neoprene under bilam

[HeatCker]

just wondering if anyone has tried this approach and with what results ..
most of my diving is done in water above 65 F.
my bilam drysuit with a couple of undergarment layers is sufficient.
when diving early and late in the season temps drop into the 40's and 50's.
at those colder water temps most local divers are wearing neoprene suits.
at those colder temps i need multiple layers and way to much lead.
would there be an issue with wearing a neoprene shorty over my undergarments.
a shorty that is fitted so that it doesn't compress the undergarments.
overtop of the shorty would be the bilam drysuit.
my thinking is that i would still get the benefits of the wicking undergarments.
i would also get the benefit of a neoprene outer layer.
i find neoprene needs less lead and is generally warmer than undergarments.
i have 4th element artic and polartherm undergarments.
bottom line is i am trying to avoid the expense of purchasing another drysuit for the shoulder seasons.
any comments / thoughts

 

[Akimbo]

The main problem with Neoprene is you loose insulation value with depth... often when you need it most. It also doesn't breathe as well.

 

[flots am]

would there be an issue with wearing a neoprene shorty over my undergarments.

You'll get all the disadvantages of a wetsuit

• reduced insulating ability as you descend
• retaining sweat

With none of the advantages of a drysuit

• constant insulation with depth change
• sweat wicking

 

[HeatCker]

akimbo
i agree that neoprene compresses and loses some insulation not all, i can compensate for that based on expected temp by wearing a thicker undergarment, same as when diving warmer waters you would wear thinner/less undergarments.
the neoprene in a neoprene drysuit does not breath, i was thinking that the shorty would act like a non breathing insulating outer layer next to my shell suit

flots am
i agree that neoprene worn next to the skin under a drysuit will retain sweat.
the undergarments under the shorty would wick away the sweat/moisture to the outer layer which in this case would be the neoprene shorty.

thanks for your input guys