How much Layering is too much???

[dtbriten]

It seems the latest "trend" with wetsuit manufacturers is layering. I'm in the market for exposure gear for waters ranging in the mid 60's to low 70's. I'm a wimp and need a 3 mm with a poly hood in 80 degree water... thus my question.. If I buy another 3 mil (200+ dives on the one I have now) and then a 3 to 5 mm corewarmer and a 3 to 5 mm hooded vest am I inviting disaster for comfort and buoyancy? Am I better off simply buying a 7 mm? or a 5 mm with vest? I like the options of mix and match but I want to make sure I don't end up feeling like the Pillsbury Dough girl!!! Thanks

 

[Michael Schlink]

3+3+3corewarmer+3hooded vest= 12mil in the chest area WOW-thats probably over kill plus getting each piece to fit might be a problem. If you're that cold then take a good look at a drysuit. Easier to get in to and out of, your warm and dry when you get out at the end of a dive plus it will handle a greater range of water temps. I don't think I'd reccomend that much neoprene layered on like that.-let's hear what other divers have to say-M

 

[bwerb]

There is this cool thing called a drysuit you might want to look at...

Seriously, buy a wetsuit which will be comfortable for you in the water temps you are diving...layering to the level you are questioning will make you incredibly unstable and unflexible.

 

[dtbriten]

3+3+3corewarmer+3hooded vest= 12mil in the chest area WOW-thats probably over kill

LOL I'm throwing out the old wetsuit. Was looking at 9 on the chest..

 

[tedwhiteva]

It seems the latest "trend" with wetsuit manufacturers is layering. I'm in the market for exposure gear for waters ranging in the mid 60's to low 70's. I'm a wimp and need a 3 mm with a poly hood in 80 degree water... thus my question.. If I buy another 3 mil (200+ dives on the one I have now) and then a 3 to 5 mm corewarmer and a 3 to 5 mm hooded vest am I inviting disaster for comfort and buoyancy? Am I better off simply buying a 7 mm? or a 5 mm with vest? I like the options of mix and match but I want to make sure I don't end up feeling like the Pillsbury Dough girl!!! Thanks

If that is a 3 mil full suit for 80 degree water - I suggest you try renting a full 7 mil to try - consider a farmer john even. We had students in a quarry at 63 degrees last weekend and 1/2 were cool but OK and others were "freezing." All in 7 mils.
I must admit I was in dry suit and just fine - that is the way to go if you can do the $.

 

[divematt]

My girlfriend wears an Xcel Infinity 4/3 down to 74 degree water, then puts on my Henderson Hyperstrech 3MM over it when we quarry dive in cold fresh water down to the upper 50's. She puts on a hood and gloves too by the way. She has no movement problems with the super strechy Hyperstrech over her suit. I guess that gives her a 7/6. I wear the Xcel Infinity 7/6/5 during these dives and neither complain of being cold.