Hi everyone!
I'm fairly new to freediving, at least in terms of doing it in cold water (now that I live in the wilds of Northern CA). I just ordered my first 2-piece suit (ScubaPro Element 2PC Apnea 3mm Womens Wetsuit), it fit well except for the hood which was oddly small, too small to fit over my chin and keep water out. Also it had a strong chemical/rubber odor I wasn't able to really air out, so I'm returning it.
I'm now very confused by the choices. That was a 3mm, but I realize I should probably get a 5mm (3mm is okay for Smith River summer diving, but not off season or in the ocean, which I also hope to do). I have been looking at the C4 Sideral, Seac Snake, and Fourth Element RF2, which all look fairly similar and same pricing (around $360). But I've also just noticed the Cressi Apnea (only $260), but seems to be only men's sizing?
Any suggestions for a newbie? I'm 5'11", 145-150 lbs, female, with a large head (for females, apparently, doesn't look large, but I have trouble fitting generic female-sized hats).
I am looking for something with warmth, flexibility, will keep water out, and not too hard to take the top off. Also, really important is chemical smells, I'm very sensitive. I am fine with neoprene, but foam/rubber of any kind can be a problem.
Thank you so much!
Shannon
I'm fairly new to freediving, at least in terms of doing it in cold water (now that I live in the wilds of Northern CA). I just ordered my first 2-piece suit (ScubaPro Element 2PC Apnea 3mm Womens Wetsuit), it fit well except for the hood which was oddly small, too small to fit over my chin and keep water out. Also it had a strong chemical/rubber odor I wasn't able to really air out, so I'm returning it.
I'm now very confused by the choices. That was a 3mm, but I realize I should probably get a 5mm (3mm is okay for Smith River summer diving, but not off season or in the ocean, which I also hope to do). I have been looking at the C4 Sideral, Seac Snake, and Fourth Element RF2, which all look fairly similar and same pricing (around $360). But I've also just noticed the Cressi Apnea (only $260), but seems to be only men's sizing?
Any suggestions for a newbie? I'm 5'11", 145-150 lbs, female, with a large head (for females, apparently, doesn't look large, but I have trouble fitting generic female-sized hats).
I am looking for something with warmth, flexibility, will keep water out, and not too hard to take the top off. Also, really important is chemical smells, I'm very sensitive. I am fine with neoprene, but foam/rubber of any kind can be a problem.
Thank you so much!
Shannon