[rslomkow]

In my experience the two big wins from custom are:

1) more warmth at any given thickness
2) more mobility at any given thickness

off the shelf are generally just as durable to scratches. The off the shelf are also more likely to have knee plastic and be cheaper.

Very elastic suits are warmer for the first year (because they fit tight) but as they stretch overtime and lose their warmth faster thans stiff neoprenes (2-3 years). Once again I would buy a super stretchy neoprene for a stock suit and get a stiffer (Heiwa, Yamoto) for a custom made.

My understanding is that Camo is really a fashion. Maybe some reef fish respond to color patterns, but jungle camo doesn't really match most places where people hunt.

I am slightly unusually shaped and generally prefer 1peice suits.

I consider 5mm as thick as you want for Freediving/Spearfishing because of mobility concerns. A 7mm is just too stiff, and absolutly get a custom one if you really need a 7mm, since most of them hold you arms down, and make aiming harder.

I love my custom Elios suit, super easy to get into *and* nice and warm.