Recommendations for wetsuits anyone?

[scuba e]

I use an Xcel 976 semidry. It is not cheap but very durable. I have put over 350 dives on it and it shows no signs of tears or compression (though I do baby my gear).
It does have an integrated hood. Just curiuos as to why you dont want one? The integrated hood reduces material around the neck and does not aloow water to run down your back.
The 976 is warm to about 50f but my gloves are pretty cold by then. At temps above 70 it is way too warm.
After a 70 minute dive my torso, upper legs and upper arms are mostly dry.
The downsides are cost and the last 2 steps of donning are a tough. Its tough to get the front sip over your head and hard to zip by yourself.

 

[blue steal]

I rented from PW the bearskins and they seemed okay, but bought a 7mm bodyglove EXO from dive n surf during their annual dive sale. good price and fits good off the rack. With a wetsuit, fit is important, so go try on a few.

 

[Dive California]

JNJ wetsuits in Torrance...

 

[cmburch]

Go to several shops, talk and try on suits. If it does not fit properly or not comfortable it is useless. What works for me Xcel one piece with integrated hood. If diving in colder waters less water transfer. Seals on wrists, ankles, face are also a plus.

Once you find the right suit, ask when they will have the suits on sale. Many shops will drop the price by $100 or more for a sale today. Check around for best price based upon the best fit and most comfortable.

 

[azchipka]

Check out the WaterProof (Now owned by TUSA) wetsuits. The Semi-Drys are the best on the market and is going to provide you with more warmth then a standard 7mm wetsuit. Poseidon is in the process of releasing a similar Semi-Dry but its currently only out as a 5mm. I was previously using the WaterProof version but switched cause I was tired of looking like a power ranger.

At 7mm you are going to want a SemiDry with out a doubt.

 

[2ndjetty]

I like my Xcel 8/7/6 with integrated hood. Probably has 80 or so dives on it and is still in great condition (though I try not to lay it in the sun when possible). Front zip. It's all about personal fit. I get cold easily diving and surfing, so for me spending the money on a good wetsuit is worth it because it's the difference between enjoying the sport or shivering through it.

 

[fnfalman]

I don't like integrated hood because when it gets warmer, what am I going to do with the hood? Let it flop behind while I'm going bareheaded?

As far as wetsuit goes, my current one is from Horizon Wetsuit (aka New Wave Wetsuit, aka the Theresa Lady).

 

[cmburch]

Yes, my freedive wetsuits, I just pull the hood back when warm. Not the best solution. And it may constrict or bunch up at the neck. But I normally dive colder waters. I still use a separate hood on my 3mm one piece for warmer waters.

I just thought about it. I pull back the hood on land. When water gets in the face opening it goes to my chest area and heats up. Thus making for an uncomfortable time in the water from overheating if diving warmer waters.

 

[diver_doug]

The Hendersons are really nice but pretty expensive. The Aqualung Aquaflex and Pinnacles are good too. The Body Glove wetsuits aren't the best, bet they are arguably the best value.

 

[scjoe]

Bearskin is a house brand for Pac Wilderness. It is not the same as Bare which is a Canadian company that makes wetsuits and drysuits. It is possible that Bearskin is sewn in Canada, but that seems unlikely for a bargain price suit and probably irrelevant.