Wetsuit Suggestions

[KyleP]

I've recently wanted to get into the sport of diving and the first piece of gear I would like to get is a fresh new Wetsuit. Getting into a used one in a time like this is a no thanks for me. I'm a Male,120lbs, 6ft, 28in waist, 34in chest and hips.

I've looked online for sizing and from what I've seen is that I am either in between sizes and require a tall or somewhat fit into a womens size. I can find mens sizes for my height but waist and weight is usually a problem, but if I look at sizes for womens, the weight and waist are good but the height is too short and the hips and chest are slightly too big.

I am eventually going to go to my local dive shop and try on multiple sizes and brands to feel the difference. From what I've seen/heard from others brands and sizes can vary so trying a bunch on is probably the best action to take before going to a local custom shop.
Any other suggestions are welcome.

 

[rongoodman]

The problem with going to a local shop is that they're likely to have a limited number of brands and probably only the more common sizes, so they'll end up having to order what you want anyway. You might want to browse a large online retailer like LeisurePro, who carry a broad product range and have a generous return policy. I see that the Waterproof suits come in a Small/Tall which doesn't look too far off your numbers.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Waterproof are good for tall and slim.

My 2 psi is to get the stretchiest material you can find. You can layer yourself up to a 3mil and it gives you a lot more versatility for protection. I use a 1 mil waterproof with different rash guards or fuzzy undergarments depending ot the temp range.

 

[HKGuns]

Getting the sizing correct is very important, your LDS can assist you with the proper fit. Also, understanding the temperatures of the water you will be diving to get the proper level of protection. I'm a big fan of supporting your LDS and buying from them as it is a tough, niche business.

I have two that I really like, a Henderson 3mm Thermaxx and Hollis NeoTek Semi dry 8/7mm.

 

[Dubious]

My wife and I both bought Henderson wetsuits. Thermoprene offers a fair amount of stretch to form to your body. I am 5' 11 but 160 pounds with a 32 waist. I have a medium Thermoprene Pro Hoodened Semi-dry which feels a little too short for me so I don't think dropping down to a small would work for you to fit your smaller waist. I feel resistance when standing up straight. The hood may play a role in this. I have an ML 5mm as well which fits me pretty well but it does feel a little big in areas. While I weigh more than you I do feel like the suit itself is stretching to fit my body so I would take a guess the suit may fit fine around your torso and chest with a MT. All that said, using a shop that gets you into the right suit to me seems like the best way to get a properly fitting wetsuit unless you find a great deal on a used one. I bought both of my suits used. I paid $49 for the 5mm aqualock and $75 for the semi-dry.

 

[GreggS]

I 2nd the Henderson Thermaxx 3mm. I'm on my 7th year with my 3mm and it is holding up very well. Since i is fleece lined, it is very easy to don and doff. For cooler water, I can easily layer for added thermal protection.

However, with the Thermaxx, you will have to go to an LDS as I have never seen new ones listed on any on-line store. Other Henderson styles you can find for sale on-line but not the Thermaxx. Yo can go to the Henderson website for information about it, but will have to go to a brick and mortar dive shop to buy one.

 

[drk5036]

What kind of water will you be diving?

honestly at your size, I would probably go custom. If you’re planning to dive any kind of cold water (below 22 degrees C or so) I would go with a seaskin drysuit, because it’s order made and really reasonably priced.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

Waterproof was a good recommendation. Look at fourth element as well. Just looked at the charts and it looks like a Small/Tall is your size.

Now you just need to figure out what temps and durations you will be diving in. Everyone has their own perference/tolerance... here is mine (all in farenheight and non deco diving):

84+ = Board shorts and tshirt or lavacore hooded vest
80-84 = Board shorts, lavacore hooded vest, bare exotherm jacket
77-80 = Board shorts, Waterproof W30 shorty, Fourth Element Thermoprene short, Fourth element thermoprene hood
70-80 = Fourth element proteus 5mm, fourth element thermoprene hood, Waterproof G1 1.5m gloves, 5mm booties
60-70 = DUI 30/30 Drysuit, Fourth Element Arctic tops/bottoms, Waterproof G1 1.5mm gloves, Waterproof 7mm hood 5mm booties
50-60 = DUI TLS350, Fourth Element Halo 3D, Waterproof 5mm gloves, Waterproof 7mm hood
40-50 = DUI TLS350, Fourth Element Halo 3D, Patagonia Capilene Underwear, Waterproof 5mm gloves, Waterproof 7mm hood

 

[NorCalDM]

My son is similar in size as you and uses Pinnacle wetsuits and they fit him well. Also Xcel has a very good sizing chart on their website and I find it is pretty accurate it is what I use and they have long sizes as well.

 

[tarponchik]

Where do you plan to dive? Maybe a 3 mm shortie will work for you? These are much easier to fit.