Recommendations for 7mm Wetsuit?

[MattMc3223]

Hey everybody, I am currently a diver in South Florida. Within the next week or two I will be completing my Advanced Open Water certification. Over the summer I live in New Jersey as I only attend college down here.

I really want the opportunity to dive some of the natural and deep wrecks of NJ however the water temperature is significantly different. I am looking to get a 7mm wetsuit rather than a drysuit because of the price difference. I saw the Henderson 7mm Aqualock Wetsuit and it definitely caught my eye. I am looking for opinions on this wetsuit but am also open to other 7mm wetsuits that will keep me sufficiently warm and that won't break the bank. Thank you for your help!!

 

[pdwh]

#1 thing - get one that fits you well. They're supposed to be snug. If it's too loose in areas, you'll get cold in those areas. I have a Henderson Thermoprene Pro 7mm that I used all winter (water temps in the mid 40's). Worked great, until I lost a bit more weight (55 pounds down since last June). It started bunching up in a few areas and doesn't keep me as warm anymore. I was actually warmer in my snug Akona 5mm after that. I'll sell it before too long and plan on getting a new one next winter.

I'm a fan of Henderson because they have sizes for big guys like me and I would absolutely buy one again (but in a smaller size). I like Akona as well and both have worked well for me.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Please take a look at our 7 mm suits. They are very warm, comfortable and have no zippers to leak. They are probably less expensive than some of the other suits you may have considered, especially since our suits come with an integrated hood.

Thanks!

Men's Yamamoto Ocean Blue 3D Camo 2-Piece Open Cell Wetsuit

Yamamoto Neoprene is the best and most expensive neoprene in the world. NO OTHER SPEARFISHING WETSUIT HAS MORE STRETCH, COMFORT, WARMTH OR DURABILITY

makospearguns.com

Men's Yamamoto 3D Reef Camo 2 Piece Open Cell Wetsuits

Yamamoto Neoprene is the best and most expensive neoprene in the world. NO OTHER SPEARFISHING WETSUIT HAS MORE STRETCH, COMFORT, WARMTH OR DURABILITY

makospearguns.com

 

[hilljo88]

I wore this in the Galapagos:

Hollis 8/7/6mm NeoTek V2 Unisex Hooded Semi-Dry Suit​

It might be pricier than what you are looking for, but its well made and pretty toasty. Whichever way you go, be sure to get a hood as you lose a high percentage of heat from your head.

 

[Rilelen]

I love the Bare Evoke line, and have their suits in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm versions. Pricy but awesome suit.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

BARE

 

[Divin'Papaw]

BARE

+1 for Bare. I've been wearing Bare wetsuits for 20 years.

I love the Bare Evoke line, and have their suits in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm versions. Pricy but awesome suit.

I don't believe they make the Evoke any longer. They have Reactive, Revel, Velocity and Revelation in rough order of decreasing price.

I have two Reactive suits, a 5mm and a 7mm. Excellent wetsuits in terms of fit, warmth, durability and comfort. They are what Bare calls the 2nd generation of their materials, which came out in 2022 I believe (going from memory).

 

[rfwoodvt]

I used a henderson thermoprene 7mm farmer john before I got my drysuit.

Worked very well but because of my body shape there were a couple of areas where it wasn't Snug so I struggled sometimes with cold water


So As others have mentioned it's imperative that you make sure it is a snug fit all around. Tight would be a better word

 

[Rilelen]

+1 for Bare. I've been wearing Bare wetsuits for 20 years.



I don't believe they make the Evoke any longer. They have Reactive, Revel, Velocity and Revelation in rough order of decreasing price.

I have two Reactive suits, a 5mm and a 7mm. Excellent wetsuits in terms of fit, warmth, durability and comfort. They are what Bare calls the 2nd generation of their materials, which came out in 2022 I believe (going from memory).

Ah, Evoke is the woman's suit (I'm a woman); I believe Reactive is the men's version of the Evoke. But seconding everything you said, their suits are truly excellent - I'm really impressed with the newer neoprene too, and how easy it is to get off and on, without sacrificing any warmth.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Ah, Evoke is the woman's suit (I'm a woman); I believe Reactive is the men's version of the Evoke. But seconding everything you said, their suits are truly excellent - I'm really impressed with the newer neoprene too, and how easy it is to get off and on, without sacrificing any warmth.

Ahhh. I honestly did not know that re: the name being different for the women's line!! Thanks for enlightening me.