7mm wetsuit advice needed

[cinder4320]

I currently own two seaquest wetsuits which are 2:3(2 in legs/arms, 3 in torso) and 3:5. To be warm in water 75degrees or below I layer and wear both. They are slightly different sizes so it works except is a pain to get on. Once they are wet I cannot take them off and get them back on (both at once). So I am planning on getting a 7mm wetsuit to take the place of my two and hopefully it will feel a little more comfortable. When I bought the 5mm one everyone thought it would be plenty thick but its not. I've looked up Seaquest since I know the size that fits me on those. The problem is I can't find any place that sells them or has info on them. Anyone have any recommendations for thick, warm wetsuits that won't break the bank? I'm small and get cold easily. I'll need one before my liveaboard in Feb.

Miranda

 

[Tacticaltj]

Aquaflite.com. Get a custom fit 7mm fullsuit with a hooded vest.(or a 5mm with a hooded jacket) Most people believe the suit off the rack fits, when, in fact it really doesn't. It just fits better that the last one they used. A custom fit wetsuit will don/doff much easier and keep you warmer and more comfortable than any off the rack suit period! I use a semi-dry suit and it drys in about 5 minutes. It takes less than a minute to put on and is very comfortable. A custom wetsuit really isn't that much more. You'll enjoy diving more than you ever have.

 

[Tacticaltj]

BTW-Aquaflite takes about a week to get your suit.
M

 

[crlavoie]

Another option is Atlan. I have a 7/7 John and Jacket with neck, wrist and ankle seals, custom fit and still paid less than a stock suit. All in, it was $375. I've been very happy with it.

 

[spectrum]

I have been very happy with my Bare products. The Arctic is a sold 7mm jumpsuit and they have a number of vests you can layer with it. It has forearm seals, calf seals all in all a well outfitted suit for a reasonable price. For moderate cold the 3mm hooded vest(3mm torso, 7mm hood) worn under is a great layering item. IMO a much better option than a bibbed hood. They even have a heavier step-in vest but I can't imagine you needing that on a livaboard.
https://www.divetank.com/gear/product.php?id=129
https://www.divetank.com/gear/product.php?id=307

Take your choice of a local dealer where you can try and buy if they stock your size. Divetank and Scubatoys are also dealers. I've had experince with Divetank https://www.divetank.com/gear/ and they will help you fit the suit and then stand behind their fit, including exchange shipping if needed!

February is coming quick though and if you need to exchange it can take time for the mail and all. If you can buy local I'd go that route. If it's late February that you depart you have more time to play with.

Custom is also a very viable route if you are an off the rack gal or not. If you can find what you want on a local rack that is instant gratification. My wife had good luck with her 7mm set custom by Atlan http://atlaninc.com/default.html She has the Tahoe set done all in 7mm. What we liked is that with Atlan you work with a dealer who does the measuring. They are accustomed to getting the right measurement for the right result.

Let us all know what works out for you,
Pete

 

[cinder4320]

Thanks for all the ideas. The liveaboard isn't until the end of February so shipping still has time.

Miranda

 

[tjmills]

Check out this manufacturer. They don't sell direct but they do sell some through dealers. I have heard nothing but really good things about their suits. Email them and they will tell you who carries their suits. I don't have any first hand knowledge but many say they are the warmest suits on the market by far. (Merino Wool)

www.pinnacleaquatics.com