New Elios 6mil smooth out review

[marginatus]

Hey all. I was thinking of get a 3 mm open cell inside (or black coating) and soft outside (or mesh skin) but you think it will be too fragile?
I already have a cressi 5 mm opencell, nylon and since i have water with temo from 15º (winter) to 25º (59F-77F) i wanted a 3mm suit so that i can have more confort and have less balast. the soft out was to glide more and to be able to use it in the winter... what do you think (i'm a spearfisher!)
how is the difference between the opencell and the black coat?
thanks
Fernando

[stingrayd]

Fonduset,
I got a 5mm Elios smooth out 2 years ago and am using it over a 5 mm farmer john standard neoprene nylon-out and skin-in I had. But the Elios top is so easy to put on and so comfortable, that I've decided I got to get the bottoms. Could you be a little more specific about the neoprene and which nylon you have for your 6mm bottoms?
Here in Japan, I have the choice of diving in the Pacific with a low of 19 C/ 68F, the Japan Sea with a low of 14C/ 57F and Lake Biwa which I've pretty much given up on because it's now around 12C/54F. The lake is only 15 minutes away. Reading about temps in the 30s is inspiring. Maybe I'll give it a shot.

[Fondueset]

The pants are just like my black shadow 5 mil suit - only thicker. They are 'new black' cell inside, nylon out. My 5 mil is 'superstretch' out but I'm not sure theres much difference - I sure can't tell. I think it's the same neoprene. Both pairs are high wast- not farmer john. 54F is not bad in a 5 mil. (57 is about when I switch out of my 3 mil plush lined suit ) If you are out all day it can get chilly but I find it pretty comfortable in my 5 for a couple of hours or so.

The only trouble I've ever had is when it gets really cold (low 40s and 30s F) I would sometimes get nausea from the face hit. I fixed it with a Henderson ice mask - but this year I seem to be okay without it. The trick is to let your face adjust gradually.

[Pinggene]

Fonduset,

Has anyone ever tried making a "face mask" out of a piece of neoprene? Something that the snorkle could go through & would cover every part of the exposed face except where the mask is.

Obvioulsly, it would need to be easily removed should one need to get the snorkle out of the mouth for a breath that did not have water in it.

Just a thought.

Gene

[Jon]

Gene,

It's called an "Ice Cap" and is made by Henderson. You should be able to get one from any divestore up here. With the cut of the Elios wetsuits I have found that I don't need one anymore.

Jon

[harbour seal]

Originally Posted by Jon

Gene,

It's called an "Ice Cap" and is made by Henderson. You should be able to get one from any divestore up here. With the cut of the Elios wetsuits I have found that I don't need one anymore.

Jon

hey there jon,

what do you do allow water flow for equalization when wearing the ice cap and hood? are you punching holes in the hood and cap?

cheers,
sean
vancouver, canada

[Pinggene]

Sanso,

Do you have the Cressi Gara 3000 LD's or HF's?

From the reviews, it appears that the LD's would be better for a newbie.

Gene

[Fondueset]

I made holes over the ears for my ice cap. reverse squeeze can definitely be a problem with it. I used to have that problem more with my open cell suit hood as well but now I allways dive with doc's proplugs and it seems much less of an issue - just let some water in initially and I'm pretty much good to go.

[Pinggene]

Frondueset,

Could you please discuss what reverse squeeze is & what "doc's proplugs" do for you & why you need them?

Gene

[Fondueset]

'Reverse Squeeze' or 'hood squeeze' happens when an open cell hood seals over your ears as you dive - creating a negative airspace in the outer ear that compresses with depth. You might notice it because you feel less need to equalize. However with depth it can cause hemmoraging in the ear canal and if it is released suddenly - by, for example, letting water into your hood to relieve the pressure at depth - or accidentally as a result of movement or whatever - sudden pressure on the eardrum and rupture. I was told by the guy at the scuba shop that he knows several divers who've blown eardrums with the Henderson ice cap. I used a hot nail to make holes over the ears of mine.

Doc's proplugs are earplugs with a very small hole through the center to allow for equalizing. They slow the entry of water into the ears and allow it to get and remain warm - pretty much eliminating cold water shock. They also seem to help prevent hood squeeze - though not entirely - by disrupting the seal of neoprene against the outer ear.

[Pinggene]

Fondueset,

Where do you recommend purchasing a pair of Doc's Proplugs? Is it recommended to put a small pin hole in a new elios, or is this not necessary?

Thanks.

Gene

[Fondueset]

I got mine at a local dive shop - I'm sure you can find them online somewhere - they were about 10 dollars. Make sure you get the ones with the holes for diving - they also make a surface swimming model. I haven't found it necessary to put any holes in my hood - seems to be enough just to let some water in over the ears on the surface one time before I begin diving.

I no longer use the ice-cap with my new suit - the forehead cut seems to be the secret.

[Pinggene]

Great,

When you or Jon use your 3 finger gloves and 5 mm socks, do these go under or over the wet suit? Just want to be sure I'm doing it for the least amount of infiltration.

Gene

[Fondueset]

The socks go under - depends on the design of the mitts. Mine are 'Gauntlet' style and have velcro straps to go over the suit. I think under would be preferable - or smoothskin inside with the velcro.

[sanso]

Hey Pinggene,

from what I see, mine don't have anything added to the name 'Gara 3000' but it seems that these are then often called 'Gara 3000 HF'. I read the LD stands for 'Long Distance' and from my dealer I know the LD have a softer blade.
This is mostly a matter of taste, IMHO. You'll find more by searching the forums.