7mm Wetsuit recommendations

[RhodeDiver]

I am in the market for a new wet suit and I am looking for some recommendations. I currently have a Pinnacle Cruiser 7mm but it got torn up.

I dive in Massachusetts so it has to be 7mm and a dry suit is out due to the cost. (please no dry suit comments unless you want to buy me one.)

So what kind of wet suit do you dive? and would you recommend it to someone else?

I am curious about the Neosports are they good for the price?

 

[Marie13]

Bare Reactive (I have the Evoke, the women’s version).

Have you considered a semi-dry? I know a number of people who dive the AquaLung Sol Afx and love it.

 

[runsongas]

You can find used drysuits for less than 500. Better option in the long run.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Bare Reactive (I have the Evoke, the women’s version).

Have you considered a semi-dry? I know a number of people who dive the AquaLung Sol Afx and love it.

I have the Aqua Lung SolAfx 8/7 semi-dry and am happy with it. It is warmer than a regular 7mm with hood to me. I still get cold in it but don't let that be a deterrent. I say this while diving high 40's to 50's temperatures. I'm 5'4", 130 pounds so I am already pre-disposed to being cold compared to someone who is taller and larger from a surface area to volume perspective....but my hands and feet also start getting cold once it drops below 70 degrees in air temperature. I also wear a 5mm when diving high 70's to low 80's and am happiest then.

I wear a lycra skin underneath to aid in donning and doffing, especially when wet. Also, if you feel like you still need extra warmth under there, you can always wear a vest underneath. I think if I continue to dive it I may consider a 2mm one piece women's surf piece under it.

SIgned,

Always cold.

 

[RhodeDiver]

You can find used drysuits for less than 500. Better option in the long run.

I am sure it is possible but in the years I have been looking for one, I have never seen one that cheap nor have I seen one that was my size.

 

[thumbsplitter]

I have a 5mm Bare Velocity with a 7mm hooded vest that fits over it. I don't use the vest much anymore since I bought a drysuit, but the two were very warm together, and I could always leave the vest off when the water was warmer. Something you may want to consider if you dive a variety of water temps.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I have a 5mm Bare Velocity with a 7mm hooded vest that fits over it. I don't use the vest much anymore since I bought a drysuit, but the two were very warm together, and I could always leave the vest off when the water was warmer. Something you may want to consider if you dive a variety of water temps.

For the OP, if you decide to go this route, you can also then use the hooded vest over or under (I prefer under) other wetsuits as well (3mm, 5mm, and a variety of shorties and full suits). They also make great travel pieces for "emergency warmth". I always travel with one. I have really only used it once, but it's better to have it and not need it than to want one and not have one.

 

[undrwater]

I dive the NeoSport farmer John when not dry suit diving in waters from the low 50's. I'm a cold water wimp, but I'm comfortable enough diving this suit. I doubt I'd be as comfortable doing 2 or 3 dives off a boat in cold weather though.

Iirc, I got it from Leisure Pro for less than $200.

 

[RhodeDiver]

For the OP, if you decide to go this route, you can also then use the hooded vest over or under (I prefer under) other wetsuits as well (3mm, 5mm, and a variety of shorties and full suits). They also make great travel pieces for "emergency warmth". I always travel with one. I have really only used it once, but it's better to have it and not need it than to want one and not have one.

I do have 3mm full suit that I take to warmer places. And also I enjoy the ease of a one piece suit.

My local diving is usually in temps from the high 30's to low 50's. In my Pinnacle I am usually not too cold. I am just trying to explore other options.

 

[hilljo88]

Hollis semi dry--toasty!