Larger Individual - Wetsuit options?

[Pressurehead]

I find that the chest sizing is the most important number to look at on the size charts for neoprene.

I agree with this , chest size.
I am not tall like you guys , more like a short solid block.
For the first time ever I have been able to buy wetsuits 'off the rack' and not made to fit, and it was the chest sizing I found worked.
The stretch of modern wetsuits is amazing, something we could only dream about 'way back when'.
Three new wetsuits, a 5,4mm a 3,2mm and a 3mm.

I did have to trim the legs and arms to length for my "Ducks Disease", arse too close to the ground, that is.

 

[Jhayusmc]

I agree. The chest is where you want the fit. The rest is a pair of shears away from a perfect fit.

 

[HamTrainChickenLaser]

Be very cautious of Henderson size charts! I bought a semi-dry suit used and I fit exactly into their idea of a 3XL according to the dimensions on the chart, but it doesn't fit. Fortunately I am still losing weight so it will at some point, but definitely I'd say based on my experience that you will want a size up from what you expect.

 

[Ramsesthegrunt]

This is always the hardest part for me. I’m pretty broad chested/shoulder and have really long arms. Like the Henderson 6xl fits everywhere except my chest (based on size chart)
If you end up with something where chest is a couple of inches smaller than what you measure, what does that fit feel like?

 

[HamTrainChickenLaser]

This is always the hardest part for me. I’m pretty broad chested/shoulder and have really long arms. Like the Henderson 6xl fits everywhere except my chest (based on size chart)
If you end up with something where chest is a couple of inches smaller than what you measure, what does that fit feel like?

That's the worst part about this Henderson "3x" semi-dry for me- chest, shoulders, arms. It's like it's a 3X everywhere except there- and in those spots it's an XL. Not sure if Akona would be better.

 

[GunnersTacklebox]

Just wanted to pipe back in.
Tried a few on, found some would fit bodywise, but be like an accordion on my arms and legs.
Ultimately found and tried a Pinnacle 5mm Escape front zip shorty and 5mm Cruiser Fullsuit. Their size (King 1) fits perfectly on my body shape.

Haven't dove using the full suit yet, but finished my open water course in the shorty and it was comfortable as heck.

 

[HamTrainChickenLaser]

Just wanted to pipe back in.
Tried a few on, found some would fit bodywise, but be like an accordion on my arms and legs.
Ultimately found and tried a Pinnacle 5mm Escape front zip shorty and 5mm Cruiser Fullsuit. Their size (King 1) fits perfectly on my body shape.

Haven't dove using the full suit yet, but finished my open water course in the shorty and it was comfortable as heck.

Congratulations on getting certified!!! I'm noting the Pinnacle Cruiser if this Henderson doesn't work out but I did manage to get it zipped yesterday with some tricks. I soaked it in hot water in the bathtub and used a little nylon helper string to get it started:

I wore it for a while and did some lunges and stretches this way and that, and really it's a good fit everywhere except the chest. I'm hoping that another five or ten pounds of weight loss means that I won't have to soak it in hot water first because that limits my options of where I can dive.

 

[GunnersTacklebox]

Congratulations on getting certified!!! I'm noting the Pinnacle Cruiser if this Henderson doesn't work out but I did manage to get it zipped yesterday with some tricks. I soaked it in hot water in the bathtub and used a little nylon helper string to get it started:

View attachment 913475

I wore it for a while and did some lunges and stretches this way and that, and really it's a good fit everywhere except the chest. I'm hoping that another five or ten pounds of weight loss means that I won't have to soak it in hot water first because that limits my options of where I can dive.

I did notice that sitting in the heat of the day for a bit before putting it on significantly increased the stretchiness of the suit and made it much easier to get on.

 

[OTF]

Always try suits on in person. It's very hard to order them and get the size right.

What specific water temperatures, depths, and dive times do you think you will be doing in the suit? Is it for tropical travel only or diving Canadian waters?

 

[GunnersTacklebox]

Always try suits on in person. It's very hard to order them and get the size right.

What specific water temperatures, depths, and dive times do you think you will be doing in the suit? Is it for tropical travel only or diving Canadian waters?

Mainly going to be in Canadian waters, so I know I'll have to look into a 7mm at some point. During my open water exit the lake temperature was 24C at the surface (according to my Suunto dive comp) and my shorty was more than adequate. Thermocline in that lake was about 19' down and I still felt pretty comfortable in the shorty.

Most of the lakes around here are pretty warm, on Sunday I was snorkling with my daughter (also taking the course now, but not certified so no diving for her yet) and my Garmin sonar said a water temperature of 79F.