Vest question

[jaynea]

I am relatively new to diving and am hoping that you may be able to give me some advice. I currently have a 3mm full wetsuit and am looking to buy a vest to go under it for some extra warmth when needed. Generally I dive in tropical / warm waters and only tend to do a few dives a week, rarely more than 1 day. Guess you could say I am a 'hobby' diver! I rarely feel the cold in those waters and dived totally in a 2.5mm shorty last year without needing anything more. I basically bought the 3mm full for protection more than anything else.
I have seen these two vests
http://www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk/ishop/893/shopscr927.html
http://www.simplyscuba.com/ProductDetails.aspx?StockID=2789
but am unclear whether I need to go for something like this or whether a rash vest would suffice....
Thanks!
Jayne

 

[spectrum]

I don't think you want anything with a sleeve from what you describe. That second one with the tank-top cut will be a nice addition.

My only concern is the material used. A big part of the magic of a vest is that it forms a labyrinth seal for your back zipper. Water has to take a torturous path before reaching your skin and by then it's fairly warm. This is most effective with a hooded vest. If this fabric is porous then it won't be as effective. Then again neutral buoyancy is nice and your need seems slight.

This is also worth considering:
http://www.bare-wetsuits.com/product_details.aspx?pid=003401&dept_id=66
It's about 2-1/2 pounds buoyant.

 

[terrasmak]

I would suggest a thin hooded vest for the colder days . Its easier to cool down than warm up while diving .

 

[jaynea]

Thanks for the reply. I've also found this one which seems closer to what you were suggesting http://www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk/shopscr594.html

I'll have to see who stocks bare in the UK as I can't seem to find anyone

 

[terrasmak]

Thanks for the reply. I've also found this one which seems closer to what you were suggesting http://www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk/shopscr594.html

I'll have to see who stocks bare in the UK as I can't seem to find anyone

That should be nice , but i still suggest looking into the same type as apove but with a hood. Its truly amaizing how well a hood helps in the water. You may be able to just get a hood and forget the vest.

 

[Biodiversity_guy]

I echo Terrasmak. One loses a large % of one's heat through one's head. If you add just a wetsuit hood (or drysuit hood for that matter) (without the vest) it should warm you up. The downside is having a hood over your head/ears.