Wetsuit guidance please

[KyBuck]

Hey folks,

Brand new to diving and the boards. Been reading the boards alot and they have been instrumental in helping me make some equipment purchases. I have my OW dives left to go. Can't wait.

Only thing left for me to get are wetsuits. I live in Kentucky and there are several quarries around for some quick dives which I will do, however, I am getting certified because I want to dive reefs and wrecks in south Florida, the Keys and the Bahamas when I am there fishing. I need to preface my question by telling you that I do not like cold weather so the quarry dives will probably be summertime adventures and I do know about the thermoclines. I would like to buy two wetsuits. I would love some suggestions as to what mm to get and any brand suggestions. I am wondering if a 3mm is even worth it and I should just get a 5/4 and 7 or a 3mm and a 7mm? Should I get a hood and about what water temp are hoods useful? I realize that everybody has a different tolerance to cold but I am looking for some general suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Buck

 

[carrielsal]

A 3mm can be a very versatile wetsuit. By itself it's great for the summer months in Fl. As the temps drop you can layer by adding a hood, hooded vest, shortie and gloves.

 

[Tortuga68]

It would help if you post the water temps you plan to dive in, the planned duration & number & type of your dives per day - although as you said it's hard to give advice because people are different - what's warm'n'toasty for one person is shivering cold for another

My general advice would be that versatility and layering wins: an undersuit, hooded vest and 3mm steamer may allow you to tailor your exposure protection to dive a range of conditions from warm to temperate, depending on your individual tolerances, whereas a 5mm steamer will only suit a smaller temperature range

edit: great minds think alike

 

[Straegen]

Above 75 I dive a skin comfortably. Above 65 a 3mm will work but might be a bit chilly for some. Below 65 I will let the experts chime in. I would probably get a 7mm personally but again no real experience. I use a hood as soon as I use a 3mm wetsuit. You can go without one but in the low 70s or lower your noggin will likely get cold and a lot of heat escapes that way.

There are lots of brands to choose from including Bare, Henderson, Akona, etc and they are all pretty good just find the one that fits you best. The other option is to get a custom one made. The surprising fact is they aren't that much more expensive. I got mine for $250 at Horizon Wetsuits that was for a 3mm with a few extras.

As for which ones to get, greatly depends on the factors you mention. You could easily squeak by with a good 3mm if you stay above the temps I noted above but only your body will know the right answer. You could always rent until you find something you like, but I find renting wetsuits kinda like renting underwear thats just me though.

 

[Tortuga68]

There's nothing like the joy of peeing in a rented wetsuit

 

[fjpatrum]

I've been surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking for a while and just got into diving. I have a 3mm farmer john (no zipper), a 3 mm shorty farmer john (front zip), a 2.5 mm long sleeve shorty (back zip) a 4/3 full suit (back zip), a 1mm short sleeve top, a 5/3 hooded vest, and a 7mm step in jacket (front zip from leg to neck). Since I started my OW course I've also gotten some 7mm booties and 5mm gloves. I can combine several of these to cover a huge range of water temps. Not everyone wants to spend $600 on wetsuits though, so I'd recommend a 3mm with a hooded vest (or just a hood) and possibly something like a 3, 5, or 7 step in jacket to go along with it. And of course the gloves and booties for diving. That will give you a large range of temps you can dive in without being ridiculously hot if you're in warmer waters.

I will say, I get cold easily so I've never actually worn my shorty farmer john, even kayaking, and that also prompts me to buy a lot more neoprene than most people.

I've bought all manner of different brands. Hyperflex, Body Glove, Quicksilver, Henderson, NeoSport, and a couple of others. They're all basically the same except for fit. I've found several brands just don't fit me well, while others are fantastic. If you have a shop to try stuff on do that. I primarily buy my wet suits online now since I can usually find better pricing and more selection than LDS or surf shops give me.

PS: I have never and will never rent a wetsuit specifically because I think peeing in a suit is revolting (even though I know logically it isn't.)

 

[Tortuga68]

"In days of old
When dives were cold
And drysuits weren't invented
The best latrine
Was neoprene
Especialy when rented!"

 

[fjpatrum]

Tortuga, that's funny as hell. I'm still not renting though.

 

[Tortuga68]

Not sure about the origin but it's in one of Gary Gentile's books

 

[carrielsal]

I've bought all manner of different brands. Hyperflex, Body Glove, Quicksilver, Henderson, NeoSport, and a couple of others. They're all basically the same except for fit.

I couldn't disagree with this statement more. Just a few of the major differences:

There is open cell neoprene, closed cell neoprene, and stretch neoprene.
As with any other product, quality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Some suits have seals on the wrists, ankles and neck. Seals slow down the flow of water into the suit, keeping you warmer.