Semi-Dry Suit Advice

[H2Obaby]

I'm looking to buy a semi-dry suit, swaying towards the Pinnacle Aquatics Arctic (similar to the Polar but minus the hood). Has anyone any experience in it?
I read an article that listed the top semi-drys as:
-Akona 7mm (a bit of a bargain price too)
-Henderson Hyperstretch Gold Core 7/5mm (not such a bargain)
-O'neill 7000X J-type
-Pinnacle Aquatics Polar
-Sea Quest X-Flex 7/6/5mm
Can anyone offer any input on any of these? I know the Akona & the Sea Quest aren't strictly semi-drys, but the Akona seems such a good price, is there a reason for this?!
Thanks

 

[humanFish]

I've got a pinnacle "egde" hooded 7mm semi-dry. Works great. I'm very impressed with the quality and comfort. Donning the suit is a little tricky the first couple of times but I got used to it really fast. Make sure you get a good tight fit, otherwise you'll not reap the benefits as much...same goes for any wetsuit, I suppose.

What temps are you going to be diving in?

 

[Spratman]

I was looking at an Arctic as well. I haven't bought one yet, but I dive low 40's on up. I'd like to get one for a test drive, but the shop will only do that if I'm committed to buy it.

Good luck!

 

[Jorbar1551]

I have the akona 7mm suit. I'm not sure if its semi dry, but I love it. I've got a brand new(never seen water, i bought the wrong size) large 7mm wetsuit that I will sell to you if interested.

 

[H2Obaby]

Thanks for the offer Jorbar1551 but I'm a S.

I guess I'm a wuss when it comes to the cold, if its around 70 degrees even in my 5 mm after an hour my lips are blue and I don't stop shaking!

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Sounds like you should keep an eye out for a real dry suit!

Some great deals to be had on ebay. I got a fantastic suit for ~$300. You see undies around for good prices too.

 

[scubanimal]

I really like my JMJ semi-dry suit. I had it custom fit and dive it most of the year in San Diego and Catalina waters. I have an integrated 3mm hood that is really nice (I hate normal hoods, and used to use a beanie instead).

Not sure if there is a dealer near you, they are not well known in the civilian market; I think the military is their primary customer. I've heard nice feedback from pinnacle owners.

 

[scubafool]

If you are in the FL area, I know where you can get a good deal on an Atlan semidry.

 

[H2Obaby]

I thought I'd give the semi-dry a try first. Like the idea of having a custom made, but a bit put off as JMJ are in CA and I'm in FL; my last custom made involved several trips back to the dive shop for alterations.
scubafool not heard of Atlan, would you recommend them?

 

[scubafool]

Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner, but I couldn't log on for a while there.

Yes, I have an Atlan semidry, and it does keep me warm for longish spring dives. The only thing that I haven't liked about it is the fact that it gave me a severe case of "floaty feet" that took some innovative weighting to correct.

The suit is available at Ginnie Springs, and they keep a good size selection in stock. Pricing was considerably less than other quotes that I had received.
http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/