Okay, time for a new wetsuit

[KelpCoasters]

Well......

I've gained quite a bit of weight over the past year or so and my wetsuit is becoming a bit constrictive. I don't mind diving wet, don't get cold too easliy and I was hoping I could get some suggestions on a new suit.

I see a lot of folks diving Henderson and a lot of people diving two-pieces. Are these much warmer or easier to don/doff than a one-piece??

I currently use an O'Neil 7mm back zip full suit. I really like the "firewall" technology they use in the core of the suit, but I know Henderson has a bunch of new technologies as well such as the "gold core", "hyperstretch", etc.). I also own a Pinnacle suit that's much thinner so it's easier to get on and off and seems warm for it's thickness.

Any suggestions from personal experience from you wet cold water divers??

Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[dsafanda]

I love my Xcel. One piece with built in hood. The wrist and ankles fit tight and make it more like a semi-dry. It zips accross the chest and you get no leakage anywhere. There is a store in Sausalito that carries them. Definitley worth checking out. I did quite a bit of research before buying it last year. I've heard nothing but good things.

Take a look at the Polar Quad Density
http://www.xcelwetsuits.com

Bare makes a similar model.

I'll probably upgrade to a dry suit at some point but for now I'm very happy with it.

 

[KelpCoasters]

Thanks David, very helpful. Do you find the attached hood constricting at all?

 

[dsafanda]

I don't find it to be a problem but I can see how it might not be everyone's preference.

When gearing up I don't like having the hood on and it's true that it's not super comfortable to push the attatched hood off and behind my head. That would be one possible downside to this sort of wetsuit. Then again, once in the water I really appreciate the fact that there is no way for water to run down my back as it does with farmer john style suits that I've tried in the past.

 

[tkring]

I am on my third wetsuit in a quest to find a comfortable wetsuit. I think that I have found it. I use a 3mm Henderson Hyperstretch and LOVE it! Very easy to put on/take off and it allows me to grow 15 + pounds (but of course I won't). It also dries within one hour. My dive buddy wears the 5mm because she doesn't like being cold but is still just as easy to put on.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

I am on my third wetsuit in a quest to find a comfortable wetsuit. I think that I have found it. I use a 3mm Henderson Hyperstretch and LOVE it! Very easy to put on/take off and it allows me to grow 15 + pounds (but of course I won't). It also dries within one hour. My dive buddy wears the 5mm because she doesn't like being cold but is still just as easy to put on.

Do you wear those suits in Monterey?

 

[tkring]

Do you wear those suits in Monterey?

Oh no. I am not a cold water diver. I would probably wear a dry suit in your part of the country!

 

[slammer]

I Just Tried A Pinnicle 7mm Full Suit With The New Stretch Type Material Yesterday And Liked It. Much Easier To Put On And A Better Build Suit Than The Compairable Henderson. Same Price As The Henderson And Has Zippers On The Ankles.

 

[Rick Murchison]

These new super stretchy wetsuits are superb. I just tried one of the new ones from AquaLung. Amazing. Warm and comfy with no baggy spots and no pressure points. A new experience in wetsuits.
Rick

 

[KelpCoasters]

Looks like were getting somewhere. So people like their experiences with the "superstretch" stuff, huh? I'll check out Aqualung, Pinnacle and Henderson then. Thanks folks.