wetsuits during winter months

[bikeflip22]

Im curious about a few wetsuits that i am looking into buying.
I'd like to use either one of these suits year round, and im wondering
about the "2pc" designs.


If you have a 6.5mm 2pc wetsuit, does this mean that i have 13mm of neoprene on my chest?

oppose to a 7mm 1pc wetsuit?


i also would be using it for some freediving so i wouldnt want someth ing that would cause alot of drag. my main question is how well do they keep you warm during the months of december-april?

One last final question, has anyone heard any pros/cons about these 2 suits im looking at:

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Item.../Context_980/Sort_SKU/DescSort_0/AKNTJ7M.html

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Item...2/Context_980/Sort_SKU/DescSort_0/AKNW6M.html

thanks.

-Paul

 

[Notso_Ken]

I usually dive a 2 piece 7mm suit here in OH, pretty much year round. Yes, you have 2 layers on the torso, doubling your thickness there (neck down to mid thigh or so).

I recommend in the winter time carrying a second John, so if you want to do a second dive, you aren't trying to put on a wet (and by now, VERY cold) bottom layer against your body. The jacket isn't as critical, it only contacts the skin on the arms, and I haven't had a problem with that. Other pieces to consider duplicates of are of caourse the gloves, hood, and booties. Feet head and hands do get cold easily.

As for the specific models, I am not familiar with that brand.

Enjoy the winter diving, I do!

Ken

 

[Boater Dan]

Paul:

I own the Akona 7mil one piece and have dove it in 38 degree water and was quite warm. I do Public Safety Diving and our dive protocol limits cold water diving to 20 minutes although I squeezed and extra 5 minutes out. Air temp was 45 degrees upon surfacing and I was fine. The seals on the suit do a good job limiting water flow. My son has the same suit and dove 45 Degree water in his. I would recommend making certain you get the Akona with the ankle zippers. It makes it much easier to get in and out. With the gussets, it limits waterflow.

Dan

 

[Kim]

I bought some suits from a British company. I've just made a review for it:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=119267
It might be worth a look.

 

[bikeflip22]

Thanks for the replies.

Ill take that company into account Kim.

That is good to hear that you dove it in 38* water. Thats somewhat of the temperature i was wondering if it could tolerate.

I appreciate the replies, anyone ever tried spetton wetsuits?
also, what are the advantages of having ankle zippers? does it just widen the bottom?

 

[cap_bert]

I have a bare 7/6 mil arctic full suit and a bare sgs hooded shortie. I have dove them down to the low 40's with no problems or serious chill. The wrist and ankle seals do a nice job keeeping the water flow to a minimum. The nice thing about this setup is that you can use the full suit without the shortie inte warmer months where a farmer john with the jacket might be a little much in the heat. i got mine at divetank.com. Good luck.

 

[cummings66]

I dive a 7mm akona and feel fine in it, but tomorrow when I dive I'm going to try out a viking drysuit, but then I plan on diving when it's icing and snowing out.

 

[bikeflip22]

Hm, chances are ill go with the akona 7mm 1pc suit. i like it, and it seems to be liked by others.

its cheap to, 160.

thanks for the help.


feel free to most more criticizim if you have some on any wetsuits u could reccomend

 

[suthnbelle]

I have this same suit and love it. Been diving in 45 degree water and was fine. Our dive was only 20 minutes and my body was warm - it was just my feet I needed doubling up on.

Paul:

I own the Akona 7mil one piece and have dove it in 38 degree water and was quite warm. I do Public Safety Diving and our dive protocol limits cold water diving to 20 minutes although I squeezed and extra 5 minutes out. Air temp was 45 degrees upon surfacing and I was fine. The seals on the suit do a good job limiting water flow. My son has the same suit and dove 45 Degree water in his. I would recommend making certain you get the Akona with the ankle zippers. It makes it much easier to get in and out. With the gussets, it limits waterflow.

Dan

 

[ScubaSarus]

Heres how you dive thru the winter and what worked for me. Get a 7mm full suit. Get an old 7mm farmer John top and cut the sleeves off leaving about 3-6 inches and glue and sew a hood into it and put it over the 7mm full suit. Worked like a charm for me in 36 F water. Getting undressed was tough. Make a thick pair or 2 of fin socks to use with Bare Ice boots.