Question Upgrade Bare SB Midlayer in Monterey to ??

[edgrimley]

Looking for a fresh experience from anyone who has upgraded the Bare SB Midlayer for Monterey, California (50F / 10C) diving. Been on the same midlayer for 10+ years and I think periodic washing and use (and age) has me ready to move up to something more modern that's warmer and thinner. My buddy has the 4E Arctic and likes it. My LDS likes it as well. He seems to get chilly after 45 min or so or temps below 50, as I do. I see the Halo ($$) Waterproof Meshtec and Santi mentioned often.

Anyone have experience upgrading from the SB at those temps?

Thanks!
Eric

 

[suricatasuricata]

I used to use a SB Midlayer, I now use a BZ400 and a heated vest.

 

[mr_v]

Eric, I washed my Bare Mid Layer as often as I could to reduce the bulk and succeeding in doing so. I can tell you it is the time to upgrade because there is a substantial barrier loss. In Monterey, I'd run 4Element Arctic, which is still on a bulkier side. If you want something thinner, you can, but go with heat, like Light Monkey shirt, underneath another layer.

Not running heat was my biggest regret when I dove NorCal.

 

[edgrimley]

Eric, I washed my Bare Mid Layer as often as I could to reduce the bulk and succeeding in doing so. I can tell you it is the time to upgrade because there is a substantial barrier loss. In Monterey, I'd run 4Element Arctic, which is still on a bulkier side. If you want something thinner, you can, but go with heat, like Light Monkey shirt, underneath another layer.

Not running heat was my biggest regret when I dove NorCal.

Feel like heat is inevitable! For now I picked up the Waterproof Body X base layer and wore it under the Bare SB midlayer and felt great at 50F for an hour.