New 5mm or add shorty over a 3mm?

[doctock993]

I've been diving for several years and I have found as I loose more body weight and do more underwater photography (lots of hovering/ no movement), I'm getting colder and colder in tropical waters.

I used to just wear a lycra skin - now I wear a full 3mm Pinnacle Merino lined wetsuit.

On my last dive trip, the night dive was "freezing" to me (computer reported 76degrees), and the #14-18 dives of the trip (78-82 degrees) felt colder and colder.

I'm headed to a 10 day u/w photo trip in Raja Ampat where the waters will be approximately the same temps, but a potential for 30+ dives.

Would other folks suggest adding a shorty over my current wetsuit or buying a new 5mm suit? (Debating between the new Pinnacle Tempo vs. WaterProof W2)

I did pick up a 2mm neoprene cap to add to the heat-loss reduction - which will be new for the upcoming dives.

 

[gurnie]

I am a fan of the WP and 4th Element suits (I have both and find the 4th element a warmer suit). But for what you are doing the addition of a shorty would allow you more physical flexability, the thicker the suit the more restrictive they are.

 

[Hank49]

I wear a 2.5 mm hooded vest under my 3.5 full suit here in Belize this time of year. The hood and covering my core makes a big difference.

I have a two piece, hooded 1.5 mm with farmer john, chest high pants. That is a LOT warmer than my normal 1.5 with a separate hood.

 

[hilljo88]

Everyone has different thermal sensitivities, but I found adding a good hood, more than just a cap, added significantly to my comfort level in the Pinnacle Merino. i'm typically as comfortable as fellow divers in 5 mm. again, there are personal differences, but considering how much heat is lost from the head, you should consider this as a lost cost alternative. Added benefit: when you are looking for that shot under a ledge the hood gives you a bit of abrasion protection!!