Vest, Core Warmer, or new suit?

[grouchyturtle]

I've finally become a warm water wimp. Earlier this week I actually bailed on a second dive because I was freezing. I was wearing a 3mm Gold Core which has always been enough for me, granted it is Feb and the water is a little cooler. Back in the summer I was diving in just a bathing suit and rash guard. The Henderson is a few years old, but it doesn't have an incredible amount of dives on it, so I don't think it's compressed.

Do you think it's time for a new suit...and possibly upgrading to a 5mm?
Or considering the fact that I still dive without a suit in the summer, would a 3mm vest or core warmer over my full suit be enough for those few winter months when the water is colder?

 

[maniago]

I've finally become a warm water wimp. Earlier this week I actually bailed on a second dive because I was freezing. I was wearing a 3mm Gold Core which has always been enough for me, granted it is Feb and the water is a little cooler. Back in the summer I was diving in just a bathing suit and rash guard. The Henderson is a few years old, but it doesn't have an incredible amount of dives on it, so I don't think it's compressed.

Do you think it's time for a new suit...and possibly upgrading to a 5mm?
Or considering the fact that I still dive without a suit in the summer, would a 3mm vest or core warmer over my full suit be enough for those few winter months when the water is colder?

Depends on how cheap you're feeling today. I got my 2mil core warmer for $25 new. Got one for the wife too it was such a good deal.

That said, I don't own anything less than a 5mil. And I'll tell you I got a Mares 5mil with a zip in the front. Best idea ever. If I'm hot, I unzip the front and its like a 2 mil. If its cold, up with the zip - while on the dive. I love the damn thing. Bought my wife one but had to have it shipped in from France. Best move ever.

 

[grouchyturtle]

I should have added that I hate heavy wetsuits. If I'm going to need anything more than a 5mil I'd probably go for a warm water drysuit instead. Guess I could always try the vest or core warmer and if I'm still cold dump everything and get a 5il full suit.

 

[Kharon]

I dive up north (45°F-55°F at the thermocline) in a 3mm. Underneath I have a Henderson Pololefin jumpsuit and a 3mm vest. Sometimes I add a second jumpsuit. I'd go with adding the jumpsuit because it has no bouyancy.

 

[grouchyturtle]

Damn you've got some thick blood...even for someone up north. I used to dive dry in water that cold.

Jumpsuits don't really add much thermal protection either, though. They may help a little when layering, but I was so cold I was shivering.

 

[uncfnp]

I get cold very easily and have tried almost all the different combos. 3 mi plus core warmer, 3 ml plus farmer john, 3 ml plus shorty, 3 ml plus Polyolefin and 5 ml alone.

My personal experience...

The Polyolefin provided the least add warmth. All the others worked well. My recommendation is start with a core warmer. It will give you the most versatility. As the temps drop or your cold tolerance changes again and you need more, then get the 5 ml. You then have 4 options for diving, 3 ml alone, 3 with core, 5 ml alone and 5 with core.

Also consider added some type of head covering, hood, beanie or Eric's favorite the Scap shullcap

The SCAP Neoprene Skull Cap at LeisurePro

 

[miked]

I'd suggest trying the vest, with the suggestion, based on my own WWWimpiness, to get a vest that has the zipper located opposite from the zipper on your wetsuit. For example,(my own gear) if the wetsuit is rear zipped, get a front zipped vest. It significantly reduces water entry at the zipper. BTW, I tried a slipover vest (no zipper-do they still make those?, and I felt strangled as I tried to put it on.

 

[wjeiii]

To extend range of my 3mm I use a 3mm hooded vest under the suite

 

[Hank49]

A two piece 3mm with a hood adds core warmth (with the chest high pants) and head warmth. Also open cell, or the smooth finish inside helps a lot. A lot warmer and more comfortable than a one piece 3 with a vest over it.

 

[scottishscuba]

I think its very personal what actually works for you. I have just returned to the UK from Dahab where the water was approx 21C (70F) I wore a 3mm seac-sub shorty under a 3/2mm surf wetsuit (Odyssey - surfer suit, cheap) and was perfectly warm. These suits are mine and do fit me. The shorty is a wee bit tighter than the full suit hence wearing it underneath the full suit. I was diving with people wearing 7mm Mares rental suits that were cold. Some of them had shorties over the top too! I suffered no suit flushing which the others did complain about.

I have no idea what the water temperatures are where you are but in your shoes I'd look at getting a 3mm vest or shorty to go over your 3mm suit - that gives you 6mm over the core which will make a huge difference to your warmth. I like the option of wearing both my suits together, the full suit or the shorty. I feel I'm sorted for warm water diving