Semi-Dry for Big Guy

[bmorescuba]

I'm looking to get into some more cold water diving. I'm not ready to invest in a dry suit, but I am interested in a semi-dry. However, I'm a very big guy. I'm 6'5" (~196cm) tall, very wide shoulders, and just large all around. In wetsuits, I usually wear Pinnacle brand size 3XL, which can be snug. I see Pinnacle has one model (Merino Polar) in large sizes. Does anyone of similar stature have experience with this? Other recommendations for a semi-dry in big AND tall sizes? I feel a little more wary since the integrated hood means the length is even more important and since no LDS near me ever stocks anything in 3x, 4x, etc sizes. Thanks!

 

[matt86]

I feel your pain, except I'm tall and skinny (6'3" 165 lbs). I ended up with an aqualung solafx that in medium/large/tall that fits perfect. When I was looking, they seemed to have the biggest selection of sizes out of all the semi-dry suits. I've had it down to 42 degrees and wasn't terribly cold.

 

[Clayton122]

Check out Pinnacle.

Im a really tall person, and I also dive cold water. They had just what I needed. Really nice semi dry, and I am very happy with my 7mm. its kept me "comfy" down to about 48 degrees.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

I'm 6'3", 215lbs. I had a custom suit made from CUSTOM WETSUITS | AQUAFLITE The wetsuit you have been looking for. It's semi-dry and I really like mine. I've had it for four years now. I just glued some pockets on it to make it perfect.

Then I'd just get a detached hood.

 

[Caveeagle]

I am 6'2" and ~275, and found an oceanic 3XL to be too snug. I recently got a pinnacle King1 that seems to be just about perfect. ..I had previously tried their King2, which didn't fit so well.. I thing that's for a little taller and narrower than my frame.. FWIW.

 

[stuartv]

Hey, bmorescuba, I see you're not too far from me. You might want to check out my LDS, Coral Edge Adventures. Just outside Manassas.

I recently learned that they became a Mobby's drysuit dealer last summer. Mobby's is a Japanese brand that has been around for 50 years. They have T4 suits in stock that are, I think $750. One of the shop owners told me that if you don't mind waiting, Mobby's will make the suit to your measurements and you can pick colors. Still for $750. And, he said it only takes about 2 weeks from placing the order to receiving the suit.

I learned all this last week. I didn't have time, right then, for him to pull a suit out from the back so I could look at it. But, I'm going by there tomorrow to drop off tanks and I will check a T4 out in person while I'm there. I am very tempted to order one for myself, since they're made to measure and my current suit is a bit baggy in some areas (where it doesn't need to be baggy).

 

[Mobby's USA]

Yes Coral Edge Adventures is a Mobby's dealer. They have a wide range of demo shell and neoprene suits available to dive in their quarry. You can purchase a used demo suit or a new one from stock. Also, Mobby's has a full range of custom suits - just go and get yourself measured and follow the instructions via the online simulator (www.mobbys-usa.com), print it out and give it to Coral Edge or a dive shop in your local area. Feel free to also reach out to Mobby's at 503.747.7824.