Question Semi Dry wetsuit recommendation needed

[TravelGas]

Looking for a recommendation on what brand and model to purchase. I know nothing about semi dry and only found out that semi dry was a thing, this week. Anyone have a comparison chart and how thick a normal wet suit would have to be to provide comparable warmth? Anythings to avoid ? How cold of water temperature do these work down to 8MM. Would this be adequate for water temps in the 48-50F range?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Robert H. Diver]

Just get a Seaskin neoprene Drysuit.

 

[Tracy]

I had the Hollis branded 6-7-8 semi dry for years. Excellent quality suit. Mine last easily 500 hours of diving before there was nothing left of it. Aqualung and Pinnacle have the same suit with their branding on it. I don't know who the OEM is.
Last year I purchased the Pinnacle version to replace it. Seems to still be of good quality. Hard to say for sure as it has less than 100 hours on it. I went with the Pinnacle this time as DRIS had it in stock in my size. All three of them appear to be identical suits.
I dive it for short dives in the Detroit river in the 60-65 degree range. I use it for long dives in Mexico around 76 degrees comfortably.

Something to consider, I am a massive wuss when it comes to cold. Most could probably knock 5-10 degrees off my comfort level and be fine.

 

[Boarderguy]

What Tracy said. I dive a Hollis 6/7/8 in the Puget Sound. It's great but I'm cold at the 45 min mark and that is with a 3mm vest worn under it, 2mm socks under my 8mm boots. During the summer when water Temps are near 58 I'm pretty comfy for hour long dives. Right now that suit is $650 depending on where you get it. You can buy a very nice dry suit for only a little bit more and be a hell of a lot more comfortable. Neoprene compression at depth is what makes diving wet in 50° water uncomfortable.

Seaskin Drysuits | Custom-Made Drysuits Direct from the Factory

A made to measure drysuit direct from the factory, tailored 100% to your sizing and diving needs.

seaskin.co.uk

Review - Seaskin Nova drysuit

I ordered a new Seaskin Nova (trilam) drysuit at the beginning of June. It arrived last week. I took it up to the Saint Lawrence River and did 7 wreck dives from Fri to Mon (yesterday), as part of an Advanced Wreck Penetration class with @Trace Malinowski. I am VERY pleased with how it worked...

scubaboard.com

 

[formernuke]

For the cost of a semi dry, just get a inexpensive drysuit

 

[TravelGas]

Is the Hollis 6/7/8 the way to go?

What about this 4/3.

Patagonia Men's R3® Yulex® Front-Zip Full Wetsuit

Our Patagonia® Men’s R3® Yulex® Front-Zip Full Suit is a high-performance, neoprene-free wetsuit that’s Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

www.patagonia.com

 

[TravelGas]

For the cost of a semi dry, just get a inexpensive drysuit

Then I have to take a dry suit class to get certified and I have to maintain a dry suit. Is there a particular inexpensive drysuit you recommend that won't fall apart or leak too fast ?

 

[Alaskan Scuba Dude]

The temperatures you indicate would not be adequate over the long term. Unless you dive short duration's. Long term diving commitment: drysuit.

 

[Boarderguy]

Is the Hollis 6/7/8 the way to go?

What about this 4/3.

Patagonia Men's R3® Yulex® Front-Zip Full Wetsuit

Our Patagonia® Men’s R3® Yulex® Front-Zip Full Suit is a high-performance, neoprene-free wetsuit that’s Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

www.patagonia.com

The 4/3 will not be anywhere near warm enough for sub 60° and more than about 20 minutes.

Then I have to take a dry suit class to get certified and I have to maintain a dry suit. Is there a particular inexpensive drysuit you recommend that won't fall apart or leak too fast ?

I'm not saying you shouldn't take a drysuit class but it isn't a 100% must if you're concerned about the $$. You can learn most of what you need by reading a lot and having your experienced dive buddies give you some tips. The links I provided above are for a Seaskin drysuit. I got mine with almost every upgrade and doodad and it was just shy of $1200 shipped. That is fully custom fit to me and that is the only way that company sells them. They are 1/3 - 1/2 the cost of bigger name brands but do the same thing, keep you dry. There isn't much maintenance you do for a dry suit vs a wetsuit. If you're set on a wetsuit and the hollis isn't available in your size (try on before you buy) you could also check out a custom wetsuit. @JMJ Wetsuits is a good option

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

You might also consider a 7 mm MAKO suit. these suits leak almost zero water and they have no zippers to leak. Should work well in that temperature range.

Men's Yamamoto 3D Reef Camo 2 Piece Open Cell Wetsuits

Yamamoto Neoprene is the best and most expensive neoprene in the world. NO OTHER SPEARFISHING WETSUIT HAS MORE STRETCH, COMFORT, WARMTH OR DURABILITY

makospearguns.com