Merino, really?

[sdiver68]

I did not realize this thread was still active

I bought a 3mm Elastiprene and a 5mm Merino-elastiprene. I used a total of +4lbs for +2mm AND Merino.

Drying times between the suits is at least 50% more for the 5mm merino.

 

[gerico]

I have a 3MM Merino now that I really like.
Doing a week on a liveaboard in the Southern Bahamas next month.
Water temps are suppose to be around 75 degrees.
We'll be doing up to 5 dives a day.
Thinking of buying a 5MM for this trip.
Can't afford another Merino right now.
Looking at the Pinnacle Cruiser 5MM.
I can buy this for less than half the cost of a Merino.
Does anyone have experience with the Cruiser suit ?

The other option would be a vest or torso heater to use with my 3MM Merino.
Never used a vest before.

I have a Henderson 3MM Beenie that I use on my head.

Just want to make sure I have what it takes to stay warm.

Thanks for any feedback

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

Hey Gerico , you and I share the same comforts , I currently own a 3mm merino elastiprine suit , A 5mm Cruiser suit , and a pinnacle 3mm beanie .
The Cruiser is considerably warmer than the 3mm merino , If water temp is 80 or less I always go with the 5mm Cruiser , over 80 the merino 3mm works fine .
I only add 2 lbs to compensate for the 5mm , the merino lining is bouyant but does indeed have great insulating qualities .
All things being equal , the 5mm Cruiser suit is the best deal I have ever had for a wetsuit no doubt .
And I use the beanie on every dive , works great for retaining core temp.

 

[sdiver68]

Thinking of buying a 5MM for this trip.
Thanks for any feedback

75 degrees and 5 dives per day for a week? Based on my recent experience of 77 degree water with 4 dives per day, I'd want at least a 5mm + Beanie + Dive skin. 5mm may be slight overkill when the sun is out, but if you get some cloudy days or do night dives you'll appreciate the warmth.

 

[DiveMaven]

Buy the 5mm Cruiser, you'll be very glad you did.

 

[rongoodman]

I'm taking a 5mm Elasteprene Merino plus a hooded vest on that trip in early April and I still expect that I'll be cool by the end of the week. As I get older, the idea of the DUI tropical dry suit is looking more and more attractive.

 

[chetflyer]

I have a BRAND NEW! Oneill 7000X Large/Short 7mm drysuit for sale for $550 Canadian. I bought this drysuit...and before I had a chance to use it I stumbled across a DUI CLX450 Signature series that fit me perfect..so I bought it...now I would like to find a good home for the Oneill suit. It will fit someone 5'7"-5'9"..about 185lbs, shoe size 9, Chest size 38-40", Inseam 29"-31" This would be a very inexpensive way for you to go DRY!! I have been diving in a Pinnacle Farmer john's 2 piece escape 7mm the past 2 winters...and dry is the only way to go in cold conditions. If you or anyone else may be interested in this suit let me know. I can send you photos if you like. The measurements that I have shown here allow for an undergarment. The suit says XL/Short but it's not. It fits me and I'm 5'8" tall 198lbs., 44" chest size 10 foot but I wouldn't be able to wear an adequate undergarment underneath.