TheScream
Registered
This is part rant, part asking for advice... so I'm 30 years old, 80kg and 5'5" (165cm) tall. Almost without exception, all the major brands (eg: pinnacle, mares) class me as an extra-small size height-wise but a medium or large based on my body-shape and weight.
I currently have a 3mm super-mega-ultra-stretch titanium impregnated wetsuit from a local Australian manufacturer which fits ok, mainly due to the extremely stretchy neoprene, but I'm already noticing wearing on the inside where it stretches over my "excess flab".
So, I've been comfortable after a 30min dive in 18°C water but any colder than that or longer I've come out very uncomfortable. So I'm looking for something 7mm (or 7/5/3 etc) to keep me warm down to 12 degrees (water temp is about 12-13°C in Adelaide from June to October) and probably semi-dry (or at least well-fitting enough to minimise water entry/exit).
Whats the deal then with these sizes? Am I limited to places that require a second mortgage for a custom suit? Are custom suits as good functionally as, for example, Pinnacle EM7/Arctic and Mares Isotherm? If I'm spending the $ on a custom, are their any recommendations for Australia? (I'm not fussed ordering from overseas if they're REALLY good)
Before someone asks, no, I'm not going dry.. yet. I've only logged 11 dives and want more experience before I do. (My instructor agrees.)
I currently have a 3mm super-mega-ultra-stretch titanium impregnated wetsuit from a local Australian manufacturer which fits ok, mainly due to the extremely stretchy neoprene, but I'm already noticing wearing on the inside where it stretches over my "excess flab".
So, I've been comfortable after a 30min dive in 18°C water but any colder than that or longer I've come out very uncomfortable. So I'm looking for something 7mm (or 7/5/3 etc) to keep me warm down to 12 degrees (water temp is about 12-13°C in Adelaide from June to October) and probably semi-dry (or at least well-fitting enough to minimise water entry/exit).
Whats the deal then with these sizes? Am I limited to places that require a second mortgage for a custom suit? Are custom suits as good functionally as, for example, Pinnacle EM7/Arctic and Mares Isotherm? If I'm spending the $ on a custom, are their any recommendations for Australia? (I'm not fussed ordering from overseas if they're REALLY good)
Before someone asks, no, I'm not going dry.. yet. I've only logged 11 dives and want more experience before I do. (My instructor agrees.)