Looking for wetsuit while losing weight...

[njrn2]

I was certified last year while in Jamaica and have not purchased equipment yet. I am looking to buy a full set of equipment and am having a little problem with a wetsuit.

I will be diving in NJ and was told that I will benefit from a 7mm Farmer John/Jacket type. I have no problem with this. The problem is that I have joind Weight Watchers and have lost 20 lbs since the beginning of January. At this rate I hope to lose at least another 20 by the summer and possibly more by the end of the summer. Currently I am 260lbs and fall between two different catagories on several size charts.

I have looked into the henderson hyperstretch knowing that it could stretch to fit; however, I was advised against this.

Any suggestions?

 

[AmyJ]

I was certified last year while in Jamaica and have not purchased equipment yet. I am looking to buy a full set of equipment and am having a little problem with a wetsuit.

I will be diving in NJ and was told that I will benefit from a 7mm Farmer John/Jacket type. I have no problem with this. The problem is that I have joind Weight Watchers and have lost 20 lbs since the beginning of January. At this rate I hope to lose at least another 20 by the summer and possibly more by the end of the summer. Currently I am 260lbs and fall between two different catagories on several size charts.

I have looked into the henderson hyperstretch knowing that it could stretch to fit; however, I was advised against this.

Any suggestions?

Well hi there!!! I am in the same boat (or would it be divesuit?) I am seriously thinking about going with liquid fit. I talked with the lady there and have heard great things. And just for people like us they do one resize for free!!!!! I figure, you can't beat that. I don't have the website right here, but just search for liquid fit wetsuit. They are all made to order and look great! Let me know how it goes and what you decide.:bouncesbl

 

[saltwater taffy]

I'm curious about something.....why were you advised against the hyperstretch material. Seems to me that this would be absolutely perfect for you. The one thing that you should keep in mind, the thicker this material is, the less stretch it has. Maybe that is the reason. I know it's early on in your diving, but have you considered a dry suit.

Good luck to you and congratulations on your weight loss!!!!

 

[DivemasterSteve]

one thing you might check into is check with your LDS. i know most of them that i have been in has used suits from their rental gear that they will sell and if its a LDS that you deal with all the time, most will sell you something like this and when you need to get a different one, they will take the old one back in trade.

in a case like this where you know in just a couple of months you will need a new one, i have seen LDS's that would sell you a new one and in 2 months or so let you trade it in a another one and give you full price back for the one your trading in then they just put that one in their rental gear. thats where it helps to have a LDS that you deal with all the time. it wont cost you anything to check with the LDS around you, just explain to them what is going on with you. good luck with your diet, i hope you get to where you want to be and it sounds like your well on your way.

steve

 

[gfisher4792]

I would stay away from farmer johns, as a full suit will keep you as warm (or warmer), and would not restrict your mobility as severely. Liquid fit is a good choice, and you may also want to check out Aquaflite (http://aquaflite.com/welcome.html). Aquaflite has a hyperstretch-like option for their suits as well.

I'm also curious as to why you were told not to check out Hyperstretch.

 

[saltwater taffy]

I agree with the full suit verses the FJ. With that configeration, you will always have to wear both pieces. You can always add a hooded vest to your full suit. Also, you might want to look into a 5/7 suit. This would give you greater flexibility in your arms and legs. Oh, Liquid Fit does have the hyperstretch material, but they have it in colors, colors, and more colors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good choice, IMHO

 

[njrn2]

I appreciate all of the help.

The LDS where I was looking at purchasing my gear primarily sells BARE suits and were trying to move me towards them. I inquired about the Hyperstretch and was told that its primary point is to allow easier movemment while in the water and while doning. When I told hime that I was losing weight he told me that I can buy a BARE and then when I needed I should purchase another one and keep the previous one as a backup.

I also feel it is important to tell you that when I was haggaling with the price of the Full gear he could only discount it about 10%. When I compared the ful gear from the LDS and LP it is about $600 cheaper at LP. I know that LP is not an authorixed dealer; however, scuba.comis and will match LPs price on anything that is in stock. I hae a feeling that the person helping me was not in a position of authority. Being that I am new, wouldn't it be better to make a smaller profit from me initially and then make a bigger profit from all of my additional training and Air tanks?

So, back to the matter... he was obviously not in a position to offer me a deal or a tade in. I am waiting for the DM to return from a diving trip and then a friend is going to discuss everything.

I will do a little bit more research and let you know.

-Joe

 

[saltwater taffy]

My suggestion to you would be to change dive shops, immediately!! Anyone who would tell you to get one suit now and annther one when you lose the weight does not have your best interest at heart. Dive shops that don't wake up to the fact that divers are comparing prices on the internet are not going to be around for long. Shop where you get the best deal.............