Akona Men's 7mm Full Wetsuit

[DeadCactus]

Can anyone here offer some input on this? I'm looking for a wetsuit for 55-65 F water. Cost is an issue. Saw this one in SCUBA magazine which seemed impressed with the suit. Seems like a good fit for what I want, a warm suit for a decent price ($200).

[Rudebob]

I have one. It is a decent enough suit for the money-but not top of the line.
Body fat and personal tollerance to cold water will likely dictate your comfort level. I am around 12 - 13 % body fat and stay fairly comfortable in it for 60 minute dives down to 55 degrees. I have dove in 48 degree water with it once. I was not completelyh miserable but not fully enjoying the experience either. My son, who has no body fat, shivers in his 7 mil Akona at 60 degrees over extended periods of time-your milage may vary.

As far as price goes I would shop around. A LDS where I live was selling these suits for $140.00 new or $100.00 for rentals in pretty good condition.

mg

[scubadada]

I bought the Akona 7mm in 2006 for relatively infrequent cold water diving when visiting San Diego. I wear it with a 5/3mm hooded vest, 5mm booties, and 5mm gloves. The glideskin seals work well (a little soapy water helps with donning), the cut fits me very well. I have about 30 dives with the suit and I'm quite comfortable at the usual water temp of 52 degrees or a little greater. I've dived a couple of times at 48-49 degrees and got a bit cold by the end of the dive. I'm happy with the suit, especially at what I paid for it. The older model is available widely for less than $200, a newer model appears to be about $100 more. Good luck