2 piece or 1 piece wetsuit?

[daNaoSpearo]

Hi guys!.

Im from Cebu, Philippines and im planning to buy a gear for spearfishing and one of it is a wetsuit..So, what wetsuit is best to use at, 2 piece or a 1 piece wetsuit?...thickness?....Camo or black?

 

[Massin]

Hi, welcome to the forum.
You'll find that most if not all spearfishing suits are 2 piece open cell interior, nylon outer. 2 piece for ease of getting in and out of the thing. I cant imagine the water is too cold in the phillipines so maybe open cell won't be totally necessary, though it is much more comfortable than nylon inner. Someone who dives in warmer water than me will have to advise on thickness, maybe 2-3mm tops but that's just a guess (I wear 5mm open cell in the uk and its plenty warm)
. Camo or black is just preference really, there's no definitive proof to say you spear more fish in a camo but a lot of people use them and they seem to be more common than black suits these days. Hope I've been of some help,
Happy hunting mate

 

[daNaoSpearo]

Actually the water in here is warm...I think camo wetsuits are getting in common, because they are nice to look at...thanks for the helpful tips mate.

 

[Massin]

No problem mate,
I guess the best thing would be to ask other local divers what they are using- if your water is very warm then just a long sleeve rash vest or something might be enough. Just to stop anemone stings and sunburn more than anything else.
You don't want to go spending loads on an open cell spearing suit if you dont need to. Hope you find the right solution mate, cheers

 

[daNaoSpearo]

yeah, you are right mate.. i don`t wanna spend too much that will hurt my pocket.. And open cell suits are often expensive..So i think, i will just stick to the cheaper ones that will give me protection from jellyfish sting, fire coral stings, and etc...

Thanks again mate...

 

[martin366]

Maybe something like that: mens osprey full | eBay

 

[fishimani]

I dive out of Guam and Hawaii which is similar in temp to PI i use a 3.5mm cressi 2 piece.... it has been great so far and lasted 2 seasons with heavy use and abuse... you definitely get what you pay for. I would avoid the picasso ghost... the stitching comes apart pretty easily.... good spearing!!

 

[daNaoSpearo]

Hi fishimani,

What model or design of cressi did you use?. Is that a tecnica or the regular black?

 

[vali]

man!!!
the best wetsuit for you is the one that better fits you!!!
many people can give you various advices but in the end you must see what is the one suit that fits you...
for example i love one piece wetsuit with the zipper on the back and separate hood...and no one can make me change that....is the suit that fits me for the best!!!
i'm diving from about 35 years allready and still...the best suit for me is the one piece with back zipper....and separate hood
go and try different types of wetsuit and go figure what is the best type for you [diving in your area]

 

[ntcp8]

yea i second that statement... one piece with back zipper and removable hood!

 

[cdavis]

There is another factor that warm water divers need to consider. If you are boat diving and/or getting in and out of the water many times during the day, it gets darn hot above water. The ability to get the suit off easily, especially the upper portions, is even more important that good fit. Not an issue if you get in and stay in, depends on your diving style.

I dive in about the same temp, boat dive so I get in and out a lot, and found that traditional freediving suits were to much hassle to get off. A 3/2 surfer suit, back zipper works fine in spring and fall. Riffe makes a two piece, 1 mil that is very good for summer(get the hooded version) and comes off reasonably easy.

If you are getting in and staying in, pay careful attention to other divers comments on warmth and exactly how they use their suits, water temp, depth, how long they stay in, etc. Small differences can make a lot of difference for you. If you really need warmth, there is no substitute for a good freediving suit that fits and is the correct thickness. My Elios is invaluable if the water is chilly.