Wetsuit Vests / Core Warmers

[n733lk]

If I want to purchase a wetsuit vest to go over my full wetsuit for those cooler dives, should I get the same size vest as my wetsuit, or a size larger?

Thanks.

[koozemani]

I went with a 3mm pinnacle vest that I wear under a full suit. I ordered the same size vest as the suit and it fits just fine. The vest will be more effective if worn under your suit.

[scubadobadoo]

I went with a 3mm pinnacle vest that I wear under a full suit. I ordered the same size vest as the suit and it fits just fine. The vest will be more effective if worn under your suit.

I second this.

[Jax]

I third it - merino lined Pinnacle is the best.

[n733lk]

I like your new Signature.

"Thank you, Lord, for delivering our Nation's enemy to us."

[BrianKon]

Yes, core warmers(vest) go under your suit, I use a one-peice with a hoody as part of the vest.

you could also just get a neoprene head Scapp or Hoody which would help to keep you a little warmer without the need for the core warmer.

good diving to you!

[g1138]

If the vest has a hood and snugs up better outside your suit, then I would wear it on the outside. I have a few friends whose body size dictates this method. I have a few friends whose body size dictates wearing a hooded vest under their 1 piece. In either case the general consensus is having any hooded vest is a lot warmer than just having a hood.

Now if you're just buying a vest w/o an attached hood, then I'd buy one which you could fit under your suit.


To answer your question directly though, buy a vest that fits comfortably over your full suit, what ever size that is. This of course means taking your wetsuit into the dressing room.
Bring the wife, leave the kids

[Garrobo]

What koozemani said.

[rameus]

I personally use the same size vest as the wetsuit. Besides what koozemani said is true indeed. Worn under the wetsuit the hooded vest is way more effective.

[SurferRyan]

I got hooked on those Thermalution heated rash guards from heatedwetsuits.com this winter. I bought one of the 70m suits (200ft depth rating) last fall for the surf season and have carried it over into my dive season. I've worn the surf vests with the hood attached, and tried over/under the wetsuit. Nothing beats my Thermalution. You do have to wear it under the wettie, though. Doesn't do you much good on the outside.

I do a lot of meg tooth dives early in the season. The double Thermocline we get around 110ft in May/June isn't quite as bad when you can change from low-med-high settings for heat in your wetsuit. Kinda like a constant, on demand, pee flow in the wetsuit, without the stink, ha ha ha. Love it!