Wet suit information
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Michael Guerrero
Contributor
Kind of depends on your body type and the conditions you dive in. I've heard good things about Henderson for tall people, but honestly most cuts I've found are designed for overweight people. The thickness will depend on the temperature of the water you dive in. Colder water = thicker wetsuit.
Either way, I would buy a semi-dry. They don't have the nylon layer inside, so they will resist stinking longer. However, it's less good to urinate in them
. I bought a custom suit for a reasonable price from Aquaflite since the standard sizes didn't really fit me (too large in the waist).
Either way, I would buy a semi-dry. They don't have the nylon layer inside, so they will resist stinking longer. However, it's less good to urinate in them
. I bought a custom suit for a reasonable price from Aquaflite since the standard sizes didn't really fit me (too large in the waist).
CAPTAIN SINBAD
Contributor
There are no best brands or worst brands. It comes down to only two factors IMHO. First is the fit (most important) second is your preference for the type of neoprene. When it comes to the latter majority of the worlds population dives a neoprene called CR-100. It is stretchy and compression resistant and does not need a lot of lead to sink. The second is nitrogen neoprene which is very rare. It is rigid and lasts longer but not very comfortable. Also needs more lead to sink than CR-100.
I do not believe in buying a stock suit. Even the most expensive "brand" will not have the fit that a custom suit will have so I would recommend going custom. I get my suits made by a company called Dragonhide / Deluxe. Here is my custom 3mm CR 100 suit.
I do not believe in buying a stock suit. Even the most expensive "brand" will not have the fit that a custom suit will have so I would recommend going custom. I get my suits made by a company called Dragonhide / Deluxe. Here is my custom 3mm CR 100 suit.
As Captain Sinbad mentioned, best suit is the one that fits you.
Thickness depends on what exposure protection you need.
Thickness depends on what exposure protection you need.
+1 for fit - don't be seduced away by flashy marketing or nice brand logo's - if it isn't a close but comfortable fit then it won't do the job it is designed for which is to keep a thin layer of water next to your skin with minimal flushing.
Decide what thickness you need based on the water temps you will dive, then try the available ones on and narrow down to fit. After fit think about the function, and pick the one from those that fit which suit you best, padded/re-inforced knees and elbows, front or rear zip and so on according to what you want/need.
You will need to think about your type of diving and preferences before you go so you don't get confused or railroaded once there.
Have fun and enjoy - happy new year ! - Phil
Decide what thickness you need based on the water temps you will dive, then try the available ones on and narrow down to fit. After fit think about the function, and pick the one from those that fit which suit you best, padded/re-inforced knees and elbows, front or rear zip and so on according to what you want/need.
You will need to think about your type of diving and preferences before you go so you don't get confused or railroaded once there.
Have fun and enjoy - happy new year ! - Phil
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Bare is kinda cool in that they go way beyond S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc.. They include "short" and "tall" sizes such as Medium/Short or Large/Tall. All 5'5 of me appreciates their effort. The downside is that many stores do not stock all those different sizes.
http://www.baresports.com/~/media/Bare/Images/Charts/wetsuits-drysuits-mens-chart.ashx
http://www.baresports.com/~/media/Bare/Images/Charts/wetsuits-drysuits-mens-chart.ashx
Read this feature and you will be a well informed consumer. Maybe even a step ahead of the clerk.
Pete
Pete
KD8NPB
Contributor
Waterproof and 4th Element offer the best features on the market.
More stretch = Less insulation, suit doesn't last as long
Look for a suit that has:
Skin-in seals (uncoated neoprene, typically in the ankles and forearms)
A zipper backer (flap of neoprene behind the zipper)
Liquid-seam technology over blind stitched seams
Most importantly, purchase a suit that fits. If you're big for your height, you'll probably want a custom suit.
More stretch = Less insulation, suit doesn't last as long
Look for a suit that has:
Skin-in seals (uncoated neoprene, typically in the ankles and forearms)
A zipper backer (flap of neoprene behind the zipper)
Liquid-seam technology over blind stitched seams
Most importantly, purchase a suit that fits. If you're big for your height, you'll probably want a custom suit.
Criteria for purchace, in order of importance: Best fit, best price; best style ( I prefer plain black rather than bright colors for me).
DivemasterDennis
DivemasterDennis
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