The different wetsuits?

[Newbie_spearo]

Hi I'm relatively new to spearfishing, actually I'm very new. Can anyone tell me the difference between a mimetic wetsuit and an apnos one and also the difference between a surfing wetsuit and a freediving or spearfishing wetsuit? Last but not least, what brands you recommend? I can oreder online from overseas so I am pretty much able to get what ever, I just want to make sure I spend money on the right thing. I live in Melbourne so the water is pretty cool 55.4 Deg. F. - 63.5 Deg. F. I do plan on going furhter north when the opportunity arises so the temp will go up a little. I'm looking at the omer ocean mimetic or the green Mimetic 5mm. Will the camoflauge be wrong for spearing around islands and small reefs? other wetsuits I've been looking at are Effesub Camu 5.5mm and Picasso Ghost 5mm. I have read about people having problems with picasso and the glue or stitching coming undone?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pastor]

The difference between a surf suit and a spearfishing suit is that the spearfishing one doesn't have a nylon lined interior. This stops the movement of water through the suit and will keep you warmer for longer.
I wouldn't loose sleep over camo, there are a lot of spearos who will tell you it won't make a blind bit of difference. Personally I think it can if you are good enough to be able to make the best use of it. Just go with whatever suit pattern you feel most comfortable in.
I've heard some stories about Picasso suits too, I don't know if this is just a rumour or what. Certainly Omer seem to make good suits, you might want to check out Home and Diveskin - Neoprene Creations too for the made to measure alternative

 

[fcallagy]

Hi newbie
Not entirely sure of the differances between mimetic and apnos but the main differebce between surf suit and freediving suit 1.usually no built in hood. 2. Surf suits are usually one piece with a zip while freediving suits are either high waist pants and jacket or farmer johns and jacket but neither will have a zip which allows water to flow in and out. the inside of most surf suits is a similar nylon lining to the outside and is not as warm as the smoothskin or open cell inside of a freediving suit. you will need to lube up getting into a freediving suit while surf suits as easy to get into and out of.
i use either a cressi 5mm supercomp or an elios 5mm and find both great in Irish waters avearge temp 12C-14C
You might try posting in the spearing advice section regarding the camo end of it and I wouldn,t be too well versed on it. hope the above helps a bit.

 

[sanso]

newbie,

welcome to DB :wave

there's a wealth of information on this topic here on the Forums, try the forum's search function and looking into the equipment section.
Good luck and safe diving,

Sanso

 

[Newbie_spearo]

Thanks for the help guys. I will see what else I can dig up in the search section.

 

[Newbie_spearo]

Ok so I've narrowed it down. Either Cressi or spetton? anyone who has used either or both of these suits I would greatly appreciatte any info on the pro's and cons of each suit. I swinging towards the cressi due to it being 3.5mm with titanium lining, from the people I have spoken to it's unbelievable Haven't really seen or heard anything about the spetton suits in aus but they do look good on the site.

 

[fcallagy]

i love my cressi newbie and while they may not be very flash or have as cool a reputation I think they make great workhorse type products. From my experiance in any case but then I haven't tried a spetton. the only con I can think of is if you are a funny shape then a custom made suit might be better I found the fit fine and my brother who is very skinny in comparison to me got one too. he loves the suit but finds it could be a little tighter on him in the torso area but thats to be expected in an off the peg suit there have to be tolerances allowed in it for either side.

 

[Newbie_spearo]

Thanks, I think I will probably go with the cressi, as i could get it altered if neccessary. spetton looks good but i'd never heard of it till a few days ago.

 

[feign]

Get a tailor made suit. You won't regret it.

 

[Newbie_spearo]

That's all good and well, but taylor made by who? and how much more is it going to cost me? I was keen on the diveskin but I really wanted to do my home work before hand. After reading about everyone's different experiences and opinions I feel I'd rather spend a bit more and get something that will last a fair bit longer. Not saying Spiro's suits aren't any good, but I'd rather spend $500 once than $250 twice.

 

[feign]

Personal bias for elios. You will find a lot of people on here that love them. They are really well made. Fit as good as you measure yourself. Come in a myriad of types of neoprene and lining. Not really more expensive than generic sized suits.

I am estimating, but a 3 mm custom suit with high quality neoprene in black outside nylon lining with open cell inside will cost you about 160 euros + shipping.

eliossub.com

 

[fcallagy]

Should have added newbie that if you are going custom made then Elios are the way to go in my opinion but allow for good bit if time for delivery.

 

[Pastor]

That's all good and well, but taylor made by who? and how much more is it going to cost me? I was keen on the diveskin but I really wanted to do my home work before hand. After reading about everyone's different experiences and opinions I feel I'd rather spend a bit more and get something that will last a fair bit longer. Not saying Spiro's suits aren't any good, but I'd rather spend $500 once than $250 twice.

I've been using a diveskin for years but last year I switched to an Elios. I have been disappointed in the suit on the whole. I will be getting another diveskin next time, for me at least it would be a case of spending $500 twice and $250 once. No Spiros' suits aren't perfect but they suit me better and certainly have lasted betted.

 

[Marwan]

my winter suit is the cressi world comp 3.5mm with titanium lining, its an amazing suit, gives the effect of open cell inside, but you dont need the water/conditioner mixture to wear it, you can wear it dry...very warm and flexible...
i also liked the omer 3mm, although its open cell inside. didnt feel the camo made much difference, i think that will largely depend on the kind of hunting you make and the fish you hunt, probably would make more difference if you constantly hunt aspeto, laying motionless on the bottom and surprizing your prey...

 

[Newbie_spearo]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I really appreciatte hearing what you guys use. It's really difficult to make a decision especially with so many quality brands out there. I guess I shouldn't be put off by one or two people having an issue with a certain type of suit, as not every suit will be right for the same person. One thing I want to do is not rush into getting any gear, I want to do my homework and make sure I'm making the correct decision for what ever reason I'm making it.

 

[the_milkman]

I came from surfing to spearo and did my first season in a surf suit - froze my b*llocks off, they are so much colder than a spearo suit - they leak water, and with a spearo suit with the jacket and johns you are basically getting twice the insulation over your core! If you are coming from surf suits do be aware that open cell suits are a lot less durable and tear easier than surf suits - even untrimmed finger nails will put holes in them, and they need to go on wet as well. But they are worth the money for sure.

I have a Beuchat Mundial camo 5mm - it's pretty comfortable and very warm and has now done nearly 2 seasons and still going strong.

My $0.02 - camo is worth getting - I definitely noticed the fish are less spooked / more inquistive. Also makes you feel like you're in the SAS or something lol

 

[sanso]

My 2¢: I am extremely happy with my elios.