Henderson/NeoSport - Differences?

I'm a newbie and just learning about scuba gear (reading lots of ads, etc.). I know that Henderson is supposed to make a premier wetsuit. A little over a month ago when my wife and I were getting ready to head to Puerto Rico for our O/W referral dives, our LDS recommended NeoSport 3mm shorties.

I just stumbled onto the information that NeoSport suits are made by Henderson, so I am a little curious. What are the differences? I realize that they may not be as well made as the Henderson brand suits, but they fit very nicely, and the price was certainly right.

Is this a case of a big company selling a "pro" line and a "beginner" line? Just curious.

Mike

The NeoSport suits are regular neoprene without any of the extras, like GoldCore or Hyperstretch. It's simply Henderson's basic line of suits.

The neosports are a lower grade of neoprene. Henderson makes a couple of different neoprenes: Hyperstretch, Gold Core, and Premium Neoprene. The premium neoprene is the lowest grade neoprene that Henderson makes for their branded suits. The Neosports are a grade lower than that, so they are just a little bit stiffer. The rest of the suit is very similiar. Same sticthing and glueing as on the Henderson suits.

Also the price...

I have worn both the neosport and the hyperstretch. Putting on the neosport, I struggle, have hot flashes, grumble under my breath, am uncomfortable, getting into it makes my question diving altogether.

My hyperstretch suit is like putting on a pair of sweat pants. It stretches 250% in any direction, fits like it was custom made for me, is a dream to get on and off.

The neo sport will last longer than a hyperstretch. I selected comfort and user friendlyness over long lasting.

My wife and I both have Henderson goldcores (which I love). She also has a NeoSport, which she likes even *better*. To be fair, her Goldcore is 5mm, and the Neo is 3mm, so it will be less stiff. However, it does the trick, keeps her warm, and she looks *great* in it!