Choosing between 2 wetsuits: Easier to deal with a loose collar or too-long arms/legs?

[fluff_astrid]

I narrowed in to two 5mm suits that fit my body...mostly well. Seems no wetsuit is perfect, sigh!

The one that fit my body the best is the Everflex, with the exception that the velcro-able section on the collar doesn't go far enough around the collar to close it up tight. My neck is super narrow, so that means that I had some pretty huge gaps in the collar when trying it on, which would possibly render the wetsuit useless if water just keeps pouring in there. I was wondering if it's possible to just manually sew some additional velcro-able material on it to increase the amount I can close up? Or would that be too harmful to the suit?

On the other hand is the Bare Evoke, also an almost-perfect wetsuit (and nice that it has a vertical zipper ). However, the silicon/whatever material ankle and wrist seals are two long, and I found myself having to fold them over, which I imagine will be a pain when felt under my boots and dive computer. Could I consider just going at those with scissors?

(Pretty much every other suit was a big fail, so if these two don't work, I'm seriously considering just getting a 3mm full suit and doing the layering game with shorties and my sharkskin when I'm in raja ampat).

 

[swimlikethefish]

Try a waterproof wetsuit. They have shorter arms and legs. Their sizing chart is pretty accurate tho. Bonus, some of their wetsuits have an additional pocket on the thigh.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Have you tried your booties with the Evoke?

 

[Marie13]

Why would you wear your boots over the legs of your wetsuit? I never did with my Evoke.

The arms/legs on mine were a bit too long, but it was manageable.

 

[broncobowsher]

If you said a 3mm, I don't consider that to be enough thermal protection to worry about a suit fitting just right and more about abrasion/sun protection.

But you said 5mm. And for that I do expect good thermal performance. You will never get that with a loose neck. The pull the neck back is the easy way to get a cooling flush if the suit is a little too warm, weather that be from a little too much suit or the mid dive addition of some warm water to the suit. So the loose neck is out. As for too tight, besides uncomfortable it also restricts circulation.

So I am going to say neither suit is correct. Keep shopping. I ended up with a 5mm Aquaseal that fit good and had the stretch to be both comfortable and fit right. The one cold dive I remember with it was when someone helped zip me in and they folded the hood at the back of my neck. That fold (instead of laying flat) was a thumb sized leak at my neck that made me freeze. Water flow through a suit really does make it useless.

 

[drk5036]

Have you thought about open cell wetsuits? It might work better for you regarding fit. Check out http://www.makospearguns.com/Wetsuits-s/94.htm

Also if you found a 3 mm that works well for you, maybe layering with a shorty or a hooded vest might work better? I agree that without a good fit, it’s not worth it. Have you tried short sizes?

 

[aviator8]

id rather have longer arms and fold up than loose neck.

 

[formernuke]

I would bite the bullet and go custom if you can't find the perfect fit.

 

[davehicks]

Some of the Henderson suits are extra stretchy and might be an option if you are not an off the shelf body shape. See if you can find one to try on.

If you go with a 3mm suit look into a Hooded Vest, maybe from LavaCore. These are great for layering and can be worn under the wet suit. Perfect for a place like Indonesia where the water temps may vary from site to site.

 

[fluff_astrid]

Thanks for the feedback folks!
I think at this point it is a choice unfortunately -- I've been trying for a few months to find a good wetsuit and trying to shop local for it vs. paying for international shipping (ranges from 50-150AUD to ship a heavy wetsuit here, plus indeterminate customs clearance time). My trip is in 2 weeks time so I'm down to the wire and can't bring nothing or I'll definitely be cold So my options are fairly limited than the US...this is when I start missing living there :/

It sounds like the evoke might be the best option in this case. I suppose I could get it custom tailored when I get back from the trip too. To note, it was only the inner arm/ankle seals that were a bit long, not the outer material.