Semi-Dry Suit Advice

[mrtremere]

I bought an Oniell 7000X J-Type. It worked fine in 55 degree water. I was not cold at at all. Sport Chalet $250 on Sale.

 

[modivin]

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

Larry at Scubatoys has Oceanics' Farrallon 7mm semidry suit on special for only $149.00. I bought one end of last year and absolutely love it. Keeps me warm down to about 50* and is a great suit. Well made and very comfortable. IMHO one of the best suits for the money hands down.

 

[dlent]

I have the Akona 7mm semi-dry (even though the manufacturer calls it a wetsuit) and I am 100% pleased with it. The only place I feel any cold is by the zipper and that only occurs in extremely cold water. Everywhere else it's very warm. Keep in mind that their is no such thing as a semi-dry suit. A semi-dry suit is just as wet as a wetsuit. The difference is that the semi-dry doesn't allow as much water movement. Make sure whatever suit you get fits you perfectly otherwise it will not be as warm as it should be.

 

[H2Obaby]

Thanks everyone for the good advice and good calls on prices.

 

[Scuba Jerm]

I've read the same article on the Akona 7mm. I should be getting one soon, so once I do I'll send you a PM and let you know what I think.

 

[Bob3]

Geez, I just saw some Poseidon semi-drys on ebay,
size smalls - brand new with no reserve.
They were at $10.