Another wetsuit tale/question.....but longer.

[Geobound]

Thank you for the replies and tips.

Yes it was a Scubapro Sport 7mm suit that I was trying to pour myself into, but I still think it has to be too small........but as suggested I will try a few different brands just to make sure.

I've been into 3 different dive shops and each of them have told me that brand X was the best, and not bother looking at anything else. Sadly brand X has always been different in each store. LOL....

Oh well at least it's I'm having fun, so it can't all be bad.

 

[islanddream]

You might want to buy a one piece skin to put on under the wetsuit. It'll glide up a bunch easier because the skin is shiny polyester/lycra. Or you might want to consider LavaCore or Sharkskin wetsuits. They are a fleece lined suit with no neoprene. I have two Sharkskin wetsuits and love them. I do layer a 2mm rash guard and a 1 or 2 mm hooded vest underneath. I only put on my traditional 5mm if the water is too cold for me to wear the Sharkskin.

 

[JamesBon92007]

Just FYI, one web site I came across listed the "Quality" of neoprene as this:

Standard--The Cheapest
Premium--Medium Grade
Super-Stretch--Highest Grade

To me it seems like this may vary depending upon the source of the neoprene, but it's at least a rough guide. Many wetsuits are not advertised by grade so then it's not much help. Also, many people prefer the Premium Grade over Super-Stretch because of it's buoyancy characteristics (compresses too much at depth).

I chose the Ocean Quest (scuba.com's house brand) based upon a lot of research. For me it came down to the Bare Reactive for $520 or the Ocean Quest for $178. Both have great reviews. Sometimes paying more will get you more service life, sometimes it doesn't matter. If I was to buy a titanium regulator I would expect it to last at least 500 years, but that's a bit more than I need.

My girlfriend ordered a Pinnacle Cruiser 5mm at the same time I got my Ocean Quest and she never even put it on. It was "Premium" grade, and, even though she loves her Pinnacle 3mm suit she was struggling to get one foot into it. When she saw how easily I donned my new suit and how well it fit she sent it back.

 

[DButton90]

I have Scubapro's Everflex 7/5MM and it goes on dry like a breeze and is nice and snug. My difficulty is getting the wetsuit off once I'm wet. At that point it wants to stick. I've found the best option is to roll the suit off turning it inside out rather than trying to pull my limbs back through. The only issue I have with the back zip is actually zipping the suit up. The back seal typically gets in the way of the zipper and stops it. I'm a pretty flexible guy and have tried to contort my body to find the best way to zip it, but I haven't had much luck. Add a hood into the mix and it makes it harder. At some point I end up throwing my pride out the window and find someone to help me if possible. I'm convinced a farmer john setup would be ten times better for solo divers. To me it sounds like the suit you have is just too small. I'm not a wetsuit expert, but that just doesn't sound right.

 

[JamesBon92007]

The only issue I have with the back zip is actually zipping the suit up. The back seal typically gets in the way of the zipper and stops it. I'm a pretty flexible guy and have tried to contort my body to find the best way to zip it, but I haven't had much luck. A.

If they would make the back seal out of thicker, stiffer neoprene it might be a lot easier. I replaced the zipper on my 2.5mm suit and added a 1/4" back pad/strip from an old, stiff wetsuit and it's much easier. I just bought a new 7mm suit and they back pad is only 3mm! I guess that's why I was supposed to spend another $350 for a "better" suit

 

[James79]

I only use a 3mm, but I quit trying to slide it on and instead pull the limbs almos all the way inside out. Put both feet throu the ankle holes (into the inside out legs) and then roll the suit up your legs (kind of the opposite of when that girlfriend peeled off the tight jeans!). Then I do the same with the arms. Taking it off I let peel inside out.
Good luck?

 

[tbone1004]

@Geobound wet+wet=ok, dry+dry=mostly ok, wet+dry=BAD
those are combo's of your skin and the wetsuit being wet or dry

that said, with what you're saying you're going to do, just get a drysuit. No need to wait and you'll be a lot less miserable. Yes it is a bit harder to deal with, but no it's really not that bad, and yes you will appreciate it MUCH more than thick wetsuits

 

[msinc]

If they would make the back seal out of thicker, stiffer neoprene it might be a lot easier. I replaced the zipper on my 2.5mm suit and added a 1/4" back pad/strip from an old, stiff wetsuit and it's much easier. I just bought a new 7mm suit and they back pad is only 3mm! I guess that's why I was supposed to spend another $350 for a "better" suit

This is correct...and not to keep on pluggin' for Henderson, but they have a thick pad at the back zipper. Not only does it allow the zipper to open and close easier, it is very comfortable to dive in and you don't get "zipper shock" in cold water. My 7mm pad and zipper area is the same thickness {doubled} and it's plenty. My Hot Skin "polyolefin" suit has a front zipper, but it still has the spine pad.

 

[Ghost95]

Ok, I'm your height but I do have 5 or 10 lbs on you. That being said, I have never, ever, in my adult and successful form (old fat guy figure) found a large suit that didn't constrict me, my breathing, and movement. Also, I never had luck wearing a skin under the suit, they just bunch up, but that's just me.

I have found that a pair of aeroskin socks do help.

I would recommend trying one size up for the suit. Yes the tight suit will compress a little at depth but there's allot more than being at depth to consider. You want to make a long surface swim in that suit? What happens when you have a problem at 10' and can't move?

I have seen, but not tried, a wetsuit from a company called Wetwear in Florida, that has zippers up both legs and arms. It looks interesting for old fat guys if it works.

See if the shop rents the suits they sell and try a couple. Extra length in the suit is ok if it fits your girth.

 

[MargaritaMike]

I don't dive in cold water anymore, but I did for a while, which is why I don't anymore. I found a tight lycra skin helped me get in and out of my full suits. I used 7mm Farmer John with a 7mm beaver-tail jacket. I could barely carry enough weight to break the surface. Talk about overkill, but I was WARM. I still have the suit and have thought about selling it, but I don't think anyone would want it, with the new technology that exists. I eventually went to a custom suit. It has ankle to hip zippers and wrist to shoulder zippers. Getting it and out of it is a breeze. It fits perfectly, keeps me warm, and WHEN I need a wet suit, it makes those who are struggling to get in and out of theirs somewhat envious. You may not want the Caribbean zips but the longer the zipper, the easier it is to get in and out of. I liked @stuartv 's idea about the baby shampoo and it does serve multiple purposes.
My suggestion (from a position of ignorance) is to get the one that feels the best when it's on, is only moderately difficult to don and doff, and you can afford.
I laughed out loud when I read your post. Been there - done that. Stop - Breathe - Think - PRAY - Act

Good Luck!
Cheers -