semi-dry vs. farmer john

[runamonk]

Thanks for the information.

runamonk - I understand the point you make concerning comparing semi-dry and 2 piece farmer john/jacket suits being an apples and oranges comparison. What I was really asking was if the additional warmth provided by the semi-dry feature would make a single layer 7mm semi-dry suit warmer then a wet suit with 14mm on the core area and 7mm everywhere else. From the responses I take it the semi-dry would be warmer.

The reasons I haven't seriously considered a dry suit are:
1) I haven't found one for under $800.
2) The excuse I give the spouse for spending money diving is so I can spend quality time with my 17 year old, so all purchases are made in quantities of two.
3)I'm not sure I'm ready for the extra complications of a dry suit.

These are all good reasons. The semi is probably warmer, I can't say for sure because I never dove a single piece. I was very warm in the farmer john style though. Although I can't say if it was because of the farmer john or the semi dry. Probably a little of both.

I know what you mean having to buy everything twice, my wife and I have the same problem!