Should I Buy Or Rent

[Southbound]

I'm a new diver going to Cabo in December with some non diving friends. Thought I'd look into doing some diving while I'm there. I don't have a wetsuit yet. Was looking into getting a Tilos or an Akona 7mm, as I get cold easily. Can't aford the Henderson Goldcore that everyone is talking about. Should I just hold off on my purchase and rent a suit in Cabo? Anyone know how good the Tilos 7mm Titanium Semi Dry suit is vs. the Akona 7mm? Also what are the advantages and disadvantages of 1 piece suits and 2 piece suits? (Especially for women) Does one stay warmer or leak less than the other? Decisions... decisions...

 

[Gator Diver]

I would buy my one suit so you will
one that fits your body type better....

The two piece suits afford a little more
protection in the torso region....

 

[Wristshot]

A two piece wetsuit will generally have two layers of neoprene over your torso: upper thighs, hips, stomach, and chest area, but only one layer everywhere else. (stating the obvious).

So in general, a 2 piece wetsuit will provide more insulation in crucial areas than a 1 piece wetsuit of the same thickness. A 2 piece will also be more buoyant, and restrict movement a lot more than a 1 piece. You might be trading one aspect of "comfort" for another.

Both types will "leak" water about the same. It really depends more upon how snugly the wetsuit fits to your ankles, neck and wrists. For a 2 piece, the water may take a little longer to get into your stomach area, but that is really more dependent upon the fit than the style.

One advantage of the two piece wetsuits is that you *might* be able to buy separate pieces of different sizes. When I was first renting, I had a hard time finding a jacket that fit, but it was easy to find Farmer John bottoms that fit perfectly.

Other factors to consider: 1) A 7 mil wetsuit can be fairly bulky and heavy for traveling. 2) Many people prefer to dive in a wetsuit that no one else has peed in. Probably more of a mental thing than a real health issue, but who knows. Of course you are diving in fish pee the whole time.

My first reaction to your initial posting was that a 7 Mil wetsuit of either type might be awfully thick for Cabo, even in "winter". If you really need a wetsuit that thick for the relatively warm waters of Cabo, then maybe you should bring your own wetsuit. It might be difficult to find any that thick to rent in Cabo. Check some dive ops.

Also remember that just like when you are snow skiing, you lose the largest percentage of your body heat through your scalp, so for a person that gets cold, a proper hood that fits well would be a really key element.

Diving is just one of many sports where it is very important that you have the "right clothing". If you are not comfortable, you will not enjoy it. If you are not enjoying it, then why are you doing it?

My recommendation would be to buy a good quality exposure suit as soon as you can afford and justify it. Better to rent for a little while rather than sacrificing quality or fit by buying something "cheap". Make sure that you get one that fits really well, and make sure that you have a good quality hood.

Just my 2 millimeters worth,


Wristshot

 

[waterwraith]

If you have dove in waters of this temperature with a 7mm suit before, fine, but a 7mm suit for relatively warm water sounds like too much. If you are overheated in your suit you will not enjoy your dive. Also with a 7mm suit (especially a 2 piece) the amount of lead you have to wear is usually unconfortable.

I dive a 7mm one piece and two piece in waters that are as low as 45F. And yes I get cold easy. For Cabo I would probably wear a 3mm one piece full suit with a skin on underneath.

As to what type of suits you may want to consider a hyperstretch suit. They give a custom fit and are very warm in the water.

I have not used Akona or Tilos wetsuits but people I know who do love them. They say the interchange of water is minimal especially in the Tilos.

Hope this helps enjoy Cabo

never dive alone!!!!

 

[Paco]

To me it sounds like a one piece three mil with a hooded vest would suit you.

 

[Danny D]

If you are just going down there on vacation and decide to dive just rent one. Then when you get back home where you might dive regularly buy a suit for that climate. don't waste you money buying a tropical suit if you are never going to use it. If you look around on you can find 7mm for pretty good prices that will be your best bet. If you are an active diver in your area or plan to be renting a suit all the time is a pain and in the long run its better to buy your own. But vacation every once and a while in tropical waters don;t sweat it rent it.

 

[hex92]

I would be far less concerned about diving in a rental wetsuit than with a rental BC and regulator.

A quick google and I found that the average water temperature in CABO is 85 summer and 75 winter. You would be miserably hot in a 7 mil suit. So I agree with PACO a 3 mil with a hood would be perfect. Buy a hooded vest and bring that with you. Rent the suit.