Wetsuit cost benefits?

[Wijbrandus]

Planning on getting my own 3mm fullsuit for the Caribbean.

After looking at all the options, I'm rather surprised at the variety in pricing for wetsuits that have the same features.

What in your opinion is the "best" value for it's dollar in a 3mm full suit? Keep in mind, this is primarily for my vacation trips to the Caribbean, as my local diving requires 7mm or drysuits.

No one makes a hooded 3mm, do they? It's only in the form of a vest or seperate hood, I think.

When storing a wetsuit for the long months between vacations, what it the proper way to keep it in good condition?

Thanks for all the great advice!

 

[Fishy8411]

I just purchased a Bare 3mm, which I love. I paid $149.00 from my LDS, because I needed it in a hurry. I'm sure you could do better online. I used it with a beanie in St. Marrten and St. Thomas. I contacted Bare regarding storage issues and they said to roll it up and store it in cool, dark place (also being careful that it is protected from vermin).

Fishy8411
Tom

 

[Wijbrandus]

I just purchased a Bare 3mm, which I love. I paid $149.00 from my LDS, because I needed it in a hurry. I'm sure you could do better online. I used it with a beanie in St. Marrten and St. Thomas. I contacted Bare regarding storage issues and they said to roll it up and store it in cool, dark place (also being careful that it is protected from vermin).

Fishy8411
Tom

The Bare is one I've been looking long and hard at. On the other hand, my LDS sells a 3mm jumpsuit for $65. I don't recall the brand. When we are talking about one this thin, does the brand really make that much of a difference? I'm not talking the fancy stuff like hyperstretch or the other things, just plain neoprene.

 

[hantzu701]

Three options: 1) rent 2) buy as cheap as possible or 3) buy the best that you can afford.

Renting makes sense if you're just starting out and aren't sure if you'll be making repeat warm water trips.

Buying as cheap as possible can result in an ill-fitting suit. As other board members have advised me - cost of trip to Bahamas = $1500. Cost of a decent 3mm wetsuit =$100-200.

Buy the best that you can afford. $180 for a 3mm is the high end. I've heard good things with the Scubapro line, but Henderson, etc. are the same cost and more comfortable. I have seen cheaper 3mm wetsuits with zippers in the legs to assist entry. They look good at the shop but perform poorly in ow. Avoid these as the hard zippers will chaft the skin. Nothing like a wound and salt water.

Work with your LDS and shop around for the best fit/cost. If you chose to go with an on-line retailer, keep in mind that your purchases need to be made long before your trip. If possible schedule a checkout dive at a local pool to get some comfort on the appropriate weighting.

And don't forget to bring your hood and gloves. I got a lot of weird looks the first day of diving. Even though the water was "warm", people were shivering by the fourth dive. By the third day, everyone who brought a hood was wearing it. Gloves are great b/c sometimes fire coral grows on the mooring lines.

 

[Fishy8411]

I like the Bare because of ease of movement and ease of donning. I've worn a few older wet suits in the 5mm range and they always felt terribly stiff. But, I haven't tried any other 3mm suits. So I've got limited experience. But the Bare was so comfortable that I can't imagine how it could be made better. Not much of an answer, but the best I can do.

Tom

 

[firedogut]

i have a bare 5/4 and love the fit. the bare 3mm runs about 119.00
at diverswholesale.com and is 149.95 retail


it has HYDROSTRETCH in different areas to help it fit better.

watch out at places like LP and other sites. They are selling last years models and there is a big difference in look, fit, and such. Also there is a big difference in the size.

 

[fdog]

Wetsuits are like ski boots. Both you don't think about if they are just right, and both can make you soooo miserable if they're wrong.

hantzu701 said:

Buying as cheap as possible can result in an ill-fitting suit. As other board members have advised me - cost of trip to Bahamas = $1500. Cost of a decent 3mm wetsuit =$100-200.

Sure enough true!

Of course, the most important thing is fit. If you are so lucky as to fit a stock size suit, great. Otherwise, go custom, or keep shopping until you find a manufacturer that uses your body size/shape as a standard.

All the best, James

 

[Scuby Dooby]

In my opinion, the best value in 3mil suits are no names. I'd get the best fitting but cheapest suit around, who knows maybe that $65 suit will fit ok, if so then why bother spending more? If you only need a 3 mil it's gonna be pretty warm water. If you wanna look purdy, well that's a whole different story

 

[Bob3]

In my opinion, the best value in 3mil suits are no names. I'd get the best fitting but cheapest suit around, who knows maybe that $65 suit will fit ok, if so then why bother spending more? If you only need a 3 mil it's gonna be pretty warm water. If you wanna look purdy, well that's a whole different story

Ditto that.
We use 3mm Scuba Max for our commercial harvesting. They're a very inexpensive suit but the things are out wearing the big name models.

 

[hantzu701]

how do u get around the ankle zipper? does it bug u?

Hantzu