Wetsuit recommendation

[nessmiller]

All,
Most of my diving is done off the coast of California in a Dive Rite 905 drysuit. I'm very happy with this product, but my wife and I are planning to do some diving off Hawaii and Florida. I am wondering what you guys would recommend for exposure protection in these conditions. My thoughts lead to either a 3mm or 5mm fullsuit from Bare or Akona (whichever fits best). What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[kelpmermaid]

the 3 mil full suit --- that's my warm water travel choice. I like to have all of my extremeties covered, and you can always add a beanie, a hood, or a hooded vest for a little added warmth on multiple dives.

 

[nessmiller]

Kelpmermaid,
Thanks - your thoughts certainly make sense to me. I figured that by adding things like hooded vest I could get by with a 3mm vice a 5mm and the drysuit would cover everything else that I'm likely to run into. Also, sorry about saying "guys" in the initial request. Just wasn't thinking.

Take care,

Steve

 

[cstreu1026]

I have no expereince in Florida, but keep in mind that the water in hawaii is mid 70's at best. When I was there it was 74 degrees. I dove a 3mm shorty and was comfortable, but compared to the quarry I call home it was like a hot tub. The other 7 people on the boat were cold and I probably would have been too if I had been in the water more. If you are cold natured you may want to consider the 5mm.

 

[HarleyDiver]

3 ml is very good for Fl.
From July-Sept you could get away with .5 skin.
Us warm water people like a full 5 in the winter, but cold water people probable could still get by with 3 in South Fl.
North FL gets Cold in the winter, we actually have freezes & everything.

 

[metaldector]

I dive Florida alot, its where I live. Water under 80 degrees I use a farmer john 3mm, and a hood. I water above 80 degrees I use a lycra hood for jellyfish protection. Some like to dive the shorty in the summer. I opt for full skin protection aginst stingy things and sea lice. Hope this helps.