Help me decide...

I'm trying to decide on my first wetsuit. I know I'll need a 7mm for 50 - 65 degree water. Also, I know the key is how well the suit fits. I've ruled out the higher end suits since I don't get much dive time in each year. Fit not being an issue, I've narrowed my choices to 2 suits. One is a 7mm Bare Artic, the other is a 7/5mm Pinnacle Cruiser. But now I need help trying to decide which suit has the more important/useful features.

Bare Artic - A full 7mm throughout. Pros - should be warmer than the 7/5mm Cruiser. Has chimney flaps at the ankles so it should reduce water exchange.

Cons - it is a full 7mm suit and therefore potentially more restrictive.

Pinnacle Cruiser - Pros - A 7/5mm suit so it should be more flexible. A roll down neck seal may be more comfortable than the regular seal. Brass zipper so it should last longer (maybe). 10mm spine pad so it should help take up extra space.

Cons - no chimney seals in the ankles. A 7/5mm so maybe a little colder.


So do the pros/cons make sense? Based on what the two suits what features would you find most important besides fit.

Thanks, Mike

Akona makes a nice full 7mm and I believe it is rated pretty high and is a lower cost, I like mine.

I just bought the Bare Arctic 7mm. I haven't gotten it wet yet, but I can say that the construction is great, the fit is fabulous, and the seals seem excellent. Yes, the zipper is plastic, but it's a big, heavy duty one and I don't see it as a failure point.

As for being restrictive because it's a 7mm, well um, it's a 7 mm. Actually, it's not bad and I don't see that as an issue underwater. I say go for it.

Mountain Dog