Warmth: 3/2 full vs 3/2 shorty

[oreocookie]

Just wondering how much warmer a 3/2 full suit (or full 3mm) is compared to a 3/2 shorty. I'm considering picking up a 3/2 or 3mm full suit for an upcoming liveaboard trip. Water temp is supposed to be in the 77-80F range. Last time I was there my rental computer was showing me temps anywhere between 73 and 81 (the temp chart suggests 81-85 for that time of year) and I was fine as far as I remember, in a 3/2 shorty (brand new at the time). This summer in dives around Utila and Bonaire, water temps 80-82, sometimes I was slightly chilled in the shorty while other times I was fine in just board shorts and a rash guard, most of the time I was fine in the shorty though.

So how much warmer is a 3/2 full suit? Is it worth picking up a full suit and possibly (probably) bringing both on the trip?

 

[beaverdivers]

Definately, a 3/2 mm full suit ( steamer )!

 

[lsorenson]

Carry them both if you can, I do...! I like having the flexibility of diving one or the other and even stacking them later in the week if I need to due to chill... Its how I go if I am diving Bonaire or even Roatan this week; I will have both...!

As far as adding overall warmth, I believe a 3mm cap helps quite a bit more but then again, maybe its all in my head!

lee