What single suit for tropics (always traveling) - shorty or full? 3mm or other?

[eelnoraa]

There are some old stock Pinnacle wetusuit being sold by some retailler, they are good price, but size is limited, but if you can find it, great deal

 

[rongoodman]

If I was only going to have one, it would be a 5mm full suit. You can beef it up with a hooded vest if you need to for some of the cooler Caribbean sites, or the cenotes, or you can go without a hood in the warmer spots. I like the Henderson H2 suits these days.

 

[Hank49]

.
they look practically brand new after 4 years of diving, probably 50 dives each suit.

My experience is that after about 150-200 hours in the water, most wetsuits start to show wear and tear.

 

[jameseg]

I'd go with a 3mm or 3/2 fullsuit (and hit the bathroom right before and right after the dive). Will allow you to dive more places more of the year compared to the shorty. I like my BARE Velocity 3/2 full suit. I have a 2.5 mm Neosport vest that I add on top for the last dive of the day if I'm feeling a little chilled.

James

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I really like my 1.5 mm full suit with a back zip. Full sun and sting protection, a little warmth and super easy to put on and off.. Easier than a dive skin to put on and take off. Add a decent hood when it gets cooler (or for night dives) and you have a decent suit. Super comfortable and non restrictive.

 

[kyley]

I'd go with a 3mm or 3/2 fullsuit (and hit the bathroom right before and right after the dive). Will allow you to dive more places more of the year compared to the shorty. I like my BARE Velocity 3/2 full suit. I have a 2.5 mm Neosport vest that I add on top for the last dive of the day if I'm feeling a little chilled.

James

Yeah, it should be that easy (bathroom before the dive), but for some reason with me the ocean just makes nature call repeatedly... Maybe I should ask my doctor and see if there's a prescription answer for when I'm diving

Can you tell a pretty big difference with having the vest on top?

I haven't been bothered by my legs being cold on dives - maybe a long-sleeve shorty would work for me (or the Fourth Element Thermocline shirt / shorts), but I agree with you all that a full would be better if not for my issues... Thanks,
--Kyle

 

[diverdorr68]

I've been on very long dives in the tropics in board shorts and a rash guard and never been cold. For me a full 3mm was a waste of time and energy before and after diving. I alternated between board shorts and a long sleeved rash guard, or a 2mm Bare Shorty. I would say 3mm is too much unless you are cold natured.

By the way, go ahead and pee in your wetsuit, you only need to pull down on the collar and flush some water through your ankles. Like clearing a mask

 

[gcarter]

Hi All,
I've done about 80 dives but buying my first set of gear. I'll likely only own one wetsuit (at least for now), so what would you recommend? A shorty, full, or maybe long sleeves / shorts? Would 3mm be best? I'd also like something as compact / lightweight as possible for travel as I live in Kansas City (nowhere near the ocean!). I usually dive Florida, Mexico, Caribbean, etc. All times of the year, but mostly summer.

If you have specific brands / models you'd recommend, I'd love to hear about them too! I'd like to stay around $100, but my budget is flexible - particularly if it will help get something smaller / lighter but still warm... Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
--Kyle

What have you been renting for 80 dives and how has it worked for you?

 

[jameseg]

Can you tell a pretty big difference with having the vest on top?

There's definitely a difference, but I wouldn't call it a big difference. It's enough that instead of feeling a little chilly I feel totally fine. But I wouldn't try to replace a 7mm with that combo or anything. The vest is light to pack and was only $35 or so, so worth it to me.

I hear you on the bathroom thing. I'm the same way. I can make it through a dive in a full suit, but the most comfortable dives I ever did were in just a swimsuit in Cayman Brac. I think I peed three times on one dive, just because I could.

James

 

[tracydr]

My experience is that after about 150-200 hours in the water, most wetsuits start to show wear and tear.

Mine too. Both of mine only have about 50 dives each. But, the washing machine does make them shiney new looking for a bit longer.
The swimming pool sure does a number on my Lycra skin, though. I go through those quickly when doing lots of pool work. Just seems to eat them.

I always take a vest attached to a hood with me too, btw. Comes in real handy in I miscalculated what the water temperatures would be in a location and need just a but of extra chill protection. I think it adds about 1ml.

Over 5ml, I'm going dry. Now that I have a drysuit why not use it? It's just so much nicer and traveling, you don't have to worry about drying out a heavy wetsuit on the last day before flying. Now, I guess I'll start collecting different weight undergarments, instead!