Wet suits for "extra" tall divers

[HydroAuto]

I don't think of myself as "extra" tall, but looking at the sizing tables for a few manufacturers, I have come to the realization that I am a freak in the diving world.

Must I resign myself to a custom wetsuit? or have I missed some options out there? Since I am in Wisconsin, I am going to gear up for the majority of my dives to be cold water dives. The suit that I've been paying most attention to the Henderson Hyperstretch line of suits (on the recommendation of an experience diving friend & instructor) Are there other manufacturers out there that have 7mil suits in extra-stretch fabric or extra-large extra-tall?

6'5", 38"waist, 33" inseam, 46"chest, 38"sleeve...~260#

 

[dborden]

Looking at your dimensions, you are pretty close to me. I bought a 3XL akona 7mil one piece and it fits me great. They are reasonably priced at around $150-175. I bought a drysuit so I don't use it anymore, but I had about 50 dives in it and really liked it.

 

[DaveO]

I've been having problems too, at 6'4" and 180#. I found some a few tall sizes at unrealfind.com but you have to look at the sizing chart for each suit, since size availability varies. I've also seen larger and taller sizes at sierratradingpost.com. If you go there, do a search for "camaro" and a separate search for "wetsuit"- that should get you a look at everything that's available.

Good luck!
DaveO

 

[Ghostdiver]

Your dimensions are almost exactly the same as mine (my inseam is one inch longer). I went through the same difficulty. I didn't want to go with hyperstretch unless I had to because it tends to not be as warm as a well-fitting suit, however it is a lot warmer that an ill-fitting suit. I ended up going with the henderson goldcore XL tall. Even though the size chart says it shouldn't fit, it fits perfectly. Plus, goldcore is darn warm and I love it. Because it sounds like you are looking for a cold water wetsuit -- another option is go with a 2 piece where you can buy a different top from bottom size.

 

[Boogie711]

I have a 34" inseam, 36/38 waist and 37 arms (about 220 or so).

Anyway - I fit reasonably well in a Mares Isotherm semi-dry, which is warm as all get out. It seals around the neck, ankles and wrists... If I had my druthers, I'd MAYBE take one inch out from the waist, so it might be just perfect for you.

 

[Ghostdiver]

Boogie711 once bubbled...
I have a 34" inseam, 36/38 waist and 37 arms (about 220 or so).

Anyway - I fit reasonably well in a Mares Isotherm semi-dry, which is warm as all get out. It seals around the neck, ankles and wrists... If I had my druthers, I'd MAYBE take one inch out from the waist, so it might be just perfect for you.

Hey Boogie, thanks for the info. I was thinking about getting an Isotherm for cold water, but I wasn't sure what size I would need!

 

[Bob3]

Where in Wisconsin are you?
I know of a spot just by MKE that may have something.
Look out yer window... are ya SURE you don't want a drysuit instead??

 

[HydroAuto]

Bob3 once bubbled...
Where in Wisconsin are you?
I know of a spot just by MKE that may have something.
Look out yer window... are ya SURE you don't want a drysuit instead??

Heh... yeah really -5° this morning I'm closer to CWA. While I'm sure the drysuit would be the cats meow, I need to save some money for other gear as well

 

[Ghostdiver]

For some reason it didn't even click in my head that you would be diving in Wisconsin. You may want to consider blowing off buying other equipment and get a dry suit and renting. The difference will be substantial. Up until now I have refused to dive in water colder than 75 degrees until I can afford a dry suit. It sounds like you may not have that option. If you really can't get a dry suit, at least get a semi-dry. Boogie mentioned the Isotherm semi-dry. All the reviews I have read and comments I have seen on boards have been glowing. Maybe Boogie can give us an informal equipment review?

 

[HydroAuto]

Right now I'm looking for something that will keep me warm if I'm diving in 40-70° water for up to 2 hours max. As it is, I am very tolerant of cold water and Ice diving is a long way off at this time I think I'll take a look at the Akona and go from there.