Which 3mm Wetsuit Would You Choose?

[RonFrank]

I'm getting ready to buy a 3mm jumpsuit for tropical use. I was hoping to get some opinions about suits that you like. Thanks in advance for your input.

-Ted

Hard to say what 3mm I WOULD choose, but I can tell you what I did choose!

I have a 3mm Tilos Superstretch. I paid just over $100 for it, and it's a 3/2mm.

I love stretch suits, especially in a 3mm. They are much easier to get into/out of.

THIS is the suit I have.

I've been diving it for three summers, maybe 25+ dives per year in the 3mm. It shows a bit of wear, but has held up a lot better than my buddies Henderson that ran 3 times the cost.

 

[rongoodman]

I'll second the recommendation for the Pinnacle Seal. (Their suits also fit me the best.)

 

[trucker girl]

A 3mm isn't going to be your toughest decision. If you're talking 6/7 mil, you'd be wise to get something easy to donn (like a hyperstretch- I don't have one).

I don't do much 3 mil diving, so I bought a couple used ones on eBay- a 3 mil full and a 3 mil shortie.

If you're going to be doing a lot of 3 mil diving, I'd consider fit, obviously, and quality- you'll want it to last a long time. Any of the big names will probably do you fine.

 

[Wayward Son]

unless you just can't fit in an off the rack suit -like my daughter- I just don't see any point in spending a lot on a 3mm. If you need a custom it'll cost more. mut for a std size suit I've seen plenty of sales on 3 or 3/2 suits for maybe $100 or less.

I have an old body glove 3/2. I bought it used for $20 and have gotten 3 years out of it so far. Find one that fits, buy it & go diving. Just don't spend too much for it.

I mostly dive out of Panama City FL. The 3/2 is a transitional suit for spring & fall. In summer I wear a microprene skin. Winter I wear a 7mm pyrostretch, in between those I wear the old 3/2.

 

[Stu S.]

I'm with the Wayward Son. I used a 3mm suit a guy gave me for about a year. A little hole or leak does not affect things, because the water going in is not ice cold. I paid $90 for my suit, and the EVO brand can be had for less. I see these all over our state.

 

[CODMAN]

I'm a fan of Bare suits. I have a 3/2mm velocity full suit and absolutely love it. It's durable, fits really well, they have a ton of sizes for precise fitting, they look good and in my oppinion, are a very good value for the quality you get.

But most importantly, is for you to try some on and buy the one you find fits best, that is within your budget.

Cheers!

 

[Doc Harry]

Harvey's wetsuits

Harvey's

 

[ScubaSpicher]

The one that fits best

AGREED! I went to try on 3mm suits, a Henderson, ScubaPro, and Neilpryde (they do not even make dive specific suits anymore, although the suit I was looking at was). Bought the Neilpryde and could not be happier. Whatever fits best, is the best suit for you! Try a few on and then make a decision.

 

[CC1020]

Pinnacle Seal or Pinnacle Merino Elastiprene 3
both are far more comfortable and durable than any other suit I have ever used (yes better than the Hendersons). not to mention they are both Merino lined which is great not only for warmth but for ease of don/doff.

The Seal is warmer than the ME3, and if you don't want to spend as much or don't need the warmth of the Merino they make a 3mm Elastiprene without the Merino.

I second the vote for the Pinnacle Seal... absolutely love mine. But as others have said, fit is most likely the single most important factor.

 

[Fathomer]

Thanks for all of your input. Today I purchased a Henderson Instadry. It fit better than a glove although not as comfortable as others I tried. The deal maker was that I got it new for $147 from my local dive shop. Even if it turns out to be a mistake, it didn't break the bank. Heck, I may get the 7mm version they have. For $172.