now I am looking for a full 3 mm. HAHAHA.

 

[tangfish]

get a 5mm since eventually it'll crush down to 3mm size anyways, if you start with a 3 then you'll be paper thin sooner rather than later.

Hey thanks guys for the response!

I am just worried that repeat diving through the week might get me chilly. The price difference is not that much between a 3mm and a 5mm. I have also heard that diving in the winter time the water can get a little chilly. I guess I would rather feel rather too warm than too cold?