Trying on suits

[MrCoombe]

Am I the only person who wants to try a suit on before forking out loads of money for a suit. I would like to try a cressi world comp, mainly because the lining sounds easier to get on than the open cell suits, but I'm short (5'9") and stout (14st 45"chest). I know the made to measure suits are probably the way to go but as I dive mainly from rocks I would like something easy to get on and off and hard wearing. Does anyone know of a stockist who actually holds these items so there is a chance to try or is it an expensive trial and error lesson.

[Pastor]

The only stockist I know is Apnea in Jersey. I don't think Dave carries off the peg suits but it would be worth a call. Don't worry about getting an open cell suit the biggest hassle is lubing the thing before putting it on. It needs a slight wetting with some very very diluted hair conditioner. Then the suit will literally pop on the whole rocedure is quicker than getting on a lined suit.

[Marwan]

Originally Posted by Pastor

The only stockist I know is Apnea in Jersey. I don't think Dave carries off the peg suits but it would be worth a call. Don't worry about getting an open cell suit the biggest hassle is lubing the thing before putting it on. It needs a slight wetting with some very very diluted hair conditioner. Then the suit will literally pop on the whole rocedure is quicker than getting on a lined suit.

Agreed!, i have a cressi world comp, got it for the same reason (not to bother with lubing up as i had on my omer), its cool at first, but after a while i found its even easier if i wet it in water before putting it on, lubed wetsuits fit on like a dream, i especially struggle with the area around the armpits, if the suit gets bundled a bit theer as i wear it, i obervome this by blowing in the sleeve and then turning it to adjust it..with lubed wetsuits you just twist no problem..
having said that dont be put off on the cressi, i still regard it as my best winter wetsuit

[LachlanWA]

If you do find a stockist who carries the suits in stock, and the suit has a nylon outer lining, try the suit on inside out. That should make it easier than plain unlubed opencell across skin.

[MrCoombe]

Thanks for the replies, I think I'm going to have a ring around. Whats the key with the open cell just moisten and it slips on?

[Pastor]

Yes, either with plain old water or with something slippy like hair conditioner or KY jelly etc.. It only needs like a couple of tablespoon fulls in a 2 litre bottle of tap water to make that suit slide on so easily.

[devondave]

I have a Cressi Super competition , bought 5 years ago off the peg from Portland Oceaneering . It's a size 5 and fits perfectly ( i too am 5' 9", 44" inch chest 13.5st ) , the poor thing has been abused badly , never looked after , never had any lubricant , just wrenched on and off dry . Despite this it's still a good usable suit in reasonable condition , the nylon outer is extremely robust . However i've now retired it for a mtm Elios (hope i don't rip it to bits ) . My Cressi had a 7mm jacket , maybe that makes it harder wearing ? Don't know if Portland Oceaneering still do Cressi 's off the peg , try Home Page or 01305 860402

[devondave]

PS , just checked they still carry Cressi stock so you can try them on first , the Technica Ultraspan might be worth a look ! Good luck !

[azapa]

i can second the good reports on the Cressi Pesca Team suits. I have no idea how you would get it on dry though Dave! Even plain water, as marwan mentioned, leaves it uncomfortable in certain areas. for the cost of a squirt of conditioner in with the water it becomes amazingly comfortable. One size tip: these hyper stretch suits are so flexible I would recommend going one size down if between sizes.

I am 5"10, 64Kgs, skinny, and the size 3 fits like a dream

[T2K]

i definitely agree about the conditioner. what i do is squirt a little in my hand and rub it around the waist area and then around the neck area of the wetsuit. then flood the suit once or twice and slip it on.

i am in the market for a new suit. what do you guys think about the cressi technica ultraspan?

[MrCoombe]

Thanks guys, been speaking to Dave at Spearo and think I may just have an Elios made to measure. I'm sure I'll get used to taking a bottle of soapy water down to the rocks. Thanks for your input on this.

[monchan]

I was going to get a lined suit. Thought it would be easier, and didnn't want to damage the fragile open cell suit. But then I found this site with a vid. showing how to put on an open cell suit. Legendary

I'm have now placed an order for an onceanos order made suit can't wait.