dschonbrun
Contributor
Everyone is trying to direct you with a single suit solution so you don't go dropping a bundle. The fact is that you'll have a lot more flexibility if you invest in several pieces (over time). A 3mm full suit is a good place to start for tropical diving, and you can add a hood to manage your heat loss as needed. Over time, you may choose to add a 2/3mm or 5mm over-shorty, or a 2/3 mm hooded vest in order to manage your body temp.
I dive in tropical waters 4-5 times a day, have invested in several pieces along the way. For waters below 75 F, or if I'm in the water more than 60 mins continuously, a 5mm works, and sometimes I add a hood. As the wetsuits get thicker, they become a touch harder to don and doff, and they may not be as flexible at the elbows and knees (better wetsuits like "WaterProof Capri and Lynx" are pre-flexed).
Probably wise to start with a high quality 3mm suit. If you can try one at a store that has a pool or ocean access, that's ideal. But only a few offer wet try-ons.
I dive in tropical waters 4-5 times a day, have invested in several pieces along the way. For waters below 75 F, or if I'm in the water more than 60 mins continuously, a 5mm works, and sometimes I add a hood. As the wetsuits get thicker, they become a touch harder to don and doff, and they may not be as flexible at the elbows and knees (better wetsuits like "WaterProof Capri and Lynx" are pre-flexed).
Probably wise to start with a high quality 3mm suit. If you can try one at a store that has a pool or ocean access, that's ideal. But only a few offer wet try-ons.
