Looking for suggestion of choosing wetsuit

[colin.wen]

I am looking for a suitable wetsuit for diving around 20 degree C water in Australia.
I have a cheap 5 mm semi dry, but I dont think its a proper semi dry.
DiveImports.com - WS01 - Sherwood - Titanium 5mm Semi Dry Wetsuit (Powered by CubeCart)
I wear that for one year, and now it can not make me warm in a 23 degree water these days.
Because I study my postgraduate in Australia about marine bio, I have to stay in water for 1-2 hours per dive, 2-3 dives per day.
Therefore I really need a warm and good wetsuit to dive.
I have looked around then got some wetsuit from the website leisure pro
Due to my limited budget, I dont have too many choice.
These I found are below.
Pinnacle Fusion 5/4mm Merino Lined Jumpsuit Mens, Black/Marine Blue
Bare 7mm Arctic Full Mens Suit,
Bare 5/4 Velocity Progressive Stretch Full, Men's
Bare 7/6 Velocity Progressive Stretch Full Men's, Blue

The price of these wetsuit are pretty close, but I dont know if a 7mm normal one or a 5mm semi dry will warmer?
Because all these are factory size, I wonder if the stretch one will more fit to me, and make me warmer?

Because I will have my next field trip around September, it will be cooler then.
I really need to order as soon as possible. otherwise I will be chilly again at that moment.
Any suggestion or advice will be appreciate.

Colin

 

[Fishpie]

If you are a normal shape and have put on a wetsuit before I think that the super stretchy stuff is unnecessary, not as warm and less durable than the standard neoprene.
I really feel the cold too....my current wetsuit is the 5/4 Fusion with their hooded vest underneath....best/warmest suit I've ever used.

 

[PvtStash]

Bare Arctic Combo... 7mm Full with a 7mm over-shorty (w/intrinsic hood)... 14 mm on my core at the beginning and end of the year when I need it most, and I can shed the over-shorty and jus' go with the Full for the warmer months...

Quality, Versatility, Economical ... can pick one up for under $300 (in fact I jus' went an looked, looks like its goin' for $275 right now... BARE 7MM ARCTIC FULL SUIT COMBO reviews and discounts, Bare)

 

[meesier42]

Pinnacle

 

[spectrum]

Bare Arctic Combo... 7mm Full with a 7mm over-shorty (w/intrinsic hood)... 14 mm on my core at the beginning and end of the year when I need it most, and I can shed the over-shorty and jus' go with the Full for the warmer months...

Quality, Versatility, Economical ... can pick one up for under $300 (in fact I jus' went an looked, looks like its goin' for $275 right now... BARE 7MM ARCTIC FULL SUIT COMBO reviews and discounts, Bare)

I'll second that combo.

For 23 C you may even do very well with the 5/4 bare Velocity and the similar step-in vest or even the chicken vest. Then again for your duration and frequency stay with the Arctic combo.

More of sorting out the right stuff can be read here.

Pete

 

[colin.wen]

Thanks everyone's advice.
The current water temp in the place I dive is around 22-23.
And I will come to that place again in Sep, the temp will drop to 19-20.
I am kind of standard body sharp, but I am Taiwanese.
So compare to the Western standard, I am not strong enough on top.
Therefore, for the past wetsuit I got, its always a bit loose on the top, that's why I am considering to get a stretch one.
For most of the suggestion about 7mm combo, thanks for that.
But I am worry if it will be too thick then I have to carry lots of weight?

Over all for all the advice, maybe a 5mm full suit and a 5mm vest with hood or chichken vest will be a good choice.
I will search around the website for the on sale price.
Thanks again.

Colin