Wearing Microprene under a 7mm suit?

[jewey4]

Hello divers! I am interested in getting a skin that will keep me warmer under my 7mm suit (Don't have the money for a dry-suit yet). I dive mainly in Southern California and though the 57 degree average temp is somewhat bearable, I really want something that will keep me warmer.

I read online that the Henderson Microprene provides up to 30% more warmth under a suit but I called one of my local dive shops and they said that those aren't really made to wear under a wetsuit and I should go with the Polyolefin. But I don't think the polyolefin provides any extra warmth.

I currently am using a Henderson 7/5 Hyperstretch wetsuit that could afford to have a 1mm suit under it. It's a little big in certain areas.

Has anyone worn the Microprene under a suit? All the threads I find are mainly about how great it is for warm water.

Thanks!

 

[Mountaindiver]

jewey4,
I too have the same problem, too cold of water, not enough cash. To solve the cold problem I decided to try wearing a 3/5mm shorty under my 7mm farmer john. I found out the the shorty actually made the f/j easier to get in and out of! I usually only use this combo if the water temp is going to be under 50 degrees at depth, othwise I overheat to easily. Another point to consider is your hood. I got a new one in February and used it diving out in Seattle with 45 degree temps (borrowed a dry suit)and never felt cold at all. My new hood is a Henderson gold core, and I love it.

Good luck
Rob

 

[CJ_Albertson]

Hello divers! I am interested in getting a skin that will keep me warmer under my 7mm suit (Don't have the money for a dry-suit yet). I dive mainly in Southern California and though the 57 degree average temp is somewhat bearable, I really want something that will keep me warmer.

Thanks!

You've got it right, you need more layers but "thickness counts"
so a "mico thick" layer would add "micro warmth". You basically
want an extra 3 to 5 mm

At 57F you might go with a hooded vest under the 7mm suit. In
fact I was in 57F and was OK as long as I kept moving with a
7mm Body Glove + 5mm hooded vest. Was "tosty" in 62F in same.

You can also buy a hooded "shorty farmer john". Either will
add 3mm to 5mm under your 7mm.

Also populor are farmer johns with jackets over them which put
14mm of "rubber" around the torso. These act like 14/7 suits.

If you really can not fit more under your 7mm suit then you can
buy a 5mm spring suit sized to fit over your 7mm. But it's my opinion
that putting it _under_ is more effective (and looks better)

 

[jewey4]

Oops- I forgot to mention that I do use a hooded Henderson vest with my 7mm. I'm not freezing but by the third and fourth dives of the day, I really start feeling the chill.

I'll look into the 3mm options but since I already got the hooded vest, and 7mm suit, I'm not sure if I want to pack on anything too thick.

Thanks for the advice

 

[smoothskin]

You guys need a chillcheater from the UK check em out - teyrrrrrrrrre great!


www.chillcheater.co.uk

 

[5615mike]

I wear my microprene under my 7mm Hyperstretch and its fine with 5mm hood and 3.5mm gloves. Been diving in 57 degree temps and I do not get cold. I am however what many consider to be "warm blooded"

 

[ba_hiker]

do you feel cold any specific area when diving? do you feet and/or hand get cold first? A second hood may make a difference. I wear a 7mm and hooded vest here in northern cal and its fine (for me) mostly.

I have a second hood (made for dry suit divers) that I wear over the first when its colder. Also watch out for cooling between dives. Water evaporating and draining from the suit can carry away heat, that you must replenish. My sis wears a large, heavy, poncho like robe between dives. Says it helps.

As a final alternative i suggest warm fluids between dives. Into the diver and into the suit!

 

[jerseybones]

have the same 7/5 hyper that i use here in balmy nj, when i dont feel like switching over to the drysuit i use a lycra full and a polartech full, under the 7/5 very often my torso doesnt even get wet on a single dive. also a hooded vest would help keep the water from running down your neck as much. just make sure you get the correct size for the layer you will be using each piece on. dive safe and stay warm!

 

[jewey4]

So-I've decided to go with a windbreaker jacket and the microprene because I think it will add just the amount of warmth and movement I am looking for. I think the fact that I haven't had a windbreaker before to keep me warm between dives, I haven't had a chance to keep my core warm.

Thanks for all your advice. :10:

 

[Warren_L]

I wear a 1mm microprene suit under my 7 mm if I am diving wet in temperatures under 40F. Above that, I might wear thin skin, but at around 55F or higher, a plain 7mm is more than enough.