Vests - under/over - opinions?

[Fondueset]

I'm thinking about picking up a vest to add some warmth to my summer suit - which is 3mm thermic plush lined. I'm 6'1" so my suits are custom and am wondering whats good for an off-the-shelf vest.

 

[Erik]

I wear a vest and it's always over top, for 3 reasons:
1. Wearing it underneath will disturbthe seal of your suit-to-skin and make pathways for water to move and pool inside your custom suit.
2. The vest worn on the outside will be tighter, keeping the jacket sealed to your skin and helping to keep water from entering at the waist.
3. You can easily remove the vest if warranted.
Peace,
Erik Y.

 

[Fondueset]

thanks Erik - I'm thinking maybe under my summer suit - which is 3mm plush lined - to improve insulation - and over the 5mm open cfor the reasons you mentioned. Should extend the season for my 3mil which seems good for me down to about 60f.

 

[DeepThought]

Don't know how likely it is but you should consider that wearing a vest under the suit might stretch it a little. A wetsuit manufacturer that makes custom wetsuits (ie elios) might know if that can happen.

 

[ajwaverider]

I wear a vest under my 3/2 to about 70 and a little below so I don't have to wear a 7mil to soon.I prefer underneath because the vest is smooth skin on the inside and the hood/neck fits better to me on the inside.I bought a IST
brand vest and on the second trip out the zipper popped off to one side.I repaired it and about a month ago it came completly off.It's just 6 inches of zipper on the side but it's neccesary for comfort.I complained to IST and they sent me a brand new one two weeks ago and I was pretty happy about that.I had the vest for over a year and it's like new exept the zipper.I plan to nix the zipper for some velcro and hopefully the zipper on the new vest doesn't fall off.

Foundueset! How does that ice cap work with a hood or do you use it without a hood? thanks AJ

 

[island_sands]

i used to have that Scubapro hooded vest (it blew off the boat in Maldives and it was too rough to fetch it :vangry) - it wore it underneath, the Glideskin silver lining was toasty and also it stopped cool water from leaking into my suit through the neck opening.

 

[Fondueset]

Thanks! Oh - the icemask is no problem under the hood. Bet you looked fetching in that vest Island_Sands

 

[island_sands]

Thanks! Oh - the icemask is no problem under the hood. Bet you looked fetching in that vest Island_Sands

why thank you! :thankyou

hehe those hoods always make my face like a squirrel - they kinda push every thing into the middle

 

[Mr. X]

Don't know how likely it is but you should consider that wearing a vest under the suit might stretch it a little. A wetsuit manufacturer that makes custom wetsuits (ie elios) might know if that can happen.

I think the vest (sottomutta) Elios spoke of when I enquired about one with my suit is 2mm (pos. 3mm) & worn under. However, I am diving off the UK south coast in January & glad I did not get one -- it just isn't cold enough to use one. I am wondering if a 3mm suit might work better in the Summer here -- I think I might overheat in the 5mm. It looks like they sell various styles though.