Undergarments

[jacksonchapin24]

I’m taking my drysuit class tomorrow and have been looking at undersuits for after the class. I’d like to stay in the cheaper side and I will be diving in 50-60f water(in MA) and anything higher I will be in a semi-dry. What would people recommend? Would a weezle be a good idea, if so which one?

 

[inquis]

In that range, I use 4th element Arctics.

If you have a dry suit, why in the world would you use a semi-dry?

 

[jacksonchapin24]

In that range, I use 4th element Arctics.

If you have a dry suit, why in the world would you use a semi-dry?

I don’t own a drysuit. I bought the semi-dry before I was planning to take the drysuit course. Then I realized that the semi-dry doesn’t really work in 50f water

 

[lermontov]

depends on your long term plans and finances - 4 options

you can get a lighter / mid range garment and add layers - merino etc
get a good one and stay warm but bake in the summer ( Halo )
get more than one under garment ( preferred option )

 

[happy-diver]

See what you and the other dudes on the course can come up wth

 

[broncobowsher]

You will likely end up with multiple undergarmets over time.
The Weezle I prefer for warmer, shorter dives. As well as warm days to avoid overheating on the surface.
If it will be in the 50s, I usually go for my Halo or Santi 200.

If you overheat on the surface, you sweat, and then you will be cold during the dive. Then confused as you should have been warm.

 

[Thunder Struck]

For anything under 60° and down to upper 40’s I’m running a DUI Duotherm 300 jumpsuit. For a base layer I use Meriwool 250 long underwear. Up to the mid 70s I’ll run a fleece sweatsuit from REI with either the Meriwool or a Thinsulate base layer.
In warmer water, such as when teaching drysuit classes in the pool sessions (low 80’s) I’ll just have a Thinsulate base layer.

 

[DCN]

Layering is key, as is moisture-wicking. Pure merino wool excels at this.
We use merino wool as a base layer. Depending on water temps, we double up.
Thermal layer is a Kwark Navy, and we use pure wool gloves inside our drygloves.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

We use merino wool as a base layer.

I have never heard of Merino wool.

I dive 72F / 24C water - I see Merino wool at Merino Wool at Amazon -- Is this what you are talking about?

I have been searching off and on for a good wicking base layer. Maybe this is what the OP and I both need.

165 or 250?

 

[DCN]

I have never heard of Merino wool.
I dive 72F / 24C water - I see Merino wool at Merino Wool at Amazon -- Is this what you are talking about?
I have been searching off and on for a good wicking base layer. Maybe this is what the OP and I both need.

165 or 250?

Yes, that is it Be sure it is made from 100% merino wool, it seems the ones you linked to are indeed 100%. In 24C waters, you'll probably be fine with a lightweight merino wool base layer, of course depending on how long your dives are. We use two layers of merino, one mid-weight closest to the skin, and one heavyweight over that, including merino wool socks (one thin, one thick).

@Imla can probably guide you further if needed