5 mm wet suit recommendations

[Ben_3]

Hi, I’m in the process of shopping for a new 5 mm wetsuit.

I’m looking for one with thigh pocket(s), no I dont want to wear tech shorts on top. Also maybe a front zipper. Preferably a good quality and warm wetsuit.

I know Apeks and Aqualung have one model that look very similar to one another except for the colour that has a thigh pocket.

Do you guys have any other recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[grantctobin]

Waterproof W7

 

[SpeedyJ]

Glue on pockets work well too - opens up the door to more models for best fit.

 

[Johnoly]

Do you guys have any other recommendations?

Camaro Wetsuits are very good with front zips. Some have full integrated attached hoods to stop water transfer (ie very warm) Pockets are aftermarket.

 

[bossthanapol]

Waterproof would fit with all your needs (pockets and front zippers or front neck zippers). Hollis Neotek semi-dry 4/3mm and 8/7/6mm also provide the pockets and integrated hoods with the front zip Across the shoulders.

But I recommend trying them on cuz I really wanted to buy Waterproof W7 at first, but after trying it on, I found that it is not made for my tall skinny build. One other suit I would recommend is Fourth Element Proteus II. Very nice and warm suit. I tried it and I love it. Currently diving Xenos 5mm. Same brand but a lower tier since it got it second-hand at a very good deal. But If purchase new I'd pay extra for Proteus II.

I love the idea of tech shorts also. Less failure points for the suit to avoid repair. You can get it from OEM manufacturers for only 20-80$.

 

[TMurrr]

+1 for glue on pockets or tech shorts.
I'm a huge fan of open cell wetsuits, I find my 5mm open cell with integrated hood is one of the warmest things I've owned underwater. I dive 3mm and 5mm open cell and only use closed cells for a 1.5mm spring suit.

 

[Outbound]

Front-zip is easier to don but a LOT harder to doff.

 

[34109411]

you should check for a bares ultrawarmth i have a 7 mm i feel like a bake potato in 60 F water. 5 mmm should do the job expecting your environnement is warmer.

 

[Elegant_Nudibranch]

I wholehearterdly recommend the Apeks ThermiQ. I have the 8/7mm and it has been outstanding with warmth, movement, zipping/unzipping alone, thigh pocket location and velcro resistance!

 

[34109411]

what's the coldest you could dive in the apek ?